Picking Your Protein
The Differences Between Botox®, Xeomin®, and Dysport®
For some patients deciding which injectable is right may leave you feeling a bit like Goldilocks testing out chairs. Knowing the primary distinctions between the products available at Porto Cosmetic Surgery allows you to find the solution to your fine lines and wrinkles that is the right fit.
Botox, Xeomin and Dysport all belong to the family of proteins known as neurotoxins or neuromodulators and more specifically botulinum toxins. These are injected sub dermally to relax the muscles of the face and in turn reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin’s surface. While their goal is similar in addressing anti-aging concerns, there are some key differences between these injectable neurotoxins. Accessory proteins found in both Botox and Dysport work in conjunction with the neurotoxin in its delivery to the treated area. Xeomin is formulated without these accessory proteins as a more “naked” version which makes it ideal for those who are more sensitive to other injectables or treatment options or have built up antibodies to other neuromodulators through continued use.
Botox®
Botox, manufactured by Allergan, is undeniably the most widely recognized when it comes to this category of medical aesthetics. Results typically take effect 1 – 2 weeks following treatment and on average it is reported to last around 3 months although some patients still see correction for up to 6 months. The first product of its kind in the injectable aesthetics field, it has become FDA approved for a wide variety of treatment areas and concerns to include migraines and excessive sweating. Brand recognition and the longevity of Botox’s efficacy throughout the years has made it a household name in the world of injectable aesthetics.
Xeomin®
Merz Aesthetics neuromodulator Xeomin being the treatment option with less additives can perform somewhat differently due to this unique distinction in its formula. Xeomin’s more simple composition may allow the treatment area to show results somewhat sooner than those of Dysport or Botox at around 5 - 6 days post injection but could still require the full 2 weeks to see complete correction. The longevity of Xeomin, however, can also reflect the less complex formula of the neuromodulator and antibodies within the body able to break the product down slightly sooner. Some patients reported requiring touch ups or retreatment of a treated area more frequently than that of Botox and Dysport.
Dysport®
Dysport by Galderma treatments are measured slightly differently than those of Botox and Xeomin due to its dilution method. Units, which are the standard of product measurement for neurotoxins to a treatment area, are three times the number for Dysport when compared to its counterparts. This unique composition can reflect a slightly sooner result comparatively in as little as 2 or 3 days which is 24 - 48 hours sooner than that of other products. Dysport’s formula allows for it to disperse over a larger treated area due to its dilution which can be ideal for larger treatment areas such as the horizontal forehead lines. On average Dysport lasts around 3 – 6 months for desired anti-aging results.
Overall, these products address wrinkles and fine lines with slightly differing formulas and applications all while utilizing the key neurotoxin component. Knowing which product may be best for your concerns will help to put your best face forward with an injectable that is just right.
