Face Off: Comparing Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®
Although it’s still the most popular by far, Botox® is no longer the only injectable cosmetic treatment derived from botulinum toxin type A. It now shares the space with alternatives like Jeuveau®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®.
Jeuveau is a relative newcomer, while Dysport and Xeomin are more established in the marketplace, so we’ll focus our comparative analysis on those two. Read on to learn about the differences between Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin — and how to decide which is best for you.
Botox vs. Dysport vs. Xeomin: Key Differences
While chemically similar, these three injectable treatments aren’t identical. Their key differences include their formulations, indications for use, cost, dosage, results, and risk profile.
Active Ingredients & Additives
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin all use botulinum toxin type A as their active ingredient. This powerful neurotoxin temporarily paralyzes muscles near the injection site, which can temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin each have proprietary formulations. This means two things:
- The molecular weight of the botulinum toxin component varies, with Dysport being significantly more dilute than Botox or Xeomin
- They have different nonactive ingredients (additives) or lack thereof — Botox and Dysport both have additives that affect their performance, while Xeomin is a “naked” botulinum toxin formulation
Indications for Use
Botox has been on the market longer than Dysport and Xeomin and thus has more FDA-approved indications. These include cosmetic applications like treatment of glabellar lines (frown lines) and crow’s feet as well as medical applications like chronic migraine and hyperhidrosis treatment.
However, because all three injectables use the same active ingredient, they have similar practical indications. Some providers prefer Dysport injections for treatments covering larger areas of the face because its lower molecular weight promotes diffusion away from the injection site.
Cost & Amounts Needed
Botox and Xeomin have similar cost profiles. Retail units costs vary by provider and geographic region, but the general range is $10 to $20 per unit for both.
Dysport costs less than Xeomin and Botox. Unit costs begin around $5. However, Dysport is only about half as concentrated as Botox or Xeomin, so the same procedure requires about twice as many units of Dysport (and sometimes more). Therefore, the net cost is similar for all three.
Results & Side Effects
Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport have similar mechanisms of action and thus produce similar results in patients. However, as noted, Dysport is more dilute and is thus more likely to diffuse farther away from the injection site. This is useful for cosmetic treatment plans covering broad areas of the face and neck.
Results last similar lengths of time for all three medications: three to six months, depending on the patient and dosage. Dysport results typically appear earlier than Botox or Xeomin: one to two days vs. three to four days. For all three, full results generally appear within one to two weeks.
The risk profile is similar for all three medications, with similar reported side effects and complication risks. However, because it lacks additives that can sometimes (though rarely) trigger allergic reactions in patients and may generate immune responses that reduce efficacy over time, Xeomin is regarded as more effective for repeat patients and those who’ve seen unsatisfactory results in the past.
Whichever botulinum toxin product you choose for your next anti-aging injection, be sure to work with a certified provider who has completed a comprehensive, accredited injectables training course. This is the surest way to reduce your risk of adverse effects and/or unsatisfactory results.
