Choosing The Ideal Neuromodulator for Your Personal Treatment Plan
As we age, our faces naturally lose volume, which can contribute to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This is a common concern — in fact, more than half of young women report being worried about developing wrinkles over time. Because of this, many people are exploring options to help restore a youthful, radiant look.
Injectables have become a popular and effective solution for smoother, more youthful-looking skin. An experienced injector may recommend neuromodulators such as Xeomin, Botox, Daxxify, or Jeaveau, to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
At WIFH, we specialize in Botox treatments, administered by our expert team of Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Physician Assistants (PA) and Registered Nurses (RNs). Botox has been the go-to injectable for reducing signs of aging, and we focus on delivering exceptional, personalized results tailored to meet your unique needs.
While Botox has long been the most trusted injectable for treating fine lines and wrinkles, other options like Xeomin, Daxxify, and Jeuveau are also available in the aesthetic market now. In this guide, we’ll break down the nuances of Botox and its alternatives to help you determine which injectable might be the right choice for you.
What are Neuromodulators?
Neuromodulators, often referred to as neurotoxins, are injectable treatments that work by temporarily relaxing targeted muscles. This reduces muscle movement, effectively smoothing or minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
These injectable treatments — such as Botox, Xeomin, Daxxify, Jeuveau, and others — have become highly popular in the aesthetic industry due to their ability to deliver subtle, natural-looking results without the need for surgery. Neuromodulators are versatile treatments and are commonly used in various areas, including:
- Platysmal Bands (Neck Wrinkles) – Vertical lines that appear on the neck from muscle movement can be softened with neuromodulator injections for a more youthful neck appearance.
- Frown Lines (Glabellar Lines or “11s”) – Deep lines between the eyebrows, often making a person appear angry or upset can be reduced with neuromodulators, helping create a more relaxed, refreshed look.
- Forehead Wrinkles – Horizontal forehead lines can be softened using neuromodulators for a smoother, more youthful appearance.
- Crow’s Feet – Fine lines that form around the outer corners of the eyes from smiling or squinting can be effectively treated with neuromodulators to diminish the appearance of crow’s feet.
- Bunny Lines – Wrinkles on the bridge of the nose and sides of the nose caused by scrunching of the face can be treated with neuromodulators for a more polished look.
- Chin (Chin Dimpling) – Overactive chin muscles can cause dimpling, which can be smoothed with neuromodulators improving the chin’s smoothness and jawline definition.
- DAOs (Depressor Anguli Oris Muscles) – Muscles that pull the corners of the mouth downward can be relaxed with neuromodulators to lift the smile and enhance facial harmony.
- Upper Lip (Lip Flip) – Injected into the muscles around the upper lip to relax them, causing the lip to “flip” upward for a fuller, more defined lip line.
- Masseter Muscles (TMJ Treatment) – Neuromodulators can be used to alleviate symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, such as teeth grinding and jaw tension, by relaxing the jaw muscles for relief and improved comfort.
- Skin Texture (Skin Tox) – Small, targeted injections to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and create a smoother, more youthful complexion.
- Nefertiti Lift (Jawline & Neck Lift) – Neuromodulators are injected along the jawline and platysmal muscle bands to redefine the jawline, smooth the neck, and create a more lifted, contoured lower face and neck profile.
Botox vs. Xeomin vs. Daxxify vs. Jeuveau: Understanding Each Treatment
With several neuromodulators available, it’s important to understand the differences between them to select the best option for your aesthetic goals.
While all of these injectable treatments work by temporarily relaxing muscles to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, their formulations, duration of results, and costs vary.
Below, we break down the key features of each neuromodulator to help you make an informed choice for smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
What is Botox?
Botox, manufactured by Allergan, is one of the most recognized neuromodulators, FDA-approved for cosmetic use in 2002. It contains onabotulinumtoxinA, a botulinum toxin type A formulation that temporarily relaxes facial muscles to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. In addition to its cosmetic benefits, Botox is also used for medical purposes, including the treatment of migraines and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
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What is Xeomin?
