BOTOX VS. XEOMIN Vs Dysport: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Botox and Xeomin are two types of injectable neurotoxins (forms of botulinum toxin type A) that have been approved by the FDA for minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
BOTOX & XEOMIN: SIMILARITIES
Xeomin and Botox do share some similarities. Both treatments are effective in eliminating expression lines and wrinkles that occur due to repetitious muscle contractions involved in everyday facial movements. Specifically, both treatments have been FDA approved for addressing forehead wrinkles that occur due to squinting or raising of the eyebrows.
Both types of neurotoxins address lines and wrinkles in the same manner: by relaxing targeted facial muscles. When Botox or Xeomin are injected into the muscle they temporarily block the nerve impulses that are needed for contraction. The resulting muscle relaxation and decrease in movement reduce the appearance of lines or wrinkles in the area.
The results of both Xeomin and Botox are temporary. After a period of time, both wear off and the nerve impulses begin to reach the muscle again (causing contractions and wrinkles to begin to appear again). This means that both treatments do require periodic maintenance (typically every 3-6 months) in order to maintain the results over time.
Botox and Xeomin are dosed similarly (i.e. 20 units of Botox equals the strength of 20 units of Xeomin). This is not the case when compared to other types of neurotoxins (i.e., Dysport).
BOTOX & XEOMIN: DIFFERENCES
The main difference between Xeomin and Botox has to do with the formulation. Xeomin is a “naked” neurotoxin. That is, Xeomin contains only a single ingredient (botulinum toxin A), while the formulation of Botox includes various protective proteins clustered around the active molecule.
The basic structure of Xeomin® and Botox® are different, even though the toxin is the same. Botox® is encased within a protein structure, while Xeomin lacks this protein covering and is, in fact, the ‘naked’ botulinum toxin. This protein casing on Botox can cause immune reactions that can eventually block the actions on botulinum toxin when injected. The benefit of Xeomin’s pure-form means clients have a lower chance of developing resistance (antibodies) that can limit its desired effects. It is believed that this is an advantage that Xeomin® bears over Botox as it results in no antibody formation with repeated injections of Xeomin®.
Another difference between Botox and Xeomin is the onset of results. While the results of both treatments last for about the same duration (3-6 months), Xeomin requires up to 4 days for results to fully form, while Botox typically only requires about 72 hours.
The final major difference is behind the scenes: since the Xeomin formulation does not contain additional additives it does not have to be refrigerated before use. This feature simplifies distribution and storage of the product, which may make it more desirable than Botox to some clinical practices.
ABOUT DYSPORT
Dysport is a neuromodulator which, like Botox, is derived from the botulinum toxin. It works by temporarily paralyzing muscles. When your muscles relax, wrinkles that are formed by repeated muscular contractions are minimized.
Dysport, like Botox, is a temporary solution for wrinkles. Results last from 3-4 months, at which point you’ll need a follow-up injection to maintain your smooth look.
Molecule size: The Dysport formula contains smaller molecules compared to Botox, which may be beneficial. Smaller molecules enable Dysport to work faster than Botox and a larger area of spreading. In some areas this is beneficial and in some areas this is not. That is why it is very important to go to a provider who has lots of experience and expertise in proper dosing and placement of your neurotoxin.
Diffusion: Dysport tends to diffuse more than Botox, causing it to spread to a broader area after it’s injected. This means a larger treatment area can be addressed in fewer injections, which can be beneficial when addressing larger treatment areas. However, this diffusion means Dysport is less effective in treating smaller areas where more precision is needed or areas with thicker muscles.
Onset: Compared to Botox, Dysport has the quickest “onset” of action; typically requiring 24 hours for all results to be realized. Botox can take up to 72 hours for results to fully establish.
IS DYSPORT CHEAPER THAN BOTOX?
When strictly looking at price per unit, Dysport is cheaper than Botox. However, the disparity is deceiving as it takes three (3) units of Dysport to provide the same muscle relaxing power as a single (1) unit of Botox. So on a strictly price per unit basis, Dysport can appear pretty cheap (say $4.50 per unit) compared to Botox at $13 per unit. However, the total procedure cost will even out as it takes three Dysport units to be equivalent to one Botox unit.
During an in-person consultation at Dermaluxe Injectables , clients should ask their injector how pricing would differ given the specific results they desire.
Executive Summary Xeomin® vs Botox® vs Dysport®
- The main difference between Xeomin® and Botox® or Dysport®, is that Xeomin® contains just one ingredient: botulinum toxin A.
- The manufacturing process is slightly different with all 3, which leads to some potential, subtle differences in clinical practice.
- Xeomin® is a “naked injectable,” meaning that it does not contain any additives. A benefit of a pure-form injectable is that the human body is less likely to become resistant to it. Some patients have developed antibodies to Botox® and Dysport®.
- Xeomin® is the only one of the three (Xeomin®, Botox® and Dysport®) injectables that does not need to be refrigerated before use, due to its lack of additives.
- The cost of Xeomin® is roughly the same as for Botox at $10-13 per unit. Dysport® is about $4.50 per unit.
- Xeomin® might have the slowest “onset” of action of the 3 (Dysport® onset in 24 hours, Botox onset in 3 days and Xeomin® onset in 4 days.)
- Xeomin® may be “mildly more convenient” than Botox® or Dysport®, as the “product’s lack of complex proteins will help prevent antibody formation, or resistance to neuromuscular treatment with botulinum type A toxin, in patients being treated for neuromuscular conditions.”
- Neurotoxins diffuse differently, in part because Botox® and Dysport® have protective proteins clustered around the active part of the molecule, while Xeomin® has no protective proteins.
- Botox® has a full complement of protective proteins and weighs about 900 kD. Dysport® is a mixture of 500 kD and 300 kD complexes of protective proteins and botulinum toxin A. Being heavier, these complexes migrate more slowly than Xeomin/NT-201, which is BTX-A without protective proteins. Conversely, you will have less precision.
- Dysport® has been shown to “drift” or diffuse more than Botox, increasing the chances of an accidental droopy eyelid or unintentional relaxation of a neighboring muscle due to diffusion of the product.
THE FINAL WORD
In the end, the choice between Dysport, Botox and Xeomin may be best left to your cosmetic injector at Dermaluxe Injectables. Our Cosmetic Nurse and supporting Doctors will analyze your current facial characteristics and health history to determine the best course of treatment given your desired end result.
