Botox & neurotoxins

What gets treated

Botox and its competitors (Daxxify, Jeuveau, Xeomin) are FDA-approved for several cosmetic and medical uses. The most-requested are:

• Glabellar lines (the ”11s” between the brows)
• Forehead lines (horizontal)
• Crow’s feet (around the outer eyes)
• Lip flip, gummy smile, masseter slim — increasingly popular off-label uses
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) — medical, not cosmetic

What to expect

Treatment is a series of small injections, usually takes under 15 minutes, and produces visible results within 3–7 days. Duration is typically 3–4 months for Botox; Daxxify claims 6 months.

What to look for in a clinic

• Injector is an MD, DO, PA, RN, or licensed aesthetician (state laws vary)
• Clear before/after portfolio showing natural-looking results
• Per-unit pricing transparency (not flat-area pricing that hides under-dosing)
• Documents the units and product used at each visit

Red flags

• “Botox parties” with no medical director present
• Per-area prices significantly below market (likely diluted product)
• No consultation before first injection
• Pushy upselling of unrelated services