31 May 4 Types of “Botox”
When it comes to getting “Botox,” Botox might not be the best fit for you—wait, what? Botox has become so synonymous with neuromodulator injections that we often use it to refer to a wide variety of injectables that do very similar things. It’s kind of like when we say “Kleenex,” we might mean a facial tissue that’s actually the Kleenex brand or a variety of other types of facial tissues that do the same thing! At RefinedMD, we offer four different types of “Botox” because we are committed to customizing every treatment for your one-of-a-kind goals. Each one works a little differently, so let’s take a look at these subtle differences to give you an idea of what might work best for your needs. However, nothing beats a consultation.
All four—Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau—are popular and shown to be safe and effective at both stopping wrinkles and preventing them. They all contain a neuromodulator that freezes or relaxes muscles temporarily, thus avoiding the formation of wrinkles. Let’s start with the original—Botox. It’s a product from Allergan (which means you get free Allergan points when you sign up to their program… free points every time you get Botox). It’s comprised of a certain formula of botulinum toxin (BTX), whose makeup is just a little different than its counterparts.
Botox You’ll Love
Dysport was Botox’s original key competitor and it has maintained that status for years. It is also made with BTX to block neurological signals in treated tissue. However, the makeup is slightly different. Botox uses onabotulinumtoxinA while Dysport uses abobotulinumtoxinA. However, at the base level, they use the same neuromodulator. Dysport is injected similarly as Botox. Some people think Botox or Dysport work “better,” or that you might build up a “tolerance” to one and it is helpful to switch back and forth, but this is largely anecdotal.
Xeomin is another type of injectable that uses a different version of BTX. It is made by a German company and is comprised of abobotulinumtoxinA. Jeuveau, or NEXTOX, is similar but relatively new to the market. It was approved by the FDA in 2019 (which means it still has plenty of years of testing and real-world experience under its belt). Jeuveau became popular because it is typically less expensive than Botox, but don’t worry—not because it’s less effective. It’s because the manufacturer decided to create this injectable for strictly cosmetic purposes while others, like Botox, are approved for both cosmetic and medical purposes (Botox is routinely used to prevent migraines and excessive sweating).
Differences you Need to Know
According to the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine, Xeomin works the fastest. However, all four injectables will “work” to their full capacity within one week. All are FDA approved, and it is important to know that you may find that you have built up resistance to any of them with routine use. So, depending on where you’re injecting your “Botox,” it can indeed be a good idea to switch things up.
Botox and Dysport can be injected just about anywhere, but that isn’t true of the newer options. Xeomin was created specifically to treat the glabellar lines (the “angry elevens”) between the brows. Jeuveau can also treat this area, as well as the lines on the corners of the eyes. Some people mix and match, using Botox or Dysport on the forehead and then Xeomin or Jeuveau between the brows. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your injector to create a plan that works for you and your goals.
Lasting Results: Botox and Dysport
All four types of Botox last 3 – 6 months. However, with Botox and Dysport, which can be injected in more areas, this length varies. More mobile areas, like the lips, tend to have Botox wear away quicker. Those who get a “lip flip” with Botox can expect results to last for about three months.
If you’ve been a fan of Botox for years and think it’s not working as well as it used to, you might need more units, a better injector—or maybe it’s time to try a different type of “Botox.” And if you’re brand new to this procedure, we’ll work with you to find the best match. Contact RefinedMD today to schedule your consultation. Call the office or simply complete the online form.