The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin: Your Path to Smoother, Younger-Looking Skin in 2024
When it comes to reducing wrinkles and achieving a more youthful appearance, neuromodulators have revolutionized the world of medical aesthetics. With neuromodulators like Botox seeing a 4% year-over-year increase in 2024 and maintaining their spot as the top minimally invasive treatment, more people than ever are exploring these innovative solutions. But with three major options available—Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin—how do you choose the right one for your unique needs?
Understanding the Science Behind Neuromodulators
All three neurotoxins are derived from Clostridium Botulinum type A. These injectable neuromodulators block nerve signals relaxing the facial muscles, effectively smoothing dynamic wrinkles caused by repeated facial expressions. Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport, on average, last 3-4 months, making them excellent non-surgical options for maintaining a youthful appearance.
Botox: The Gold Standard
Botox is an injectable treatment for fine lines and wrinkles initially brought to market by Allergan, which is now a part of AbbVie. It has been approved for cosmetic purposes since 2002, giving it the longest track record among the three options. On average most Botox patients notice the effects of the toxin within 4-5 days post treatment.
Botox contains complexing proteins that help stabilize the formula, though additive proteins are meant to clump together to help the effects of the toxin last longer. The treatment typically requires around 10 to 30 units needed for each injection site.
Dysport: The Fast-Acting Alternative
Dysport uses abobotulinumtoxinA and is known for its quicker onset and broader spread. Dysport patients notice effects within 2-3 days post treatment, with some patients and injectors reporting that Dysport takes less time to become effective than BOTOX.
One key difference is dosing: Dysport is diluted when compared to Botox, so you will need more units to have a noticeable effect. The forehead, for example, usually requires anywhere from 30 to 60 units, while crow’s feet need about 30 per side. However, this often translates to a lower cost per unit.
Important considerations include allergies: patients with a specific egg or lactose protein allergy should avoid Dysport because of the presence of the allergen protein in this neurotoxin, and Dysport also contains lactose and cow’s milk protein.
Xeomin: The “Pure” Option
Xeomin is a relative newcomer to the cosmetic neuromodulator market, with FDA approval arriving in 2011. The active ingredient in Xeomin is incobotulinumtoxinA. What sets Xeomin apart is its purity.
Unlike Botox and Dysport, Xeomin contains no complexing proteins and is just a purified form of the toxin. Xeomin is “naked” and experts consider it the purest injectable. This unique characteristic offers several advantages:
- People with allergies or skin sensitivities may react less to a Xeomin injection
- Because it contains no proteins, Xeomin does not require refrigeration like Botox or Dysport. Storage at room temperature may allow for a more comfortable injection for some patients
- A benefit of a pure-form injectable is that the human body is less likely to become resistant to it
Comparing Effectiveness and Duration
While all three products deliver excellent results, there are subtle differences in their performance. Xeomin spreads the least under the skin – about a dime size, Botox – about a penny, and Dysport spreads the most – about a quarter.
In terms of longevity, one study found Xeomin’s duration to be longer than Dysport or Botox, which both fared about the same; however, more studies will need to be done to come to a definite conclusion. All three neurotoxins on the market can last from three to six months, per treatment, varying from patient to patient.
Cost Considerations
Pricing varies between the three options. The cost of Xeomin is roughly the same as for Botox at $5.00-5.40 per unit. Dysport is about $3.99 per unit. Patients average 20 units of Xeomin per visit, vs. 20 units of Botox and 40 units of Dysport.
Choosing the Right Provider
When considering neuromodulator treatments, selecting an experienced provider is crucial for optimal results. For those seeking botox astoria treatments, at Dolce, we are committed to providing specialized and personal care tailored to your individual needs. From facials to hair removal, non-surgical beauty enhancements, and more – Dolce is here to help you shine.
Dolce Aesthetics provides professional cosmetology services in New York, offering FDA approved Botox, Juvederm, and Radiesse treatments at locations in Queens, Long Island, and Brooklyn. Their services range from facials to hair removal, non-surgical beauty enhancements, and more, aiming to help individuals look and feel their best regardless of age.
The Current State of Medical Aesthetics
Likely due to their affordability and short recovery times, minimally invasive procedures accounted for more than double the number of cosmetic surgical procedures in 2024. Injectables, known for their personalization and subtle results, remained a clear favorite.
Injectable treatments are growing in popularity among men and younger consumers, who view them not just as corrective tools but as a form of proactive self-care. Men are turning to injectables to refine facial features, while individuals in their 20s and 30s often use them to prevent early signs of aging.
Making Your Decision
The choice between Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin ultimately depends on your individual needs, skin sensitivity, desired onset time, and budget considerations. It’s also important to remember that these slight differences mean that one brand of tox may work better for you than another, so don’t be afraid to speak to your injector about trying different options at your next visit, especially if you’re seeing the effectiveness of your tox regimen wane.
Whether you choose Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin, it’s essential to seek medical advice from a dermatologist before using any injectable. All three products will give you the desired result. The mission is to provide service excellence to all customers and help you feel and look your absolute best. We pride ourselves with professionalism and pristine quality care to all.
As the medical aesthetics industry continues to evolve with new innovations and techniques, these three proven neuromodulators remain the foundation of non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Consult with a qualified practitioner to determine which option aligns best with your aesthetic goals and lifestyle.