What is the best Botox to Use? While the majority of the population knows what Botox does, they do not know exactly what it is or that their is more than one option. Botox is a Trademark of a company called Allergan. Allergan marketed Botox extraordinarily well so that it has now become a household name just like how Kleenex is the colloquial term for tissues. However, Botox is one brand, and the actual substance is called a neuromodulator or a neurotoxin. The other brands of botulinum type A toxin are Dsyport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin. All of the other brands include the same neurotoxin and are also all approved by the Food and Drug Administration for aesthetic purposes.
A quick review is that these neuromodulators consist of the toxin botulinum. The toxin from botulism has been found to be incredibly detrimental to the health of humans, however, it has been found that in small doses it is quite beneficial. For example, it can be used in non-cosmetic instances such as eye spasms or even excessive sweating in the hands and armpits. More commonly to the public, neuromodulators are used in the cosmetic space to improve the appearance of wrinkles in the skin. The actual substance is injected into the muscle, and it temporarily relaxes overactive muscles so that the wrinkles do not form in the skin in the first place. It is advised to start Botox injections early in your life to avoid wrinkles in the future. The best thing to do before starting treatment is to be informed on which product you are getting if there are any differences. Generally speaking, the biggest difference is that the four different brands are created in different manufacturing facilities which means different pricing, potency, and even ingredients.
Let’s start with the most famous brand, Botox scientifically known asonabotulinum toxin-A. Botox is an FDA approved substance that is used to treat the lines between your eyebrows frequently called the “elevens.” It is also approved to now treat forehead wrinkles and wrinkles around the eyes called “crows feet.” Botox does have a protein that can create an antibody in some people. This means that it will lose its effectiveness over time. Botox has one of the higher potencies meaning less is needed for injection. Botox takes 5-7 days for it to work and lasts around 3-4 months.
Second is Dysport, known scientifically as abobotulinum toxin-A. Dysport is an FDA approved substance that is approved to treat wrinkles between the brows. This substance is slightly less potent than Botox and Xeomin meaning that more might be needed to get the same desired effect. Dysport also contains a cow’s protein called casein so is not recommended for people with milk allergies. Lastly, Dysport may not last as long as Botox.
Third is Xeomin, known scientifically as incobotulinum toxin A. Xeomin is an FDA approved substance that is primarily used to treat wrinkles between the brows as well, but it also helps with excessive drooling. Xeomin does not have to be refrigerated like the others and maybe more enjoyable from the patient’s perspective to be injected with this due to the temperature. Xeomin has a high potency like Botox and may require less injection.
Lastly, is Jeuveau, scientifically known as prabotulinum toxin A. Jeuveau is the newest form of neurotoxin on the market and is FDA approved. Due to how new this product is, we do not have a lot of studies comparing all 4 neurotoxins. Patients have seen that it tends to begin working in 3-5 days, and last similarly with 3-4 months. The potency is similar to Botox and Xeomin.
All four of the products have similar risks and usages. They are all great for both cosmetic and medical conditions alike with similar results. Talk to your physician about all of your options and especially if you have a risk mentioned including milk allergy or if you have found that some of the products have not worked well on you.
If you’re interested in talking to a plastic surgeon, about what he recommends would be a good low-risk botox for you, you can contact us below at the Scarless Med Spa to book a consultation with Dr. Deepak Raj Dugar.
