Dysport®, DAXXIFY®, and XEOMIN® vs. BOTOX®: Which Should You Choose?

While BOTOX® Cosmetic used to be the only neuromodulator on the block, today, there’s a variety of neuromodulators that can be used to:

When it comes to neuromodulators like BOTOX, Dysport, Daxxify, and XEOMIN, there are several factors to consider when choosing the right one for your needs. Here’s an ultimate guide to help you understand the differences and make an informed decision:

What Are Neuromodulators?

BOTOX, Dysport, DAXXIFY, and XEOMIN all belong to a group of drugs called neuromodulators, or sometimes neurotoxins or just toxins for short. Here are a few other things they have in common:

• They all contain the same active ingredient (botulinum toxin type A)
• They’re all FDA-approved (for specific areas) and, therefore, highly safe when administered by an experienced injector
• They all temporarily paralyze the muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles and other facial concerns

But when it comes to what sets each product apart, specific subtleties such as formulation, longevity, diffusion, and onset must be examined.

Formulation: What Are They Made Of?

Each of these four neurotoxins contains a unique formulation:

• BOTOX (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a purified form of botulinum toxin type A formulated with human serum albumin.
• Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) is also derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, specifically botulinum toxin type A. Its formulation is similar to BOTOX but has different protein carriers.
• DAXXIFY (DaxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) is derived from the same type of botulinum toxin, but it is formulated with a peptide designed to help deliver the botulinum toxin to the nerve cells. Instead of containing human or animal products, DAXXIFY contains unique peptides.
• XEOMIN (IncobotulinumtoxinA) has a pure composition containing only the toxin without any added carrier proteins

Longevity: Which Neurotoxin Lasts the Longest?

Which neuromodulator keeps your wrinkles at bay the longest? While longevity is very similar between all formulations, the company making DAXXIFY reports a slightly longer-lasting duration in the lab than other brands, but clinical reports have been varied.

Onset of Action: Which Injectable Works the Fastest?

Does one formulation work faster than another? While the onset of action is very similar across the board, evidence supports that Dysport may kick in a day sooner than BOTOX and other neuromodulators. Full neuromodulator results are usually visible within 10 to 14 days post-treatment. Keep this in mind if you hope to appear picture-perfect by a certain date!

Diffusion: How Neuromodulators Spread

Diffusion refers to the spread of the neurotoxin from the injection site. Some injectors note modest diffusion differences, so the following may be true:

• BOTOX has a moderate diffusion rate.
• Dysport has a higher diffusion rate, making it more beneficial for larger treatment areas.
• DAXXIFY has a lower diffusion rate, allowing for more precise targeting of specific muscles.

Treatment Areas

While FDA approval may differ for various formulations, our knowledgeable injectors often use them interchangeably across all areas to achieve your desired results. For example, BOTOX and Dysport are FDA-approved for treating frown lines (glabella or 11s), crow’s feet, and forehead lines. Currently, DAXXIFY is only FDA-approved for treating frown lines, but it can be used off-label for other areas. XEOMIN has also been approved to treat frown lines.

We use all of these neuromodulators to:

• Erase dynamic wrinkles
• Subtly lift the brows
• Slim the lower face/jawline
• Smooth a dimpled chin
• Shrink bulky trap muscles
• Add height to the upper lip and reduce a “gummy smile”

Does Dosage Vary?

While the amounts of active ingredients remain similar among all neuromodulators, the recommended dosage differs between products. This is due to manufacturer variations in formulation and unit amounts. Again, that’s why it’s so critical to choose an injector with experience administering all types of neurotoxins to treat a variety of concerns.

Cost: How Much Is BOTOX vs. Other Alternatives?

We understand that budget can be a factor when choosing neuromodulators. The truth is that injectable costs vary widely by provider. Generally, BOTOX, Dysport, and XEOMIN have similar treatment costs. DAXXIFY is typically more expensive per unit, but it may offer longer-lasting benefits for some patients.

Remember, investing in your appearance and self-confidence is priceless! But you can find more details about our BOTOX, filler, and injectable treatment packages here.

Neurotoxin Side Effects

Because your safety is always our top priority, we’re happy to share that all neuromodulators have a well-established safety profile—especially when administered by our capable team. BOTOX, DAXXIFY, Dysport, and XEOMIN have all undergone rigorous clinical trials and received FDA approval for various cosmetic and medical uses.

Severe reactions are extremely rare, but there may be a low risk of minor side effects, including:

• Injection site reactions
• Headache 
• Eyelid or brow ptosis (drooping)
• Facial paresis (weakness)
• Muscular weakness

Remember, our amazing injectors are committed to keeping you safe and comfortable during treatment and are passionate about wowing you with your post-treatment results!

Why Choose One Over the Other?

While BOTOX, Dysport, DAXXIFY, and XEOMIN are all safe, proven wrinkle-relaxers, your selection usually depends on your personal preferences, treatment goals, and cost considerations.

We encourage you to keep these points in mind when contemplating your options:

• As the veteran neuromodulator on the block, BOTOX may be preferred for its well-established reputation and familiarity among patients and providers.
• Dysport may take effect a day earlier than BOTOX and have less spread.
• Despite the manufacturer’s claims that DAXXIFY is a longer-lasting injectable than other neuromodulators, we haven’t observed this in our office—however, some patients who found BOTOX losing effectiveness experience positive results with DAXXIFY.
• Often called “Naked BOTOX,” XEOMIN’s highly purified formulation appeals to some patients who may be sensitive to additives.

Let Us Help You Find Your Ideal Neuromodulator

Now that we’ve armed you with more neuromodulator knowledge, are you ready to explore your unique options? Consulting with one of our experienced providers is the best way to determine the most suitable neuromodulator for your specific needs and desired outcome. We encourage you to request a consultation online or call us at (415) 445-9513 to get started. We can’t wait to show you what BOTOX and other popular neuromodulators can do to help you look and feel more vibrant and youthful!