Xeomin, produced by Merz Pharmaceuticals and FDA-approved in 2010, contains incobotulinumtoxinA, a pure form of botulinum toxin type A. Known as the “naked injectable,” Xeomin has no added proteins, which helps reduce the risk of developing resistance over time. While Xeomin may be a great alternative for some individuals, WIFH currently specializes in Botox and other neuromodulator treatments.
What is Daxxify?
Daxxify, developed by Revance Therapeutics and FDA-approved in 2022, is the only neuromodulator formulated with a peptide to enhance binding and extend the duration of its effects. Primarily used for frown lines, Daxxify can also be injected into other areas of the face to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
What is Jeuveau?
Jeuveau, manufactured by Evolus and FDA-approved in 2019, is designed exclusively for cosmetic use. It contains prabotulinumtoxinA, a botulinum toxin type A formulation similar to Botox, but with smaller proteins that may result in a faster onset of action. While WIFH doesn’t offer Jeuvaeu, we do offer Dysport — offering similar results with a faster onset.
Similarities and Differences Between Neuromodulators Across Key Comparisons
Since Botox, Xeomin, Daxxify, and Jeuveau are all neuromodulators, they share more similarities than differences. However, there are distinctions between each treatment. Use the chart below to compare and contrast the essential features of these popular injectables.
| Factor | Botox | Xeomin | Daxxify | Jeauveau |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment Effects | Reduces facial wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet; also treats migraine, TMJ, Platysmal Bands, and excessive sweating. | Primarily used for frown lines, crow’s feet; reduces risk of developing resistance. | Targets frown lines; may last longer than other injectables. | Treats facial wrinkles and frown lines; no medical purposes. |
| Formulation | OnaboutlinumtoxinA with preservative proteins. | IncobotulinumtoxinA without preservative proteins. | Peptide-enhanced botulinum toxin. | PrabotulinumtoxinA with smaller proteins for quicker onset. |
| Treatment Cost (per unit) | $9-13 ($13/unit at WIFH, $8/unit for new patients) | $9-$15 | $15-$20 | $8-$16 |
| Dosage | Typically 20-25 units for frown lines; varies by treatment areas. | Similar to Botox, but may require slight adjustments due to formulation. | Typically requires a higher dosage to achieve comparable results to Botox. Minimum is 40 units for frown lines. | Forehead may require 20 units while frown lines could be up to 40 units;varies by treatment areas. |
| Typical Treatment Length | 10-15 minutes. | 10-15 minutes. | 10-20 minutes. | 10-15 minutes. |
| Duration of Effects | Typically lasts 3-4 months. | Typically lasts 3-4 months. | Can last 6 months or longer. | Typically lasts 3-6 months. |
| Who Can Use It? | Most adults, except pregnant/nursing women or those with certain allergies. | Safe for most adults, especially those resistant to Botox. Also not recommended for pregnant/nursing women. | Safe for most, but those with breathing issues should consult a doctor. A newer product and may require more caution in certain cases. Also not recommended for pregnant/nursing women. | Safe for most adults, but only FDA approved for cosmetic use. Also not recommended for pregnant/nursing women. |
Which Neuromodulator Should You Choose? Consult WIFH’s Expert Team
Choosing the right neuromodulator for wrinkle reduction depends on several factors, including your aesthetic goals, personal preferences, and budget. While Botox, Xeomin, Daxxify, and Jeuveau all provide effective results, each has unique features in terms of formulation, cost, and duration of effects. These differences can help guide your decision toward the best option for your needs.
At WIFH, we specialize in Botox and Dysport, while we don’t offer Xeomin, Daxxify, or Jeuveau, our expert team of injectors are dedicated to helping you achieve your desired aesthetic goals. We provide complimentary consultations to determine which neuromodulator is best suited for your unique facial anatomy and skin concerns. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and begin your journey toward a more youthful appearance.
