Understanding Wrinkle Relaxers
What are wrinkle relaxers (tox)?
Quick answer
Wrinkle relaxers, often called “tox,” are FDA-approved injections of botulinum toxin type A. Tiny doses temporarily relax the muscles that crease your skin when you frown, squint or raise your brows, so expression lines look smoother for about three to four months.
Tox works on dynamic wrinkles, the lines caused by movement. It doesn't add volume, so it's often paired with dermal fillers for lines that are visible even when your face is at rest. You may also hear it called a neurotoxin, neuromodulator or botulinum toxin injection. Several brands are FDA-approved for cosmetic use; your provider will tell you which one is used for your treatment.
At Complete Rural Medicine, wrinkle relaxers are part of a medical practice, not a walk-in spa. Your injector is a board-certified nurse practitioner who reviews your health history, studies how your face moves and doses for a refreshed look, never a frozen one.
Treatment Areas
What can wrinkle relaxers treat?
Every cosmetic botulinum toxin brand is FDA-approved for frown lines. Some brands are also approved for forehead lines and crow's feet, and one is approved for vertical neck bands. Other areas below are common, well-established off-label uses that your provider will discuss with you.
Frown lines (the "11s")
Vertical lines between the brows that can make you look tired or stressed.
FDA-approved
Forehead lines
Horizontal lines that deepen when you raise your brows.
FDA-approved (some brands)
Crow's feet
Fine lines that fan out from the corners of your eyes when you smile.
FDA-approved (some brands)
Neck bands
Vertical platysma bands that run from the jaw down the neck.
FDA-approved (one brand)
Lip flip
A few units relax the upper lip so it rolls out slightly for a fuller look.
Off-label
Bunny lines
Scrunch lines on the sides of the nose.
Off-label
Chin dimpling
Smooths an "orange peel" texture on the chin.
Off-label
Brow lift
Strategic placement gives the brow a subtle lift and opens the eyes.
Off-label
Masseter / jaw
Relaxes the jaw muscle for clenching and a softer, slimmer jawline.
Off-label
Botulinum toxin is also FDA-approved to treat severe underarm sweating. Ask us if excessive sweating is a concern.
Units & Dosing
How many units of tox do I need?
Wrinkle relaxers are measured in units. The right dose depends on the area, your muscle strength, the brand used and the look you want. These typical ranges help you plan. Your provider confirms your exact dose at your visit.
| Treatment area | Typical units | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frown lines (11s) | 15–25 | The most common starting area |
| Forehead lines | 6–20 | Usually treated with frown lines for balance |
| Crow's feet | 12–24 | Both sides combined |
| All three upper-face areas | 40–64 | A common full-upper-face treatment |
| Lip flip | 4–6 | Subtle and quick |
| Bunny lines or chin | 4–10 | Per area |
| Masseter (jaw) | 40–60 | Both sides combined; varies widely |
Ranges reflect the most widely used brands and are general guidance, not a quote or medical advice. Some brands are dosed differently, so units aren't interchangeable.
Cost
How much do wrinkle relaxers cost in Lincoln, NE?
Tox is priced per unit, so your total depends on how many areas you treat and how many units each area needs. Most patients treat one to three areas per visit. We give you a clear quote at your consultation before anything is injected, so there are no surprises.
- Transparent per-unit pricing, quoted before treatment
- No-pressure consultation with a nurse practitioner
- Financing available for eligible treatments
Choosing an injector: what matters
A low per-unit price doesn't help if the dose is too small to work or placed in the wrong spot. Look for a licensed medical provider, an authentic FDA-approved product, a health-history review before treatment and a follow-up visit if you need a small adjustment.
What to Expect
Your tox appointment, step by step
- Consultation. We review your health history and medications, watch how your face moves and talk about your goals.
- Treatment. Your provider cleans the skin and places a series of tiny injections with a very fine needle. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Aftercare. Stay upright for about four hours, don't rub the area and skip hard workouts, saunas and facials for the rest of the day. Makeup is fine after a few hours.
- Results and follow-up. Softening starts in 2 to 3 days, with full results at about two weeks. If you need a small touch-up, we'll see you around the two-week mark.
Safety
Are wrinkle relaxers safe?
Botulinum toxin type A has been FDA-approved for cosmetic use for more than 20 years and is one of the most studied aesthetic treatments in the world. When a trained, licensed provider uses the right dose and placement, side effects are usually mild and short-lived:
- Redness, swelling or small bruises at injection sites
- Mild headache for a day or two
- Less often, a temporarily heavy brow or droopy eyelid that fades as the product wears off
All botulinum toxin products carry an FDA boxed warning about the rare possibility of the toxin spreading beyond the injection site. That's one reason they should only be given by a qualified medical provider. Cosmetic tox is not the same as botulism, the illness caused by large amounts of toxin; treatments use tiny, purified, measured doses.
Wrinkle relaxers may not be right for you if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have an infection in the treatment area, are allergic to any botulinum toxin product, or have a nerve or muscle condition such as myasthenia gravis. Tell your provider about all medications, including blood thinners.
