Wrinkle relaxers and neurotoxin injections in San Diego
Neurotoxins are substances that interfere with the normal signalling of the nervous system. Used in controlled, precise amounts they produce remarkable aesthetic results. At Beauty Factory SD we use them for one thing: relaxing the facial muscles that crease the skin, so fine lines and wrinkles soften.
They are the most common injectable in the aesthetics industry, and the treatment most people mean when they say "Botox" — though Botox is one brand among four we work with.
What it treats
Wrinkle relaxers work on DYNAMIC lines — the ones created by repeated muscle movement, which deepen when you frown, squint or raise your brows. They are the right tool for the upper face and around the eyes.
Frown lines between the brows (the "11s", or glabellar complex)
Horizontal forehead lines (frontalis)
Crow's feet at the outer corners of the eyes
Bunny lines across the bridge of the nose
Chin dimpling and puckering (mentalis)
How it works
The injection blocks the nerve signal that tells a specific muscle to contract. The muscle relaxes, stops folding the skin above it, and the line it was creating softens and fades.
It is deliberately local. Only the muscles injected are affected, which is why the treatment can smooth a frown line while leaving the rest of your expression intact.
The four products we use
All four are botulinum toxin type A and all four do the same job. They differ in formulation, in how the manufacturer counts units, and in small handling characteristics. Our injectables come from reputable US-based manufacturers — Allergan and Evolus — so every product is FDA-approved.
| Product | Manufacturer | Results appear | Typically lasts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BOTOX® | Allergan | 2–10 days | 3–4 months | The longest clinical track record of the four. |
Dysport® | Galderma | 2–10 days | 3–4 months | Units are counted on a different scale — see below. Not a weaker product. |
Xeomin® | Merz | 2–10 days | 3–4 months | Formulated without accessory complexing proteins. |
Jeuveau® | Evolus | 2–10 days | 3–4 months | Developed specifically for cosmetic use. Sometimes called "Newtox". |
How many units you will need
Your injector evaluates your facial muscles and determines the right number of units for each area and for the result you want. Unit counts and outcomes vary from person to person — the ranges below are typical starting points, not a quote.
| Area | BOTOX® / Xeomin® / Jeuveau® | Dysport® |
|---|---|---|
Glabella — between the brows, the "11s" | 12–20 units | 30–50 units |
Forehead | 8–20 units | 20–30 units |
Why Dysport units are different
They are not. The manufacturer simply uses a different calculation method: one unit of BOTOX® is equivalent to about 2.5 units of Dysport®.
Think of it the way you would think of inches and centimetres — one inch is 2.5 centimetres. Same measurement, different numbers. A higher Dysport unit count on your chart does not mean you received more product.
What to expect
A treatment takes roughly fifteen to thirty minutes depending on how many areas are being addressed. Most people describe the injections as a brief pinch. There is no downtime — you can return to your day immediately.
You may see small raised bumps at the injection sites for around twenty minutes, and occasionally a little bruising.
Results and timeline
Results are not immediate. Expect the effect to begin appearing two to ten days after treatment, and sometimes up to fourteen days before it has fully settled. Judge your result at two weeks, not at two days.
From there, any neuromodulator typically lasts between three and four months. Results are not permanent; maintaining them means repeating the treatment. Used consistently, you will notice a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines in the muscle area that has been injected.
Will I look frozen?
A well-trained, certified aesthetic injector assesses your areas of concern and determines the right number of units to give you a fresh appearance while avoiding an unwanted result.
This is the whole skill of the treatment, and it is why unit counts are decided at your face rather than off a price list. A patient of ours put it this way: "my forehead is much smoother without taking away any of my expression."
Who is a candidate
Most healthy adults bothered by dynamic lines in the upper face are candidates. Wrinkle relaxers are not appropriate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a neuromuscular disorder, or have a known allergy to botulinum toxin or any product ingredient.
If your concern is lost volume rather than muscle movement — hollow cheeks, deepening folds at rest, thinning lips — a filler is the correct treatment, not a relaxer. Every consultation at Beauty Factory SD is free, and we will tell you if you have come in asking for the wrong thing.
Questions about wrinkle relaxers
What are neuromodulators and neurotoxins?
Neuromodulators, otherwise known as neurotoxins, include Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Jeuveau. They consist of minuscule amounts of a substance called botulinum toxin A, which causes muscles to relax. Used consistently, you will notice a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines in the muscle area that has been injected in the face or neck.
Are neurotoxin results immediate?
No. Neurotoxin results often take 2 to 10 days, and sometimes up to 14 days, to take effect.
How long do neuromodulators last?
Typically any neuromodulator or neurotoxin will last between 3 and 4 months. Results are not permanent.
Will I look frozen after treatment?
A well-educated, trained and certified aesthetic injector will assess your areas of concern and determine the right number of units to use to give you a fresh appearance and avoid an unwanted result.
How many units will I need?
After your certified aesthetic injector has evaluated your facial muscles they will determine the correct number of units for each area and for your desired result. Unit counts and results vary with each individual. Typical ranges are 12 to 20 units for the glabella area between the brows and 8 to 20 units for the forehead with Botox, Xeomin or Jeuveau, and 30 to 50 units and 20 to 30 units respectively with Dysport.
Why are Dysport units different from the others?
The manufacturer uses a different calculation method. One unit of Botox is the same as 2.5 units of Dysport, in the same way that one inch is 2.5 centimetres. They are the same measurement expressed in different numbers.
Is there any downtime?
No. You can return to your normal activities immediately after treatment. Small raised bumps at the injection sites usually settle within about twenty minutes, and mild bruising is possible.
Concerns we use it for
Related treatments
Stanislav Zayets, MD
Board-certified — American Board of Internal Medicine
Last reviewed August 7, 2026
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Tell us what you're considering and we'll tell you honestly whether wrinkle relaxers is the right treatment for it.