Overview
Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and was first approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for cosmetic medical use in 2002. The toxin temporarily prevents the release of neurotransmitters in muscle neurons, causing the muscles to stop contracting until the toxin has been naturally cleared from the muscle tissues. This relaxation of the muscles smoothes out wrinkles and prevents new ones from forming, giving the skin a more youthful appearance.
Botox injections are typically quick and relatively painless. A health care provider administers the injections using a fine needle directly into the targeted muscles. Results from Botox injections usually start to become noticeable within a few days, with the full effect typically seen within one to two weeks. The results are temporary, lasting around three to four months on average. After three to four months, the targeted muscles will be able to contract normally and wrinkles may begin to form again. Repeat injections are necessary to maintain the desired results over time.
Botulinum toxin type A remains a widely used and researched neurotoxin with various medical and cosmetic applications. The drug is manufactured and marketed under the brand names Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, and Daxxify.
What’s the difference between Daxxify, Xeomin, Jeuveau, Botox, and Dysport?
The short answer is that there is virtually no difference in these drugs. They are essentially the same drug, doing the same thing, with the same result. The differences are very minor, which you can read more about below. But for the vast majority of patients, all of these drugs will achieve the same results, and all of them have the same possible side effects.
Daxxify: longer-lasting results
FDA-approved neuromodulator Daxxify has caught the attention of many patients using Botox, Xeomin, Jeuveau, and Dysport. Daxxify has been proven to be as effective as Botox while also lasting longer between treatments. Botox treatments typically last three to four months, whereas Daxxify may last six to nine months while achieving the same results. Daxxify also does not contain any human or animal byproduct in its formula and is formulated with a peptide—the first of its kind—to help stabilize the active ingredient. The peptide also allows more toxin to enter the nerve cells because of the way it enhances attachment of the active ingredient.
Xeomin: no bound proteins
The primary difference between Xeomin and other botulinum toxin type A formulations such as Botox and Dysport lies in their composition and manufacturing process. Xeomin is a pure form of botulinum toxin type A, meaning it contains only the active ingredient without any complexing proteins. Other brands contain accessory proteins, and since the human body can become accustomed to these proteins and form a resistance, some patients might develop reduced responsiveness. More units may be required to reach desired results. Xeomin has no accessory proteins, so it can be a solution to resistance or counter-resistance that has already developed.
Jeuveau: fast-acting
Jeuveau is a 900 kDa purified botulinum toxin type A formula and is also a neurotoxin like Botox, with the same side-effect profile and similar effectiveness. Evolus, the manufacturer of Jeuveau, claims that 50% of people treated had visible improvements at the injection site after two days. Jeuveau is also priced lower than many other neurotoxin injections, which can translate to lower treatment costs.
Dysport: wide spread
Dysport, another botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) formula, tends to spread wider at the injection site than Xeomin or Botox. This can be beneficial in larger treatment areas where more even smoothing is desired. The results are similar to Botox, Xeomin, Daxxify, and other BoNT-A treatments, but Dysport’s slightly different formulation affects dosage—its units are not directly comparable to those of other brands. Although Dysport may be marketed at a lower price per unit, it often takes two to three times as many units to achieve the desired results.
How to choose?
Ultimately, the choice between Botox, Xeomin, Daxxify, Jeuveau, and Dysport often comes down to individual preferences, the area being treated, and the recommendations of the health care provider. It’s essential to consult with a qualified professional to determine the most suitable treatment based on your needs and medical history.
Many factors are involved
As with other medical cosmetic procedures, many factors will determine which brand you choose. A primary factor is also the skill and experience your provider has with each brand. A physician or surgeon with a solid understanding of the drugs, extensive cosmetic medical training, and years of injection experience will know which botulinum toxin to use for your needs and how to achieve the best results.
Beware of deep discounts
Botulinum toxin injections are now widely available, with some places offering very low prices. Everyone loves a bargain, but deep discounts could signal that either the injection material or the provider—or both—are not of the highest quality. Very low prices can indicate that the provider is buying from non-FDA-approved overseas vendors, which may put you at risk.
Insist on an onsite physician
Botulinum toxins are FDA-regulated drugs—not beauty products—and injecting them is a medical procedure. Many well-trained and experienced nurses and physician assistants can perform these injections with good results. However, while complications are extremely rare, they are possible. For this reason, insist that your injections be performed or overseen by a physician who is onsite at the time of treatment.
Contact us
Are you in the San Francisco Bay Area? Book an appointment with one of our skilled physicians to learn more and develop a treatment plan that fits your goals, budget, and timeframe. Request an appointment online or call us at 415-409-3456.