Ask ten people what they get for wrinkle relaxers and nine will say Botox, even when that isn’t what’s in the syringe. The name has become shorthand for an entire category, but the products inside that category aren’t identical, and the differences affect how long your results last, what you pay, and how well the treatment fits your lifestyle.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the neurotoxins you’re most likely to hear about, and which ones we use at Aurelian.
What They All Have in Common
Every neurotoxin on the market works from the same basic principle. They contain a form of botulinum toxin type A that temporarily blocks the nerve signals telling a muscle to contract. When the muscles behind your frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet relax, the skin above them smooths out. Nothing is permanent: as the effect fades, movement gradually returns and treatment is repeated to maintain results.
The differences come down to formulation, onset, and, most importantly for most patients, how long the results last.
Jeuveau: What We Primarily Use at Aurelian
Jeuveau is a newer FDA-approved neurotoxin and the only one developed solely for aesthetic use. Botox, by contrast, began as a medical treatment and later gained cosmetic approval. That focus on cosmetic results is part of why Jeuveau has become so popular for smoothing frown lines and other expression lines.
For most patients, Jeuveau delivers results that are comparable to Botox: visible smoothing within about a week, with full effect around two weeks, and results typically lasting three to four months. We use it as our primary neurotoxin because it performs reliably, and because it gives patients a high-quality option without the premium that comes with the most recognizable brand name.
Botox: The Household Name
Botox is the original, with the longest track record of any cosmetic neurotoxin. Its name recognition is unmatched, and a great deal of the long-term safety data in the field comes from decades of Botox use. At Aurelian we offer Botox for patients who prefer it or who have had consistently good results with it in the past.
In practice, many patients find that Jeuveau and Botox look and feel very similar. If you’ve been loyal to Botox, we’re happy to continue with it. If you’re open to an alternative, Jeuveau is worth a conversation.
The Newer Neurotoxins: Shorter Options for Patients Who Don’t Want to Commit
A growing number of newer neurotoxins have come onto the market, and not all of them are designed to last as long as Botox or Jeuveau. Some of the newer formulations wear off more quickly, which makes them a fit for a specific kind of patient: someone who wants to try a neurotoxin without committing to months of results, or who wants a softer, more temporary effect while deciding whether injectables are right for them.
That’s a legitimate preference, and it’s one we’re glad to talk through. The tradeoff is simple: a shorter duration means more frequent visits to maintain the look, so these options tend to appeal to first-timers and occasional users more than to patients seeking low-maintenance results.
Daxxify: Longer Lasting, at a Higher Price
On the other end of the spectrum is Daxxify, which lasts around six months, noticeably longer than the three to four months typical of traditional neurotoxins. For patients who dislike scheduling frequent injectable appointments, that longevity is appealing.
The tradeoff is cost. Daxxify is significantly more expensive than Jeuveau or Botox, and because the results last longer, you pay more up front for each treatment. For some patients the math works out, since fewer visits are needed. For others, a traditional neurotoxin on a regular schedule is a better fit for both budget and flexibility. It’s one to consider if longevity is your top priority and cost is secondary.
Letybo: Another Newer Option
Letybo is another newer neurotoxin that has entered the US market, approved for the same kind of frown line treatment as the more established products. You may see it mentioned as an alternative, and it’s one more example of how much choice patients now have. If you’re curious whether it’s a fit for you, bring it up at your consultation and we’ll walk through how it compares to what we offer.
How to Make Your Results Last Longer
One of the most common questions we hear is how to get more life out of your neurotoxin. While individual metabolism, muscle strength, and treatment history all play a role, there’s a simple tip we recommend: taking a zinc supplement of at least 30 mg for a week before and a week after your treatment.
Many providers believe zinc may help support the way the neurotoxin works and help results last longer. It’s an easy, low-cost step to add to your routine around your appointment. As with any supplement, it’s worth mentioning to your provider first, especially if you take other supplements or medications, and we’re happy to discuss it at your visit.
Beyond zinc, consistency matters. Patients who keep to a regular treatment schedule, rather than waiting until every trace of the previous treatment is gone, often find their results look more natural and more stable over time.
What Good Results Look Like
The biggest fear we hear from first-timers is looking frozen or overdone. That outcome has far less to do with which neurotoxin you choose than with how it’s placed and dosed. Every product we’ve discussed can produce natural, rested results in skilled hands, and any of them can look overdone with poor technique.
At Aurelian, injectables are performed by board-certified internal medicine physicians who understand facial anatomy at a clinical level. Knowing how your muscles interact, and how much relaxation produces a natural result, is what separates a refreshed look from an obvious one. Our goal is results that look like you, just rested.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Neurotoxin visits are some of the quickest treatments we offer, typically 15 to 30 minutes. A few small injections are placed with a very fine needle, and most patients describe a brief pinch. Minor redness or swelling at the injection sites usually fades within hours. We’ll advise you to avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of the day, and results develop over the following several days.
Ready to Find the Right Fit?
Every new patient at Aurelian starts with a free consultation with one of our board-certified physicians. We’ll talk through your goals, your budget, and how often you’re comfortable coming in, then recommend the neurotoxin that fits, with no pressure and no predetermined plan.
Book your free consultation at 303-955-8460. We’re located at 4545 E 9th Ave, Suite 370, Denver, CO 80220.