The Inside Scoop on Botox and Other Neurotoxins
Botox is a universally well-known treatment these days, but with so many neurotoxin options on the market now, we get plenty of questions about the differences between them. Learn about which treatments our experts prefer and the benefits they offer.
Is Botox still the gold standard when it comes to reducing and preventing wrinkles?
Neurotoxins in general, which Botox is the most commonly known, are the gold standard in treating dynamic wrinkles from muscle movement. Botox is not necessarily the gold standard, but rather the first discovered and FDA-approved, as well as the most commonly used neurotoxin. But that does not mean it’s the best or only option for reducing and preventing wrinkles! There are different neuromodulators available and what works best can differ between patients, and even differ for the same patient over time.
Talk to us about some of the other alternatives on the market, including Daxxify, Xeomin, and Dysport. How have the options evolved and how can patients know what is right for them?
With so many neurotoxins on the market, it can become confusing for patients to understand the different options. However, it is the role of the physician/injector to consult the patient, learn their injection history, and develop a treatment plan specifically for that patient. Patients should never worry about having to choose which neuromodulator is best for them; if you are seeing a board certified physician, you can trust they’ll use their expertise to ensure you’re using the right one.
That said, here are some things you should know about Neuromodulators and some of the similaries, and differences.
Price
Neuromodulators are priced per unit and the price range is relatively similar for Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport. The price point for Daxxify is higher, however, the duration is longer for this product and therefore about the same annual cost per patient, with the advantage of fewer in-office visits.
Downtime
Downtime is the same for all neuromodulators. Temporary skin redness and tenderness may occur after injection and typically resolve within hours. As with any injection, there is a risk of bruising which typically resolves within days.
Duration
Each of the neuromodulators has the same core composition. What makes them different is the associated proteins and thus giving different names. Botox, Xeomin, and Dyposrt are all going to have a similar duration, of about 3-6 months, which is both dose-dependent (how many units are used) as well as patient-dependent (some patients metabolize faster than others). Daxxify is the newest neuromodulator, with the longest duration. In clinical trials, this lasted 6-9 months.
Why is it important to consult a physician and certified injector?
Experience is crucial when it comes to injectables. A thorough understanding of facial anatomy is important to maximize results and minimize potential complications. When choosing an injector you want to understand their credentials, experience, and training.
Are there times when other treatments are better for wrinkles or skin laxity? What other treatments should patients be aware of?
Neuromodulators (Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, Daxxify) work specifically on dynamic wrinkles– wrinkles that are caused by repetitive muscle movements. By injecting the neuromodulator directly into certain muscle, we can temporarily weaken the muscle strength and therefore soften the appearance of the wrinkle as we see on the face.
Common areas neuromodulators are used to treat include: forehead wrinkles, the glabella, or “11 lines” between the brows, crow’s feet, bunny lines on the nose, and platysmal bands on the neck.
Dynamic wrinkles are only one component of the aging process. As we age, we also have a loss of collagen and elastin in the skin, volume loss, photo damage, and more depending on our genetics and lifestyle. Unfortunately, there is not one treatment that can address the aging face in its entirety. And in order to age gracefully we will need different treatments to target the different components of aging, such as dermal fillers to treat volume loss, energy-based devices (Sofwave, Profound, Genius) to stimulate collagen and elastin production, or lasers to treat photodamage. During a cosmetic consultation, your provider will develop a treatment plan specific to you.
Call our office to schedule a custom consultation with our board-certified physicians to find out what treatments are best for your individual needs.
Related Reading: Botox & Filler – Everything You Need to Know Before Treatment