What It Is
Neurotoxins are injectable treatments that temporarily relax specific facial muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles, the lines that form when you frown, squint, or raise your eyebrows. By precisely targeting these muscles, your provider softens the appearance of expression lines while preserving natural movement.
At Charlotte Medical Aesthetics, neurotoxin treatments are performed under the medical direction of Dr. Lindsay Crenshaw. Every treatment plan starts with an assessment of your facial anatomy, movement patterns, and goals. The result should never look frozen or flat. It should look like you had a really good week.
Neurotoxins are one of the most studied treatments in all of aesthetic medicine, with decades of clinical data, millions of treatments performed worldwide, and a safety profile backed by hundreds of peer-reviewed publications.
Brands and Products
Botox
The original FDA-approved neurotoxin with over 20 years of clinical use and 574+ peer-reviewed publications. Trusted by more patients than any other brand in aesthetics. Results typically begin within several days, with full effect around 14 days and duration of 3-4 months. Allergan's Alle Rewards program lets you earn points toward future treatments.
Dysport
A widely used neurotoxin with onset within a couple of days and a duration of 3-4 months. Its natural spread pattern makes it well suited for larger treatment areas like the forehead. Part of Galderma's ASPIRE Rewards program.
Xeomin
A purified neurotoxin containing only the active molecule with no accessory proteins, sometimes called "clean tox." This clean formulation may reduce the risk of developing resistance over time, making it an excellent option for patients who have noticed diminishing results from other neurotoxins. The first brand to receive FDA approval for all three major upper-face areas simultaneously. Onset within a couple of days, with a duration of 3-4 months. Merz Xperience+ Rewards eligible.
Daxxify
The newest FDA-approved neurotoxin and the fastest-acting of the group, with onset sometimes in as little as one day and a duration of up to 6 months. Daxxify uses a synthetic peptide stabilizer rather than human or animal proteins, making it the only vegan-friendly option in the category. Its peptide technology may also support collagen production as a secondary benefit. Backed by the largest clinical trial in frown line history with 2,800+ participants.
Who It's For
Neurotoxin treatments are best suited for patients who are noticing dynamic wrinkles, the lines that appear with facial expression and gradually deepen over time. Most patients begin treatment in their late twenties to early fifties, though candidacy depends on your anatomy and goals, not your age.
Dynamic wrinkles, the lines that appear when you move your face, gradually become static wrinkles, the ones that remain even when your face is at rest. By decreasing that muscle movement, neurotoxins soften existing static lines and slow new ones from forming.
You may be a good candidate if you notice lines across your forehead when you raise your eyebrows, creases between your brows when you concentrate, or crow's feet when you smile. Neurotoxins are also effective for patients seeking preventive treatment to slow the progression of these lines before they become permanent at rest.
Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neuromuscular conditions should wait. Your provider will review your full medical history during your consultation to confirm candidacy.
What to Expect
Before Your Treatment
Your appointment begins with a one-on-one consultation where your provider evaluates your facial anatomy, discusses your goals, and recommends the right neurotoxin and dosage for your needs. No two faces are the same, so no two treatment plans are either. Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements like aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil for several days before your appointment to minimize bruising.
During Your Treatment
The injection process takes approximately 10-20 minutes. A series of small injections are placed into targeted muscles using a fine needle. Most patients describe the sensation as a brief pinch. No anesthesia is required, though your provider may apply a topical numbing agent if preferred.
After Your Treatment
There is no downtime. You can return to your normal activities immediately. Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area for 4-6 hours, and skip intense exercise for 24 hours. Results typically begin to appear within 2-7 days depending on the product used, with full results visible at approximately 2-4 weeks. Follow-up treatments are generally recommended every 3-6 months to maintain results.
Treatment Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Neurotoxin Results Last?
Results typically last 3-6 months depending on the product used. Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin generally last 3-4 months, and Daxxify up to 6 months. Factors like your metabolism, muscle strength, and treatment area can influence duration. Your provider will recommend a maintenance schedule based on how your body responds.
What Is the Difference Between Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Daxxify?
All four are FDA-approved neurotoxins that work by relaxing targeted facial muscles. They differ in formulation, onset speed, and duration. Botox has the longest clinical track record. Dysport has a natural spread pattern well suited to larger areas. Xeomin is a purified formula ideal for patients who have developed resistance to other brands. Daxxify acts the fastest, sometimes within one day, and lasts the longest at up to 6 months. Your provider will recommend the best option based on your goals and treatment history.
Do Neurotoxin Injections Hurt?
Most patients describe the sensation as a brief pinch or slight pressure that lasts only seconds per injection. The needles used are extremely fine, and the entire treatment takes 10-20 minutes. Topical numbing is available but rarely needed. Discomfort is minimal and resolves immediately.
Will I Look Frozen or Unnatural?
No. When performed by an experienced provider, neurotoxin treatments preserve your natural expressions while softening visible lines. The goal at Charlotte Medical Aesthetics is always subtle refinement. Our team, led by Dr. Crenshaw, takes a conservative approach and can always add more at a follow-up if needed.
How Soon Will I See Results?
Onset varies by product. Daxxify is the fastest, sometimes in as little as one day. Dysport and Xeomin can show results within a couple of days. Botox usually takes several days. Full results for all products are generally visible within 2-4 weeks.
Are Neurotoxins Safe?
Neurotoxins are among the most studied treatments in aesthetic medicine, with decades of FDA-approved use and hundreds of peer-reviewed clinical publications. Side effects are generally mild and temporary, such as slight redness or bruising at the injection site. Serious complications are rare when treatment is performed by a qualified medical provider. At CMA, all injectable treatments are performed under physician medical direction.
How Much Do Neurotoxin Treatments Cost?
Neurotoxin pricing at Charlotte Medical Aesthetics starts at $11 per unit. The total cost depends on the product selected and the number of units needed for your treatment areas. Most patients use 20-60 units per session. Your provider will give you a specific estimate during your consultation. Manufacturer rewards programs like Alle, ASPIRE, and Xperience+ can help offset costs over time.