Botox vs. Dysport vs. Xeomin
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are products that are all derived from the bacteria, Clostridium botulinum. Although the bacteria is highly poisonous in nature, once purified and stabilized to form Botulinum toxin-A, it is used widely to treat facial asymmetry, wrinkles/creases, muscle spasticity, migraines, hemorrhoids, and more. Within the field of aesthetic medicine, our focus is on treating deep wrinkles and lines, address areas of skin sagging, as well as relaxing hypertrophied muscles, such as the masseter muscle.
Botox is one of the brand names of Botulinum toxin-A. It is one of the first brands to come out in the late 90s-early 00s and is now widely regarded as synonymous with Botulinum toxin-A, just like Kleenex is used synonymously with tissues and Q-tips synonymously with cotton tips. With many other Botox-like products out in the market and in research development, it can be confusing to know what the differences are and which product may seem right for you.
Botox
FDA-approved in 2002
Expected results: 7-10 days (based on anecdotal evidence)
FDA-approved to treat wrinkles of the forehead, glabella, and crow’s feet.
Special note: Because of it’s longstanding history being the most commonly recognized name brand, it has also achieved FDA approval for treatment of migraines, hemorrhoids, overactive bladder, and cervical dystonia.
Dysport
FDA-approved in 2009
Expected results: 2-3 days (based on anecdotal evidence)
Special note: It features the same primary active ingredient as Botox, but its specially formulated to be of a lower molecular weight and therefore has a wider diffusion area. As a result, it can be used optimally to cover larger body areas, such as the forehead.
Special note #2: 1 unit of Botox and Xeomin is considered equivalent to 3 units of Dysport. How many units of Dysport used to treat an area of concern will be determined by your injection plan.
Xeomin
FDA-approved in 2010
Expected results: 3-5 days (based on anecdotal evidence)
Special note: It is considered the ‘naked’ injectable due to the fact that molecularly, it contains simply the active ingredient and not a complex of proteins or additives often found in Botox and Dysport. As a result, patients who have reported developed resistance to Botox or Dysport may find renewed effects with Xeomin.
How do I know what’s right for me?
It’s always best to consult with your injector about your aesthetic goals and treatment options. There is no right or wrong product to use, as all of them still produce a ‘freezing’ effect of the muscle targeted. Post-care instructions are also similar across all products.
What about pricing?
Although some clinics may offer different prices for the product used, here at Clemens, we price all our products the same. This is because we understand that our clients have specific preferences, and while a certain product may work for some, this sentiment cannot be applied for everyone.
Each unit of Xeomin and Botox is priced at $14 and 3 units of Dysport (equivalent to 1 unit of Xeomin and Botox) is also priced at $14.
