The demand for non-invasive cosmetic procedures has surged, especially for techniques that can smooth wrinkles and fine lines. Among these treatments, neurotoxin injections have become incredibly popular. Three of the most commonly used neuromodulators are Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport. While all of them give similar results, each has unique characteristics regarding their ingredients and use. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of these neurotoxins, exploring their formulation, how they work, and when they are most effective.

Understanding Neurotoxins

Before understanding the distinctions between Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport, we must grasp the fundamental concept of neurotoxins. Neurotoxin injections are cosmetic treatments derived from a purified form of botulinum toxin. They disrupt the signaling between nerve cells and muscles. When injected into specific muscles, they temporarily paralyze or weaken them, effectively reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Botox

Botox is a well-known non-surgical cosmetic treatment derived from a toxin produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. It temporarily relaxes specific muscles in the face, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. By blocking nerve signals that cause muscle contractions, Botox effectively smoothens areas like forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines. The minimally invasive procedure has gained widespread popularity for its ability to provide a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

Xeomin

Xeomin, a famous injectable, offers several noteworthy features in beauty treatments. Its unique formulation contains only the active botulinum toxin, making it a pure and straightforward option for wrinkle reduction, reducing the risk of allergic reactions. Additionally, Xeomin is known for its effectiveness in smoothing creases and frown lines, particularly in areas like the forehead and around the eyes.

Dysport

Dysport is a popularaesthetic treatment derived from a specific botulinum toxin type A formulation. It is produced from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and purified for safe cosmetic use. Dysport temporarily blocks nerve signals to specific facial muscles, causing them to relax. This relaxation leads to a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines in the treated area.

Differences Between Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport

The three neuromodulators may produce similar outcomes, but all of them have unique characteristics that differ from one another. The key differences between Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport are:

Formulation

• Botox, scientifically known as onabotulinumtoxinA, is formulated from a purified botulinum toxin. The formulation includes proteins and inactive ingredients that help stabilize and deliver the active botulinum toxin to the targeted muscles.
• Xeomin, also known as incobotulinumtoxinA, is a neurotoxin derived from Botulinum Toxin Type A. What sets Xeomin apart is its unique formulation, which contains only the pure botulinum toxin without any complex proteins, resulting in a lower likelihood of developing resistance to the neurotoxin over time.
• Dysport, or AbobotulinumtoxinA, is another neurotoxin in the Botulinum Toxin Type A family. It contains a botulinum toxin and accessory proteins, similar to Botox.

Usage

• Botox primarily addresses dynamic wrinkles due to repetitive muscle movements, including wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, and between the eyebrows. Moreover, Botox finds applications in diverse medical uses, including pain management associated with migraines, addressing excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), and managing specific muscular disorders.
• Xeomin is primarily used for cosmetic purposes, targeting dynamic wrinkles like frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and crow’s feet. Its formulation may make it a preferred choice for individuals who have developed resistance to other neurotoxins.
• Dysport employed for aesthetic enhancements addresses active facial lines. Dysport injections provide a swift onset of effects, with specific individuals noticing improvements in at least two days. A thorough study of Dysport treatment for hemifacial spasm in 158 patients who received 855 treatments showed excellent results. 97% of patients responded well to the therapy, with an average improvement of 77.2% and relief lasting around 3.4 months.

 

Cost

The overall costs of the neurotoxin injections can vary depending upon several factors, including the location and expertise of the provider, the size of the treatment area, and the number of units required. Here are the average industry costs of the three neurotoxins:

• The average industry cost of Botox is $497, but the price can go as high as $1,600.
• On average, the industry cost of Xeomin is $403, but the price can range from $169 to $800.
• The average industry cost of Dysport is approximately $389, with prices typically ranging from $105 to $1,200.

Onset of Results

One significant distinction between Dysport, Botox, and Xeomin is how quickly results appear. Specifically:

• Dysport shows results within 24 hours.
• Botox takes about 72 hours.
• Xeomin’s effects manifest in approximately four days.

It’s important to note that while the onset of results varies, all three injectables yield full results within one to two weeks. Additionally, regardless of your chosen option, the outcomes last for 3 to 6 months, depending on the quantity administered in the treated area.

Average Units Required

According to clinical trials, the quantity of botulinum toxin needed for these injections varies. Dysport treatments involve 40 units per session, while Xeomin and Botox usually require only 16 units per session. Based on these numbers, you would need to use twice as much Dysport compared to Botox and Xeomin to get similar results.

Which Neurotoxin is Right For You?

The choice between Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport depends on individual factors, including the patient’s medical history, desired outcomes, and prior experiences with neurotoxin treatments. Each of these products shares a common goal of reducing aging signs. Fundamentally, they are all neuromodulators containing Botulinum toxin. When applied with precision, each injectable can effectively reduce the appearance of wrinkles on various facial areas, including the forehead and chin. Consulting with a qualified healthcare professional is crucial in making an informed decision.