Say "tox" and most people picture one thing: a smooth, worry-free forehead. Fair. It's the most famous trick in the book.
But stopping there is like buying a smartphone and only using it to make calls. Neurotoxin is one of the most versatile tools in aesthetic medicine. In the right hands, it can soften a scowl, relax a clenched jaw, lift a smile and more.
At Urban You, we use two neurotoxins: Jeuveau® and Daxxify®. Let's break down how tox works and all the places it can show up beyond your forehead.
How Tox Works
Every time you frown, squint or raise your brows, a nerve tells a muscle to contract. Do that thousands of times a year, and those movements start to leave a mark. Hello, "11s."
Neurotoxin puts that muscle on a little vacation. A tiny amount is injected into a specific muscle, where it temporarily blocks the signal that tells it to contract. The muscle relaxes, and the lines it creates soften.
The key word is temporarily. Over a few months, your body naturally clears the product and movement gradually comes back. That's why tox is a maintenance treatment, not a one-and-done.
And here's the part that makes it so versatile: anywhere a muscle is doing too much, tox may be able to help. That's where things get interesting.
Beyond the Forehead: Where Else Tox Can Go
Here's the fun part. These are some of the areas our providers may treat, depending on your goals and anatomy:
The "11s" between your brows. The classic, and the area both Jeuveau® and Daxxify® are FDA-approved for.
Crow's feet. Softens the lines that fan out when you smile or squint. Keep the laugh, lose a few lines.
A subtle brow lift. A few well-placed units can give your brows a gentle lift and open up your eyes.
Bunny lines. Those little scrunch lines on the sides of your nose when you laugh.
The lip flip. Relaxes the muscle above your upper lip so it rolls out slightly for a fuller look, no filler needed.
A gummy smile. Softens how much gum shows when you smile big.
Chin dimpling. Smooths that "orange peel" texture some chins get.
Jaw clenching and masseter slimming. Relaxes an overworked jaw muscle. Many clients come in for the comfort and stay for the softer, slimmer jawline.
Neck bands. Softens vertical cords on the neck for a smoother look. (Read more in Tox for a Tighter Neck.)
"Traptox." Relaxes the trapezius muscles for a longer, leaner neck line. (More in TrapTox.)
Underarm sweating. Yes, really. A popular pick before summer and wedding season. (See Underarm Tox.)
Your provider will talk you through what's right for you, and why, at your consultation.
And this list isn't just for women. Jaw slimming, forehead smoothing and underarm treatments are among our most popular requests from men, too.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
The consult. We start by talking about your goals and watching how your face moves. Your provider will recommend a product, the areas to treat and how many units make sense.
The treatment. A few quick injections with a very fine needle. Most appointments take about 15 to 30 minutes, and most people describe the feeling as a quick pinch.
Right after. You may see small bumps at the injection sites that fade within about an hour. Mild redness or a small bruise can happen. Most people head right back to their day.
The first 24 hours. Skip lying flat for a few hours, tough workouts and rubbing the treated areas. Your provider will give you your full aftercare list.
The reveal. You'll start to notice a difference within a few days, with the full effect around two weeks.
The follow-up. Book your next visit before your results wear off. Jeuveau® clients often come back every 3 to 4 months. Daxxify® clients may stretch a bit longer.
Results vary, and your provider will tailor your plan to you.
Neurotoxin FAQs
Is Jeuveau® the same as Botox? They're different products from different companies, but they work the same way and typically last a similar amount of time, about 3 to 4 months.
Which neurotoxin lasts the longest? In clinical studies, Daxxify® results lasted about 6 months for many people. Individual results vary.
How soon will I see results? Most people notice a difference within a few days, with the full effect around two weeks.
Will I look frozen? Not when it's done well. Your provider doses for natural movement, so you still look like you.
Can tox help with jaw clenching? Many clients choose tox to relax an overworked jaw muscle. This is an off-label use, and your provider will talk through whether it's a fit for you.
Is there downtime? Very little. Most people go right back to their day. Small bumps fade within about an hour, and mild redness or bruising can happen.
How far before an event should I get tox? Book at least 2 to 4 weeks ahead, so your results have time to settle in.
Can men get tox? Absolutely. Tox works the same way for everyone.
How can I save on tox at Urban You? Every client gets $40 off Jeuveau® every 90 days. Insiders can also bank their own money toward their plan with the Beauty Bank and get Insider pricing. Joining is free.
Your Forehead Was Just the Beginning
Whether you want to soften your 11s, unclench your jaw or finally try the lip flip, it all starts with a conversation. Book a consult and we'll build a tox plan around your goals.
Results vary. Consultation required. Neurotoxin treatments are administered by our licensed medical providers. Jeuveau® and Daxxify® are FDA-approved for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe frown lines; other treatment areas are off-label. Jeuveau® is a registered trademark of Evolus, Inc. DAXXIFY® is a registered trademark of Revance Therapeutics, Inc. This content is for general education and isn't medical advice.