Tox can be a great way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. However, when overdone, Tox can make you look unnatural or “frozen.” The key is to use Tox subtly so that you still look like yourself, just with smoother skin. Follow this guide for tips on getting natural-looking Tox results.
Choose an Experienced Injector
The skill and technique of the person administering your Tox injections is crucial for subtle, natural-looking results. Do your research and choose an experienced and board-certified provider. An expert injector/nurse will strategically place Tox in the most optimal locations and doses for your facial anatomy. Make sure whoever is injecting you has had extensive training.
Use Lower Doses
Many patients think more Tox means better results. However, too much Tox can make your face appear stiff, mask-like and unexpressive. Start with a lower dose for your first treatment. Your nurse can always add more at follow-up appointments if needed. But it’s harder to reverse overly relaxed muscles. Using the minimum effective dose allows you to maintain some natural facial expressions.
Focus on Strategic Areas
Rather than injecting Tox all over the upper face, have your provider target just your main wrinkle-producing areas. These include the glabellar lines between the eyebrows and the crow’s feet around the eyes. Stay away from areas like the forehead or temples, which can cause an overly smooth, frozen look when injected. The goal is to smooth key expression lines while letting your natural facial movements show through.
Avoid the “Tox Brow Lift”
Injecting Tox into the forehead to subtly lift the brows is popular. However, this can make some patients look perpetually surprised. For a more natural appearance, avoid getting Tox injected too high up on the forehead. Leave the very top portion untouched. You can still treat frown lines between the brows without altering the entire forehead.
Go Slowly with Repeat Treatments
It takes time for many patients to get used to how their face looks and moves after Tox. Take it slowly by starting with a lower dose for your first treatment and waiting at least two weeks between appointments. At your follow-ups, have more Tox added incrementally as needed. This conservative approach allows you to better control the results.
Use Fillers for a Balanced Look
Combining Tox with injectable fillers like Juvederm or Restylane can provide a more complete facial rejuvenation. The Tox relaxes wrinkles while fillers plump up lost volume. Volumizing areas like the cheeks, chin, and lips with fillers can balance out subtle muscle relaxation from Tox, enhancing your natural facial contours. A skilled injector will blend these treatments for natural-looking outcomes.
Avoid Exercise and Massages After
Vigorous exercise or massages right after Tox can increase migration of the product into other facial muscles. This disrupts the precise placement and can lead to a more frozen appearance. Avoid rubbing or manipulating the treated areas and wait at least 24 hours to exercise after injections. This allows the Tox to fully settle into the intended muscles.
Give It Time to Take Effect
It takes 4-7 days for Tox to kick in completely. Some residual movement in treated areas is normal in the first few days. Have patience and wait the full week before worrying about your results. Many patients are happier with their Tox once it fully takes effect because early on you may still move muscles the Tox is relaxing.
Consider “Baby” Tox
“Baby” Tox involves using an even lower dose than usual – like 10 units instead of 20 units in one area. This ultra-conservative approach allows some muscle movement but softens wrinkles. Baby Tox results are extremely subtle. It’s a great option if you want very minor changes and to maintain a high degree of facial expression.
Don’t Make Too Many Changes at Once
Avoid getting multiple anti-aging treatments like Tox, fillers, laser resurfacing, or surgery all at the same time. Making too many facial changes simultaneously can look jarring. Take things slowly and space out treatments. Give your face time to get used to the effects of each new procedure before adding another. A conservative, gradual approach allows for the most natural enhancements.
With a skilled injector and a few best practices, you can have smooth, youthful looking skin with Tox while avoiding an artificial “frozen” appearance. Be selective about who administers your injections and start with a lower dose focused on specific areas of concern. Allow time between sessions for your face to adjust. Combining approaches like baby Tox and fillers can also help you achieve natural-looking results. Most importantly – listen to your injector’s recommendations and be patient through the process. Following these tips will keep you looking refreshed and like yourself with Tox.