The world of facial rejuvenation has never been more exciting or accessible. With the availability of various treatments like neurotoxins Daxxify, Botox, and Dysport (amongst others like Xeomin, and Jeuveau), it can be challenging to know which option is right for you. This blog post aims to clarify the similarities and differences between these popular options to help you make an informed decision.

What Are Neurotoxins?

Neurotoxins are a fascinating blend of science and aesthetic medicine, serving both cosmetic and functional purposes. These are specialized substances designed to target the nervous system, specifically disrupting the transmission of signals between neurons. In layman’s terms, they can “pause” muscle activity, inhibiting movement.

Popular neurotoxins like Botox, Dysport, and the newly introduced Daxxify all hail from the botulinum toxin family. But don’t let the word “toxin” scare you; these products are carefully formulated to ensure safe and effective use when administered by qualified professionals. Their main draw? The ability to temporarily inhibit muscle activity, offering a minimally invasive solution to soften or even eliminate wrinkles.

What Are Daxxify, Botox, and Dysport?

These treatments consist of injectable neurotoxins used for facial rejuvenation and wrinkle reduction. They can address a wide range of issues, from frown lines and forehead creases to crow’s feet. Additionally, they can be applied to neck bands and jaw muscles, as well as to smooth lip pucker lines and remedy gummy smiles. And that’s just their cosmetic application. These neurotoxins have also been used for functional purposes, treating conditions ranging from blepharospasm and laryngeal spasms to cervical dystonia. Before we delve into comparisons, let’s take a closer look at what each of these treatments entails:

Daxxify

• Composition: A purified form of botulinum toxin A. The generic name is daxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm.
• How it works: Blocks the nerve signals in the injected muscles, limiting muscle activity and temporarily reducing or eliminating wrinkles.  Activity lasts 4-6 months.
• Common Uses: Daxxify was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows, also known as glabellar lines. While FDA approval specifically covers only glabellar lines, off-label use for treating other cosmetic wrinkles is common.
• Additional Information: Daxxify is one of the newer options and is gaining traction due to its purported duration of effectiveness of 6 months.

Botox (the “OG” toxin)

• Composition: Made from a form of botulinum toxin A- onabotulinumtoxinA.
• How it works: Temporarily paralyzes muscle activity, softening and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.  Botox has the widest FDA approval for all 3 zones of the face- crows feet, glabellar lines and forehead wrinkles.  It is also FDA approved for axillary sweating. .
• Common Uses: Forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines. Of course off-label uses for the neck (the “Nefertiti”), and the jaw muscles to slim the face, and lip lines as well as gummy smiles.
• Additional Information: Botox is the most well-known brand and has been extensively researched. Wide-spread functional use, from blepharospasm to lower limb spasticity to migraines to laryngeal dysphonia.

Dysport

• Composition: Another form of botulinum toxin A- abobotulinumtoxinA.
• How it works: Similar to Botox, it inhibits muscle activity temporarily for 3-4 months .
• Common Uses: Primarily used to treat forehead wrinkles and frown lines.  FDA approved for glabellar lines and lower limb spasticity.
• Additional Information: Dysport tends to spread a bit more than Botox, making it suitable for treating larger areas, ie. good for the forehead region.

Other Injectable Neurotoxins: Xeomin & Jeuveau

The additional two players on the market are Xeomin aka incobotulinumtoxin A, use FDA indicated mainly for blepharospasm but obviously off-label use for all the same areas as botox and Dysport. Activity is also 3-4 months.  Xeomin is known for being Gwenyth Paltrow’s more vegan option (less protein cofactors). Jeuveau, aka prabotulinumtoxin-xvfs, is also another option that lasts 3-4 months. It has FDA approval for glabellar lines.

Comparing the Neurotoxins

Similarities

Daxxify, Botox, and Dysport share several characteristics:

• All are derived from botulinum toxin
• FDA-approved for cosmetic use (all for glabellar region)
• Effective in treating dynamic wrinkles, such as crow’s feet and forehead lines (other than the OG Botox, the others are off-label uses of the injectable).
• Generally safe when administered by qualified professionals

Key Differences

While they are similar in many ways, there are key distinctions to note:

• Composition: Each has a unique formula, affecting how they spread after injection.
• Speed of Onset: Dysport (3-7 days) often acts faster than Botox (7-10 days); Daxxify varies.
• Duration of Effects: Botox can last 3-6 months and Dysport around 3-4 months. Daxxify’s duration is still under study, but purported to be about 6 months.
• Cost: Botox is often more expensive, but costs can vary based on location and provider. Daxxify is the most expensive because you pay the price for 6 months’ activity.
• Areas Best Suited: Botox is used for finer lines, Dysport for broader areas, and Daxxify is still under study for its ideal effects.

Side Effects of Botulinum Toxin A

All treatments have potential side effects like bruising, swelling, or headaches. Serious side effects are rare but should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Individual experiences may vary.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for these treatments are adults who are in good health and have realistic expectations about the results. People with certain neurological or skin conditions should consult healthcare providers before receiving these treatments.

Consultation Process

A consultation with a qualified professional is essential. During the consultation, your provider will evaluate your skin’s condition, discuss your goals, and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

FAQs

Is the treatment painful?: Generally, the discomfort is minimal and brief.

Can I go back to work after the treatment?: Most people can return to work or normal activities immediately.

Daxxify, Botox, and Dysport offer effective solutions for facial rejuvenation. While they share many similarities, they also have unique characteristics that may make one a better fit for you. Consulting with a qualified professional is the best way to determine which treatment aligns with your aesthetic goals.

Ready to discover which treatment is right for you? Contact our practice today to schedule a personalized consultation with our experienced team.

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