Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeauveau are alternatives to Botox and similar to them in that they are wrinkle relaxers. Like Botox, they work by reducing muscle contraction and wrinkles that result from it.
Dysport
Dysport was the first of these competitors to come to market. Similar to Botox, it is a purified neurotoxin commonly that treats wrinkles of the frown, forehead and crows’ feet. However, Dysport has a few subtle differences which include:
- Faster onset of action
- Smoother results
The smoother results are due to the toxin spreading a little more than its competitors when injected into the skin. This effect may be beneficial in the forehead and crows’ feet where a feathering effect is often desired.
Some patients also feel Dysport lasts longer for them, but this is not universally true.
Xeomin
Xeomin differs from its competitors in that it is the purest of the neurotoxins. When Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau are manufactured, they end up with extra proteins attached to them. The significance of these extra proteins is uncertain, but Xeomin has the least amount of unnecessary protein attached to it.
Like Botox and it’s competitors, Xeomin is an effective treatment for lines that are caused by dynamic muscle movement like the frown, crows feet, and forehead lines.
Treating wrinkles caused by dynamic movement is one of the cornerstones of rejuvenation. Treating wrinkles such as the forehead lines, crows feet, and frown not only helps one look younger but also helps prevent them from becoming etched into the skin.
Xeomin was studied extensively before being approved by the FDA, and it has a long history of use in other countries. The risks of Xeomin are virtually identical to the risks of Botox, Dysport, and Jeaveau.
Jeuveau
Jeuveau, also known as #newtox, is the newest of the Botox alternatives. Similar to the others, it is used to reduce wrinkles caused by dynamic muscle movement.
There is a suggestion that onset of action is a little quicker than Botox with this product, and patients who have been treated are very happy with their results. Results seem to last as long as the others.
Which product to use?
In the end, Botox and its alternatives are more similar than they are different. I often tell patients that comparing them is like comparing Coke vs. Pepsi. There are subtle differences, but they are not vast.
Sometimes, patients just respond better to one than the other, and that is a good enough reason to choose that one. Other times, a patient has become resistant to treatment with one and switching to another provides more improvement. Lastly, the feathering effect of Dysport provides nice results in some patients.
If you are open to trying alternatives, you may find that you like Dysport, Xeomin, or Jeuveau better than Botox. However, there is nothing wrong with sticking with what works. From a cost perspective, they are all the same.
