Botox vs. Xeomin vs Dysport: What’s the Difference?
Finding the Right Neurotoxin Injection for You
Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport have become widely recognized names in cosmetic treatments over the past several years. These neurotoxin injections are used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a smooth, anti-aging effect. Although all three neurotoxin brands are commonly referred to as “Botox”, there are differences between the brands that are important to note. In this post, we will explore the similarities and differences between Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport injections, helping you choose the right cosmetic injectable for you.
What are neurotoxin injections?
Neurotoxin injections, include Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport, as well as a few other FDA-approved brands. They are non-invasive cosmetic treatments designed to temporarily relax facial muscles and diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. These treatments are administered by a board-certified medical provider and target areas such as crow's feet, forehead wrinkles, and frown lines, providing a smooth, natural-looking appearance.
What is Botox?
Widely recognized as the pioneer in cosmetic injectables, Botox received FDA approval for cosmetic use in 2002. Its formulation contains Botulinum toxin type A along with additive proteins and typically offers results lasting 3 to 4 months.
What is Xeomin?
Often referred to as "pure tox," Xeomin stands out due to its double-filtered formula, eliminating unnecessary proteins. Approved for cosmetic purposes by the FDA in 2010, Xeomin has gained recognition as an effective Botox alternative in recent years.
What is Dysport?
Dysport is another prominent Botox alternative and delivers results comparable to Botox and Xeomin. While it contains additives like Botox, Dysport is known to spread more extensively upon injection compared to Xeomin and Botox, typically requiring more dosage units.
Similarities: Xeomin vs Dysport vs Botox
All three neurotoxin injections, Xeomin, Dysport, and Botox, are non-invasive anti-aging treatments that block nerve signals to temporarily relax facial muscles. They effectively reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on various facial areas, including the forehead, crow's feet, and frown lines. Although duration varies by patient based on various factors such as dosage, age, and lifestyle, the average duration for these cosmetic injections is 3 to 4 months.
Differences: Xeomin vs Dysport vs Botox
Distinct differences arise in the composition, dispersion, and onset of each injection. While Botox and Dysport feature proteins around the toxin, Xeomin doesn’t have any additives, minimizing the risk of future resistance. Due to additive proteins, patients may develop a resistance to Botox and Dysport, increasing the risk of less effective results. Additionally, each injection exhibits a different spread under the skin, impacting the quantity of units necessary for preferred results. Xeomin exhibits minimal spread under the skin, while Botox and Dysport tend to spread more, which may require more units – and higher costs – for the desired outcome.
Deciding Which Injectable Treatment is For You
While Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin all offer effective solutions for reducing wrinkles and fine lines, understanding their differences is important in choosing the right treatment for you. Consulting with a board-certified provider is recommended to discuss your goals and determine the most suitable option.