Interested in an FDA-approved anti-wrinkle injection but not sure which product is right for you? Not that long ago, Botox was the only option for treating frown lines between the eyebrows, “crows’ feet” on the sides of the eyes, and horizontal lines across the forehead, but now there are other FDA-approved and widely-available wrinkle removing injections. Before we look at the differences between Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin, let’s start at the beginning so you know what these treatments are, how they work, and what they are used for so you can decide which anti-wrinkle injection is right for you.

A Brief History of FDA-Approved Wrinkle Reduction

Botox ushered in a new era for cosmetic aesthetics when, in 2002, it became the first FDA-approved Botulinum toxin (more on that in a moment) for treatment of moderate-to-severe frown lines and wrinkles. Dysport was approved by the FDA for the same purpose in 2009, followed by Xeomin in 2011. Fast forward to today and all three botulinum toxin wrinkle relaxers are considered safe and effective, giving patients a choice in neurotoxins that work best for them to reduce wrinkles.

Neuromodulators and Botulinum Toxin

Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin utilize neuromodulators, also referred to as neurotoxins, to disable specific nerve endings, thereby reducing or eliminating contraction-induced wrinkles. Specifically, each product utilizes the neuromodulator Botulinum toxin A (Clostridium Botulinum). Each brand has a slightly different formulation, but the results are the same: they block the nerve impulses of the injected muscles to temporarily paralyze muscle movements responsible for wrinkles.

Properties and Characteristics of Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin

These sections will help you understand the similarities and differences between Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin in regards to ingredients used, treatment sites, onset, and duration. This is not a comprehensive or detailed comparison of these three brands but should provide you with enough information to understand the injection products offered at medical aesthetic clinics like Modern Body Clinic.

Botulinum toxin formulation and other ingredients

Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin all contain the same active ingredient: Botulinum toxin A. There are differences in the Botulinum formulation and each brand uses a slightly different set of additional ingredients. Botox is formulated as onabotulinumtoxinA and contains NaCl (sodium chloride) and albumin (plasma protein). Dysport is formulated as abobotulinumtoxinA and contains NaCl, albumin, and lactose. Xeomin is formulated as incobotulinumtoxinA and contains NaCl, albumin, and sucrose.

FDA-approved wrinkle treatment sites

All three brands are approved to treat glabellar lines, also known as the eleven, those vertical lines that develop between the eyebrows. Botox is also approved to treat lateral canthal lines, also known as crow’s feet. It is worth noting that because Dysport is purified differently than Botox and Xeomin, it tends to “spread” or diffuse more than the other products, making it a good option for areas where multiple injections are necessary to cover a greater area. Conversely, Botox may be the best option to treat deeper wrinkles in concentrated injection areas.

Onset and duration

Patients usually notice the effects of Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin within 3 or 4 days. Individual results may vary (some patients report seeing results within 24 hours). There is some evidence that Dysport works faster, but regardless all three brands reach their maximal effects in 2 to 3 weeks. The duration period is also very similar to each brand. Doctors agree that patients notice the effects of Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin for 3 to 6 months after the injection. One small study found that Botox may last longer than the other brands, but other studies have found a similar duration of action for all three.

Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin: Which Wrinkle Treatment is Right for You?

All three brands work well for moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows. Botox serves a broader spectrum of needs, including forehead lines and crow’s feet. Deciding between Botox and alternative cosmetic injections is a matter of talking to a doctor about your appearance goals and treatment expectations. This dialogue can also be beneficial in helping you explore alternative and complementary cosmetic procedures, such as chemical peels and micro-needling.

Some important questions to discuss during the initial consultation include:

• Where are your biggest “problem areas” (forehead wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet, etc.)?
• What is your timeline? Are you seeking a wrinkle-removing injection before an event?
• What is your expected outcome from the treatment?
• What is your budget for cosmetic injections?

In the end, the choice between Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin is best left to an experienced Botulinum injector who can recommend the best course of treatment give your desired end result.

Schedule a Botox Consultation Today!

If you have questions about Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin, Modern Body Clinic has answers. Book an appointment online to meet one-on-one with one of our medical skin care professionals to discuss why you are seeking wrinkle treatment injections and how we can help. You deserve to look your best. Call us today or book your consultation online.