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.
As of 2024, 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 drug 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 these drugs 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 you get with Botox. Daxxify also does not contain any human or animal byproduct in its formula and is actually formulated with a peptide, the first of its kind, to help stabilize the active ingredient. The peptide also allows for more toxins to enter the nerve cells because of the way it enhances the 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 such as Botox and Dysport contain accessory proteins, and since the human body can become accustomed to these proteins and form a resistance, there is a possibility that some patients might develop resistance. More units of the drug may be required to reach the desired results due to a resistance that has built over time which makes injections less effective. Xeomin has no accessory proteins, so it can be a solution to resistance or to counter-resistance that has already been built.
Jeuveau: fast-acting
Jeuveau is a 900 kDa purified botulinum toxin formula A and is also a neurotoxin like Botox with the same side-effect profile and the same reports of effectiveness. Evolus, the manufacturer of Jeuveau, claims that 50% of people who received treatment had visible improvements at the injection site after two days. Jeuveau is also committed to offering a price point lower than other neurotoxin injections, which will translate to a lower price for your treatment.
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 seen as beneficial in larger treatment areas where more even smoothing is desired. The results seen from Dysport are similar to Botox, Xeomin, Daxxify, and other BoNT-A treatments, but it is good to know that the formulation of Dysport is slightly different. This slight difference in formulation changes the dosage of the drug as the units of measurement are not directly comparable with Botox, Xeomin, Daxxify, etc. Although Dysport may be marketed at a lower price per unit, it often takes two to three times as many units to achieve your 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 health care professional to determine the most suitable treatment option based on your specific needs and medical history.
As with other medical cosmetic procedures, there are many factors that 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 good understanding of the drugs, extensive training in cosmetic medical procedures, and many years of experience providing injections will know what botulinum toxin injections 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 them for very low prices. Everyone loves a bargain, but deep discounts on a botulinum toxin injection could be a warning that either the injection material or the provider performing the injection—or both—is/are not the highest quality. Very low prices can often be an indication that the provider is buying from non-FDA-approved overseas vendors, and this might put you at risk.
Insist on an on-site physician
Botulinum toxins are FDA-regulated drugs—not beauty products—and injection of these drugs is a medical procedure. There are some well-trained and experienced nurses and physician assistants who can perform these injections with good results. However, while extremely rare, complications from these injections are possible. For this reason, insist that your injections be performed or overseen by a physician who is on-site at the time you get the injection.
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 is right for your goals, budget, and timeframe. See appointments or call us at 415-409-3456.