Your Injectors
Board-certified injectors in Lincoln & Friend
Your wrinkle relaxer treatment is given by the same board-certified family nurse practitioners who care for patients across our practice. Because they're medical providers first, every treatment starts with your health history.
Hablamos español
Toxina botulínica en Lincoln, NE
Amparo Fernandez, enfermera practicante certificada, habla español y ofrece inyecciones de toxina botulínica (relajantes de arrugas) para suavizar las líneas de la frente, el entrecejo y las patas de gallo, con resultados naturales y sin tiempo de recuperación.
Tox Near You
Wrinkle relaxers near me in Lincoln & Friend, NE
Looking for tox near you? Complete Rural Medicine welcomes patients from Lincoln, Friend, Crete, Seward, Milford, Hickman, Waverly, Dorchester, Exeter, Geneva and across Lancaster, Saline and Seward Counties.
Questions & Answers
Wrinkle relaxer FAQs
How much do wrinkle relaxers cost in Lincoln, NE?
Wrinkle relaxers (tox) are priced per unit, so your cost depends on how many areas you treat and how strong those muscles are. Most patients treat one to three areas. Your provider gives you an exact quote at your consultation before anything is injected, and financing is available for eligible treatments.
How many units of tox do I need?
It depends on the area, your muscle strength and the brand used. For the most widely used brands, typical ranges are 15 to 25 units for frown lines, 6 to 20 units for forehead lines and 12 to 24 units for crow's feet. Some brands are dosed differently, so units aren't interchangeable.
Is botulinum toxin the same thing as botulism?
No. Botulism is a rare, serious illness caused by large amounts of toxin from contaminated food or wounds. Cosmetic wrinkle relaxers use tiny, purified, precisely measured doses of botulinum toxin type A that stay in the muscle where they're placed. The products are FDA-approved and given by licensed providers.
Where can I get tox near me in Lincoln, NE?
Complete Rural Medicine offers wrinkle relaxer injections at 3900 S 6th St, Suite 1, Lincoln, NE 68502, and at 515 2nd St, Friend, NE 68359. Call (402) 267-2645 or request an appointment online.
Do you offer tox in Friend, NE?
Yes. Wrinkle relaxer injections are available by appointment at our Friend clinic based on provider schedules. Call our Friend clinic at (308) 646-2471 or our Lincoln clinic at (402) 267-2645.
Who are the injectors at Complete Rural Medicine?
Wrinkle relaxer injections are given by our board-certified family nurse practitioners: Ana Taylor, MSN, APRN, FNP-C; Chantel Collier, MSN, APRN, FNP-C; and Amparo Fernandez, APRN, MSN, MBA, MPH, FNP-BC. Each one reviews your health history before treatment.
How long do wrinkle relaxers last?
Results usually last three to four months. You may notice softening in two to three days, with full results at about two weeks. With regular treatments, some people find their results last a little longer.
Does tox hurt?
Most people feel a quick pinch with each injection. A treatment takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and a cold pack can make it even more comfortable.
Is there downtime after wrinkle relaxer injections?
No. You can return to work and most daily activities right away. For the rest of the day, stay upright for about four hours, don't rub or massage the treated area, and skip strenuous exercise.
Are wrinkle relaxers safe?
Botulinum toxin type A has been FDA-approved for cosmetic use for more than 20 years. It's considered safe when given by a trained, licensed provider at the right dose. Common side effects are mild and temporary, such as bruising, redness, headache or, less often, a heavy brow or droopy eyelid.
Who should not get tox?
Wrinkle relaxers aren't recommended if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have an infection where you'd be treated, are allergic to any botulinum toxin product, or have certain nerve or muscle conditions such as myasthenia gravis. We review your full health history first.
What is baby tox?
Baby tox uses smaller doses spread across the treatment area for a softer, more subtle result that keeps more natural movement. It's a popular choice for first-timers and for people in their 20s and 30s.
Is preventative tox worth it?
Some people in their late 20s and 30s use small doses to soften expression lines before they become deep, etched lines. Your provider can tell you whether it makes sense for your skin and goals.
What is the difference between wrinkle relaxers and fillers?
Wrinkle relaxers relax the muscles that cause expression lines such as forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet. Dermal fillers add volume to areas like the lips, cheeks and smile lines. Many patients combine both for a natural, balanced refresh.
Are all wrinkle relaxers the same?
No. Several botulinum toxin type A brands are FDA-approved for cosmetic use. They work the same basic way but differ in formulation, onset and unit dosing, so units aren't interchangeable between brands. Your provider will tell you which product is used for your treatment.
Do men get tox?
Yes. Men often have stronger facial muscles and may need more units for the same result. Forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet are the most common areas we treat for men.
Sources
- FDA Drugs@FDA: botulinum toxin product labeling
- Cleveland Clinic: Botulinum toxin injections
- American Academy of Dermatology: Wrinkle relaxers
Individual results vary. This page is for education and does not replace a consultation with a licensed provider.