Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport… What is the Difference?

Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport… What is the Difference?

Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport are all injectable neurotoxins used for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. In aesthetics, they are used to reduce wrinkles that are caused by muscle movement by paralyzing or weakening the muscles to soften these lines. While they share similarities, there are some differences between them:

1. Active Ingredient:
   • Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA): This is the original and most well-known neurotoxin. It has been used for many years and is made from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
   • Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA): Like Botox, Xeomin is also derived from Clostridium botulinum, but it is a “naked” form, meaning it doesn’t contain additional proteins. This theoretically may reduce the likelihood of antibody formation in some individuals.
   • Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA): It is also derived from Clostridium botulinum and is similar to Botox. The main difference lies in the formulation and the way the active ingredient is surrounded by proteins.
2. Protein Surrounding the Active Ingredient:
   • Botox: Contains complexing proteins.
   • Xeomin: Has no accessory proteins, making it a “pure” form of botulinum toxin.
   • Dysport: Has smaller-sized proteins compared to Botox.
3. Onset of Action and Duration:
   • The onset of action and duration of effects can vary slightly among individuals, but some studies suggest that Dysport may have a quicker onset of action compared to Botox, and Xeomin may have a similar onset to Botox.
   • The duration of effect is typically reported as similar for all three, lasting about 3 to 4 months. However, some people suggest Dysport may last longer in certain individuals.
4. Dosage Equivalency:
   • The dosage required for each product is not directly interchangeable. Each has its own unit of measurement, and the conversion ratios may vary.
5. Personal Preferences and Patient Response:
   • Some practitioners and patients may prefer one product over another based on personal experience and how an individual responds to the treatment.
6. Cost:
   • While the general range of cost of these products is similar, the specific price can vary and depends on factors such as brand, location, and practitioner. The manufacturers also offer rewards programs that can add up to significant savings for customers.

It’s important to note that these products are used for cosmetic and medical purposes, and the choice between them often depends on individual factors, practitioner preference, and the specific goals of the treatment.  The best way to determine the products that best suit each individual patient is to schedule a full consultation and have that discussion with the provider who is doing the injection.