Over the last several years, alternatives like several neurotoxin injections have proven reliable for addressing facial lines and wrinkles. Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport are especially popular options.
Are you trying to choose among them to start your injectable treatment journey? This piece will guide you toward the most suitable option that matches your needs as a first-time patient.
Step 1: Know What You Want to Treat
You need to pinpoint your exact cosmetic or medical concerns before choosing between Botox, Xeomin, or Dysport. Each injectable works differently and targets specific issues.
Wrinkles: Glabellar Lines, Crow’s Feet, Forehead Lines
Repetitive muscle contractions create facial lines as time passes. These lines show up at first only during expressions (dynamic wrinkles) and might become visible even at rest (static wrinkles). Learning about your specific wrinkle type helps you pick the right injectable.
Glabellar lines show up between your eyebrows because of procerus and corrugator muscle contractions. These vertical lines often make you look tired or angry. The FDA has approved all three injectables—Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport—to treat these lines.
Crow’s feet appear around your eyes’ outer corners. You’ll notice these lines when you smile or squint. The FDA approved Botox specifically to treat crow’s feet in 2013.
Forehead lines run horizontally across your forehead due to frontalis muscle activity. Raising your eyebrows makes these lines more noticeable. The FDA approved Botox for treating forehead lines in 2017.
Medical Conditions: Migraines, Hyperhidrosis, Spasticity
Chronic migraines cause debilitating pain and sensitivity to light and sound for millions. Adults who get headaches 15 or more days monthly lasting more than four hours daily can use FDA-approved Botox as prevention. The neurotoxin stops pain signals from reaching the brain. However, it doesn’t work for episodic migraines that occur 14 days or fewer per month.
Hyperhidrosis patients can use botulinum toxin injections if topical treatments don’t work. The treatment blocks nerve signals to the sweat glands in areas such as the underarms, palms, feet, and face. You’ll need another treatment after 6 to 12 months.
Spasticity makes muscles abnormally tight due to multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, brain trauma, or ALS. Botulinum toxin blocks nerve signals to specific muscles and reduces stiffness. Patients as young as 2 years old can receive this treatment.
Other conditions these injectables treat include:
- Neck spasms
- Eye muscle disorders
- Eyelid twitching
- TMJ pain and jaw discomfort
Your Beauty Vault provider can help you choose the most suitable injectable once you identify your main concerns—whether cosmetic or medical. This helps create the best treatment plan for your specific needs.
Step 2: Understand the Differences Between Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport
You now know what you want to treat. Learning the key differences between these three neurotoxins will help you pick the one that works best for you.
Botox: Most Versatile
Botox shines because it can be used for both cosmetic and medical purposes. Beyond wrinkle treatment, the FDA has approved Botox to treat migraines, excessive sweating, eyelid spasms, and cervical dystonia.
The injection stays mostly in one spot and spreads about the size of a penny. This makes it excellent for treating deeper wrinkles, where the treatment needs to be concentrated in one area.
Xeomin: Additive-Free Formulation
Approved by the FDA in 2011, what makes Xeomin special is its “naked” formula; it doesn’t have any extra proteins or additives. This pure form could be great if you’re trying it for the first time and worry about sensitivity or long-term use.
Xeomin’s pure formula brings two big benefits. One of the reasons is that your body is less likely to develop antibodies against the treatment, which can lead to your body resisting it. A pure formula may also result in fewer allergic reactions compared to other options. Additionally, since it’s protein-free, you don’t need to refrigerate Xeomin like Botox.
The main downside is that Xeomin spreads the least under your skin—about the size of a dime.
Dysport: Faster Onset and Wider Spread
The FDA approved Dysport in 2009. It contains botulinum toxin type A, along with other ingredients that enhance its effectiveness.
Dysport spreads more than other neurotoxins after injection—about the size of a quarter. This means it can cover larger areas with fewer injections, making it particularly effective for larger areas like the forehead.
Step 3: Compare Effectiveness and Duration for First-Time Users
Speed of results and duration play a crucial role in choosing between Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport if you’re new to these treatments.
How Quickly Each Injectable Works
These three treatments show results at different speeds.
Dysport works the fastest, with results showing up within two to three days after injection. You may notice changes as soon as 24 hours. This quick action makes Dysport a good choice if you need results quickly before special events.
Xeomin takes five to six days to show noticeable changes, though some people see original results as early as one to three days after treatment. The full effect becomes visible approximately two weeks later.
Botox takes the longest time, with results showing up in 10 days or less. Most people notice changes within three to five days, but the complete effect needs 10 to 14 days to develop.
How Long Results Typically Last
These neurotoxins provide temporary results that fade over time.
Botox lasts the longest, typically four to six months, although most experts consider three to four months to be the standard duration.
With Xeomin, you can expect to see changes within a week, and results typically last three to six months.
As for Dysport, some patients report that it works faster, but its effects may fade sooner than those of other options. In fact, they tend to last up to four months, though some people see them longer.
Factors Determining Longevity
No matter which neurotoxin you choose, your results’ duration depends on several factors, including:
- Your metabolism
- Area treated
- Number of units used
- Your age
- Previous treatments with botulinum toxin
Step 4: Consider Side Effects and Safety Profile
Safety must come first as you choose between Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport. A clear grasp of possible side effects and your suitability as a candidate will guide you to make the right choice.
Common Side Effects: Bruising, Swelling, Headache
These three injectables share similar minor side effects that usually go away within days. Examples include:
- Injection site reactions: You might notice pain, swelling, bruising, or redness where the needle entered your skin. Mild bruising affects 11% to 25% of patients.
- Headaches: The toxin can trigger muscle spasms before paralysis sets in, which may lead to headaches. Most people experience mild headaches that clear up quickly; however, some rare cases report severe headaches that last two to four weeks.
- Flu-like symptoms: Some patients experience temporary discomfort that resembles a mild flu.
Other reactions include dry mouth, dry eyes, and mild facial muscle weakness at the site of injection. These effects usually clear up on their own without extra treatment.
The Beauty Vault Offers Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport for Everyone
First-time users often feel overwhelmed when picking between Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport. The best choice depends on what you want to achieve, how fast you need results, and your face’s unique structure. The Beauty Vault team in West Hollywood can expertly guide you to the perfect treatment plan for your needs, so make an appointment with them today by calling (323) 800-6770 or filling out a contact form.
FAQs
Q1. What are the main differences between Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport?
Botox is the most versatile and widely used, Xeomin has an additive-free formulation, and Dysport has a faster onset and wider spread. Botox typically takes seven to ten days to show results, Xeomin five to six days, and Dysport two to three days. They all last about three to four months on average.
Q2. How do I choose which injectable is right for me as a first-time user?
Consider what you want to treat (wrinkles or medical conditions), the onset time you prefer, and potential side effects. Consult with the Beauty Vault team to discuss your specific needs and determine the best option for your unique situation.
Q3. Are there any serious risks associated with these injectables?
While rare, serious risks can include botulism-like symptoms if the toxin spreads beyond the treatment area. Eyelid drooping occurs in about 1% to 5% of treatments. Choose a qualified Beauty Vault provider and immediately report any concerning symptoms post-treatment.
Q4. How often will I need to get treatments to maintain results?
Typically, you’ll need repeat treatments every three to six months to maintain results. The exact frequency depends on factors like your individual metabolism, the treatment area, and the dosage used. Regular treatments may lead to longer-lasting results over time.
