What’s the Difference Between Botox, Xeomin & Dysport?
What’s the Difference Between Botox, Xeomin & Dysport?
Most people are familiar with Botox – a well-advertised injectable that temporarily “freezes” wrinkles in the face. But many patients are not aware that there are alternatives to Botox – that are just as effective, but that can save patients money over “brand name” Botox.
There are actually three products on the market that all contain the same active ingredient (“Botulinum Type A”) and all eliminate facial wrinkles and lines in a similar way: Botox, Xeomin and Dysport. In this article the anti-aging experts at Prosperity Health in Bloomfield Hills, MI discuss the similarities and differences between Botox, Xeomin and Dysport.
The Origins of Botox, Xeomin & Dysport
Botox was actually the original Botulinum formulation that was FDA approved to temporarily improve moderate-to-severe frown lines (“elevens”) between the eyebrows. Because they were the first – coupled with their aggressive advertising campaigns, most people are familiar with Botox.
But, seven years after the introduction of Botox, another Botulinum Type A, called Dysport, was approved for for forehead lines and wrinkles in 2009. Shortly thereafter, in 2011, Xeomin, was FDA approved as the third.
While all three of these products work similarly to reduce wrinkles and lines, there are also significant differences between Botox, Xeomin & Dysport.
What Works Fastest: Botox, Xeomin or Dysport?
Dysport takes effect the fastest of the three – with results as soon as 1 -2 days. However, faster is not always better, as a gradual onset of freezing the muscles is decidedly more comfortable. Botox, while still not being as sudden as Dysport, works in about 72 hours.
Xeomin has the most gradual onset, with results requiring up to 4 days to fully take effect. This means the “freeze” of Xeomin is the most gentle and comfortable.
All 3 products – Botox, Dysport and Xeomin – reach their maximum effectiveness in 2-3 weeks. And all three typically deliver results faster in women than in men.
Which is Longer Lasting: Botox, Xeomin or Dysport?
Results of Botulinum formulas vary greatly from person to person – so it can be hard to pinpoint which of these three products lasts the longest. Most patients report that results from Botox, Xeomin or Dysport continue for from three to six months.
However, a few studies have reported that Botox and Xeomin both may last somewhat longer than Dysport. And the manufacturer of Xeomin reports that it lasts a few weeks longer than Botox. this means that Xeomin treatments generally need to be less frequent than Botox – which can save patients money.
Dysport’s shorter life span may be because of another important issue with Dysport – it has a tendency to “drift” or “diffuse” more than Botox or Xeomin after it is injected.
In addition to potentially making Dysport less long-lasting, this “drifting” may increase the risk of side effects such a drooping eyelid or unwanted sagging of nearby muscles.
Another Advantage of Xeomin over Botox and Dysport
Xeomin is considered a “naked” formulation because it does not contain complex proteins that cause antibody formation, like Botox and Dysport do. As a result, patients are less likely to develop a resistance to the effects of Xeomin over time.
This is important because developing a resistance to Botox or Dysport means it becomes less effective – and more and more will be needed to achieve the same results.
What Costs Less: Botox, Xeomin or Dysport?
When considering the cost of all three formulas it is important to “compare apples to apples.”
Dysport, is measured differently than Botox and Xeomin, which can be confusing. While all three formulas are sold by the “unit”, it takes 2 to 3 units of Dysport to equal one unit of Botox or Xeomin.
So, even though Dysport is less expensive “per unit” it requires 2 to 3 times as many units as Xeomin or Botox to achieve the same results! So Dysport is typically more expensive for the same treatment.
Prices for Botox and Xeomin are generally about the same per unit. But when you consider that Xeomin lasts longer than Botox, for the same price, Xeomin becomes the better value.
Xeomin – Bloomfield Hills, MI
Because Xeomin is more comfortable, offers longer lasting results, and does not come with the possibility of developing “resistance” (antibodies) Dr. Hakim typically prefers the use of Xeomin, instead of Botox, to achieve the same wrinkle reduction and ant-aging results.
Dr. Hakim is an experienced Bloomfield Hills injectable specialist. She will take the time to listen to your appearance goals, evaluate your facial condition, and develop a Xeomin treatment plan that is right for you.
If you would like to reduce or eliminate moderate to deep facial lines, schedule a consultation at our Bloomfield Hills office to see if Xeomin is right for you.