BOTOX®, Dysport®, Xeomin®… when new wrinkles and fine lines develop, you might not care which anti-aging injectable you receive, as long as it gets the job done. However, while Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are all similar types of neurotoxin injectables that address fine lines and wrinkles, these three products significantly differ in terms of formulation, dosage and results.
What is a Neurotoxin Injectable?
A neurotoxin injectable is a type of cosmetic-safe product that is injected into the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and creases. These neurotoxins are typically used in areas of concern, such as between the eyes, the forehead, around the eyes and neck. The ‘neuro’ in neurotoxin relates to nerve function. When a neurotoxin injectable penetrates the skin, it essentially temporarily turns off the nerves where individual facial muscles meet.
As a result, a neurotoxin injectable temporarily and safely relaxes facial muscles — particularly the muscles responsible for creating the fine lines and wrinkles that appear when your face is at rest — for a more youthful appearance. Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin all contain the leading injectable neurotoxin, Botulinum toxin type A, as the active ingredient.
Which Neurotoxin Injectable is Right for You?
Botulinum type A has rapidly become the most popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S. Both men and women seek this neurotoxin injectable to alleviate signs of aging as well as smooth dynamic facial wrinkles, or lines caused by repeated muscle movements like frowning, squinting, smiling and other repetitive facial expressions we make every day.
Here are important factors that you and your injector will consider when deciding which neurotoxin injectable is right for you.
Botox
As the most recognizable brand of neurotoxin injectable, Botox is often selected to target crow’s feet, lip lines, frown lines and other fine lines across the face. The formulation of Botox is more concentrated than other neurotoxin injectable solutions and is also slow-moving once injected, making it ideal for longer-lasting results on smaller areas of the face.
Botox considerations:
- Results appear in 5 to 7
- Results last for 3 to 4
You may opt for Botox if you’d prefer to target a specific area, such as around the eyes or frown lines, rather than the entire forehead. At your appointment, the injector decides the number of units needed for optimal results. Aside from wrinkles, Botox is also used in a Botox lip flip to temporarily give a more plump appearance and can also reduce the appearance of a gummy smile.
Dysport
Dysport was FDA-approved for cosmetic use in the U.S. in 2009, three years after Botox launched in the American market. Dysport tends to have a faster onset than Botox. Its unique formula makes it ideal to gradually spread across larger surface areas with just a few injections. Dysport considerations:
- Results appear in 2 to 4 days
- Results last for 4
Dysport is best-suited to soften muscles in larger areas of the face, like the forehead and ‘11 lines’ that form between the eyebrows. Beyond fine lines and wrinkles, Dysport is also FDA-approved to treat cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis) or involuntary muscle contractions in the neck.
Xeomin
Last but certainly not least is Xeomin, also known as “naked Botox.” Unlike Botox and Dysport, which are formulated with an accompanying protein, Xeomin is formulated with a double-filtered formula to remove unnecessary proteins and leave only the active ingredient, Botulinum type A. This formulation may enable Xeomin to have faster-acting results.
- Results appear in 3 to 4
- Results last for 3 to 4
Xeomin is designed to treat fine lines like crow’s feet and dynamic wrinkles like 11 lines. Because it’s not formulated with an accompanying protein that the body will trigger the production of antibodies for, Xeomin is an effective alternative for those who have built up a natural resistance to Botox injections over the course of several years. Xeomin is the top choice of neurotoxin for patients under 30 years of age, as it often provides a softer and less “frozen” look. It can also prevent new wrinkles and lines from forming with preventative use.
Injectables Are Not One-Size-Fits-All
Though neurotoxin injectables are a non-surgical treatment, they are still considered a medical procedure that requires specific training, knowledge, and skill to administer safely and effectively. Injectables are far from a one-size-fits-all aesthetic solution, and the type of injectable, number of units and injection placement should be customized to meet your individual goals.
Whether you aim to reduce the appearance of fine lines or slow the formation of dynamic wrinkles across the face, neurotoxin injectables can help. It may be a matter of combining multiple injectables or dermal fillers to achieve your treatment goals. Contact Tribeca MedSpa today to work with a Master Injector who can customize a treatment plan for you.