If you want smooth, wrinkle-free skin, neuromodulators like Botox can be used to soften existing lines and effectively prevent new ones. But with so many options such as Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau and the new longer-lasting Daxxify, you may wonder which is best for you. Here are 5 differences between each of these products
Injectables
1. The formulation and ingredients
All cosmetic Botox-type neuromodulator injectables contain a purified strain of botulinum toxin, botulinumtoxinA, which relaxes muscles for several months after injection. These injectables smooth the skin by preventing facial wrinkles and fine lines from forming with your muscle movements. There are slight differences in how each brand name is formulated; to indicate this, the prefix that comes before “botulinumtoxinA” differs for each neurotoxin:
- Botox is onabotulinumtoxinA
- Dysport is abobotulinumtoxinA
- Daxxify is daxibotulinumtoxinA
- Jeuveau is prabotulinumtoxinA
This reflects small differences in each toxin’s formulation and secondary ingredients, but all perform in a similar way. Note that the protein used in Dysport is derived from milk, so we do not recommend Dysport if you have a milk allergy.
2. Local spread of product once injected*
There are also differences that affect how each product works once injected. Compared with Botox, Dysport is less concentrated and has smaller molecules, so Dysport spreads slightly more from the injection site. This can be helpful in some anatomical areas, but worrisome in others.
3. Unit measurements needed for treatment*
Medical injectors are trained in the differences in “units” of each product, as these differ widely. A single unit of Botox roughly equals about 2.5 units of Dysport; this means that 20 units of Botox used to reduce the glabellar lines between the eyebrows equals about 50 units of Dysport in the same area (the treatment cost of Dysport and Botox ends up being about the same). Daxxify requires up to 40 units to treat the glabella.
4. How quickly results develop
With any Botox-type injectable, full results typically are visible around 2 weeks, but the time it takes to begin seeing results may vary based on the formula used. Here is the average time it takes to see detectable results, per neurotoxin:
- Botox: 4-7 days
- Dysport: 2-3 days
- Jeuveau: 2-3 days
- Daxxify: within 2 days on average, according to the manufacturer, Revance 5.
5. How long results last
Botox and Jeuveau smoothes fine lines and wrinkles for 3-4 months on average. Dysport may last somewhat longer than Botox; some patients have seen results last up to 5 months although most patients are still ready for a touch-up after 3-4 months when results are fading. You likely won’t notice a difference in how Botox Jeuveau or Dysport work—but Daxxify may last several months longer for some patients. The clinical trials conducted with Daxxify, on the other hand, show results that lasted up to 6 months for just over 50% of patients, and as long as 9 months for some of those patients.
Fillers
What are Injectable Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines and soften creases, or enhance facial contours.
How Can Dermal Fillers Enhance My Appearance?
While dermal fillers are casually known as “wrinkle fillers,” they can do much more than just smooth out wrinkles, although they are excellent at this too! Here are a few of the common issues dermal fillers can help address:
- Smooth out lines around nose and mouth (a.k.a. marionette lines, smile lines, and parentheses)
- Enhance & restore volume to sunken cheeks or temples
- Diminish vertical lip lines
- Plump & enhance the lips
- Smooth out a chin crease
- Improve symmetry among facial features
What are Fillers Made With?
There are a variety of FDA approved filler products that cosmetic surgeons use. In general, fillers are categorized by the substance they are made from. A note for your safety: always make sure that you are receiving FDA approved, brand name fillers, which are only available through a licensed physician, such as a board certified cosmetic surgeon.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is already found in your skin. It helps keep skin plump and hydrated. HA fillers are typically soft and gel-like. The results are temporary, lasting 6 to 12 months or longer before the body gradually and naturally absorbs the particles. Most HA fillers are infused with lidocaine to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment. FDA approved HA fillers include:
- Juvéderm products: Juvéderm XC, VOLUMA, VOLBELLA, VOLLURE
- Restylane products: Restylane, Restylane Silk, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Kysse, Restylane Contour
- Belotero Balance
- Revanesse Versa
- The RHA collection: RHA 2, RHA 3, and RHA 4
Poly-L-lactic acid is a biocompatible (meaning it is safe to use in the body), biodegradable synthetic substance. It has been used for many years in medical devices, such as dissolvable stitches. Poly-L-lactic