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If you think all Botox is the same, think again. Today’s botulinum toxin injectables have evolved offering more precision, subtlety, and longevity than ever before.
I’ve been performing advanced anti-wrinkle treatments in Edinburgh for over 20 years, with one consistent goal - to create natural-looking results that reflect your unique expressions, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Over this time, the range of UK-approved toxin products has expanded, giving you more choice and control over your results. Let me explain what this means for you…
What is Botulinum Toxin?
Botulinum toxin type A (best known by the brand name Botox® Cosmetic) is a purified protein used for over 30 years to soften dynamic lines - wrinkles formed by repeated facial expressions like frowning, squinting or smiling.
When carefully dosed and injected by a skilled clinician it gently relaxes overactive muscle movement. The result? Smooth skin, softer lines and natural expressions.
The New Generation: Which Neurotoxin Suits You?
Nuceiva®: The Most Natural Look
Designed for refined placement and natural movement, Nuceiva is ideal if you want a “did-they, didn’t-they?” result across the frown, forehead and brow. Think whisper-light smoothing without obvious tell-tale signs. Results typically last three to four months, but I am seeing many patients returning with high satisfaction at 4 months.
Azzalure®: The Soft, Feathered Finish
Azzalure has greater diffusion, making it a great choice for larger areas such as the forehead and crow’s feet when you want the minimum amount of movement. That diffusion means the edges of the treated zones blend more naturally into untreated areas. Results typically last three to four months.
Relfydess®: A Longer-Lasting Option
If longevity is your priority, Relfydess may suit you, with results reported by manufacturer and industry as lasting up to six months in suitable candidates. (However, for most this is likely to be less). Fewer top-ups can be appealing for busy schedules - while still maintaining a natural look in expert hands. However, this option tends to be the least comfortable, as it can cause a brief stinging sensation during injection.
Botox® Cosmetic: The Gold Standard
The original and most widely researched brand, Botox® Cosmetic delivers consistent, predictable results that typically last three to four months. It remains the trusted benchmark in aesthetic medicine.
How Quickly Do Different Toxins Work?
When comparing Nuceiva®, Azzalure®, and Botox® Cosmetic, studies show that Nuceiva and Azzalure typically deliver visible results sooner - often within three to five days. By around three months, however, the results from all three brands are generally comparable in effectiveness and longevity. As Relfydess® is relatively new - there are no comparable studies at this stage.
How We Choose the Right Brand for You
- Your goals & expression pattern: natural movement, softer lines, or maximum longevity.
- Treatment history: previous response and duration help refine dosing and brand choice.
- Face anatomy & muscle strength: assessed by our medical team for precise placement.
The most important factor isn’t the brand - it’s the expertise of your injector. Our clinicians tailor dose and placement to your face for balanced, natural results. Every face is unique - your plan should be too.
Safety First
Each of the four brands has a well-established safety record and is licensed in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for aesthetic use.
Ready to Find Your Best Option?
Whether you want to look rested, refreshed, or simply you - at your best, we’ll help you discover the option that fits perfectly. Every face tells a story - let yours tell the story you want using a modern toxin tailored to you.
