When it comes to anti-aging treatments, BOTOX has been the industry standard for years. Recently, however, products such as Dysport and Xeomin have created a more crowded market of potential neuromodulator products for wrinkle reduction. Patients who are interested in these treatments often feel confused about which one is best for them. In order to understand the difference between these injectable neuromodulators, patients must first know how they work.
What are neuromodulators?
Neuromodulators are proteins that freeze muscle activity by blocking communication between nerves and muscle fibers. Muscle contractions are the driving force behind wrinkles and fine lines. By relaxing the muscles responsible for frowning, squinting and forehead lines, botulinum toxins result in fewer visible wrinkles for a period of three to four months per treatment.
BOTOX, Dysport, and Xeomin all contain a specific neuromodulator known as Botulinum toxin type A. Each of these neuromodulators are used in exceptionally small doses and represent a safe and effective means of temporarily reversing signs of aging in the skin. Each neuromodulator product comes with its own unique characteristics.
BOTOX
BOTOX is the first and most popular brand-name neuromodulator. BOTOX was FDA-approved 20 years ago for the treatment of forehead lines, Crow’s feet, and other signs of aging on the face. Other FDA-approved uses of BOTOX include migraines, profuse sweating, eyelid spasms, and spasms of the main muscle in the front of the neck. The effects of BOTOX typically last for three to four months.
Dysport
While it was first FDA approved in 2009, Dysport has been on the market in Europe since the 90s. What makes Dysport different from BOTOX is its dosage size. Similar to Botox, the effects of Dysport can last for three to four months. It is important to note that a “unit” of Dysport is not the same as a “unit” of Botox. An expert injector and Maser Clinical Trainer like Dr. Weber can explain in detail why a larger number of units of Dysport is typically required to achieve an equivalent effect to that achieved with fewer units of Botox.
Xeomin
Xeomin was first approved by the FDA back in 2011. What sets Xeomin apart is its composition.
Xeomin is different from BOTOX and Dysport in that it is a more purified neuromodulator that contains Botulinum toxin without the accessory proteins that are required to stabilize Botox and Dysport.
Efficacy/ Safety:
Studies show that all three products are similar in their safety and efficacy. Nonetheless, each product will be better suited to different situations and each injector also tends to have a preference for a specific product.
What are the side effects of BOTOX, Dysport, and Xeomin?
All of these products carry a similar side effect profile, as they are similar in their formulation. These side effects may include pain at the time of injection, a small bruise, short term redness, headache. Rarely, neuromodulator treatments can result in drooping of the eyebrow, eyelid or fullness in the undereye area. Seek out an expert injector to ensure that these risks are minimized. As with any procedure, it’s vital that patients follow all instructions from their practitioner to ensure a positive outcome.
What is the takeaway?
BOTOX has the advantage of being a popular name brand, but this doesn’t mean that it is always the best option. Patients are always encouraged to seek out the aid of a skilled, experienced plastic surgeon to carry out their treatment. Each of these injectables has the capacity to improve signs of aging that develop around the face. Dr. Weber has chosen for many years to only inject BOTOX cosmetic due to its long track record of safety, predictability and robust effects. He has also been a Master Clinical Trainer for Allergan, the company that makes Botox, for nearly a decade during which he has trained many dozens of injectors in Colorado and across the US.