The most requested aesthetic enhancements are neuromodulators – specifically Botox. But did you know there are two other neuromodulators on the market? 

The International Neuromodulation Society defines neuromodulators as altering nerve activity through targeted injection of a stimulus. A neuromodulator is injected into the muscle, which affects a neuron’s transmission of the signals between neurons and the muscles.

Think of it this way. When you smile, frown, or make a facial movement, the muscle just above the inner part of your eyebrows or forehead of skin next to the eyes, plus neck wrinkles and bands contract. In science, we call the foreheads muscles frontalis muscles. Crow’s feet are the orbicularis oculi muscles. Neck wrinkles and bands are called the platysma muscles.

Using neuromodulators, the muscle is weakened, and the contractions of the muscles are stopped. This stopping pauses the frequent creasing of your skin. Lines gradually improve and disappear for a time.

The entire theory behind neuromodulators is to stop the muscle from contracting. Three modulators on the market are your ticket to a younger, less wrinkled you. These products are Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport.

These products are made from purified proteins used in extremely small doses for different cosmetic procedures. The products are made from one of seven different botulinum toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. The raw material is manufactured by growing the bacteria and purifying it to remove bacterial substances, which leaves the purified neurotoxins. Neurotoxins start with purified raw material botulinum neurotoxin type A and one gram of the toxin is enough to make enough of the neurotoxin substances for an entire year.

Differences Between Xeomin, Botox, and Dysport

• The biggest difference between Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport is that Xeomin contains just one ingredient called botulinum toxin A.
• The manufacturing process is somewhat different with all three neurotoxins, which leads to a subtle difference in each product.
• Xeomin does not contain any additives. One advantage to pure form neurotoxin Xeomin injectable is your body is less likely to become resistant to Xeomin. Over time, you can develop antibodies to the additional ingredients in Botox and Dysport.
• Xeomin does not need to be refrigerated since it has no additives.
• Each product has an onset that is different from the other. Dysport has an onset of 24 hours, Botox’s onset is 72 hours, and Xeomin’s onset is four days.
• Each produce diffuses differently. Botox and Dysport have protective proteins grouped around the active part of the molecule. Xeomin has no protective proteins.
• There is less precision with Xeomin because it spreads faster than Botox or Dysport due to a lack of protective proteins clustered around the active molecule.
• Dysport diffuses more than Botox, increasing the chances of an accidental droopy eyelid or relaxation of a neighboring muscle.
• You cannot interchange Botox and Dysport because they are dosed and injected differently.
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Comparison Between Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin

Botox

Botox is the most well-known neurotoxin. Botox is scientifically known as onabotulinumtoxin A, and it works by causing temporary paralysis of muscles in the area where it is injected. Botox is used to manage fine lines and wrinkles and treat migraines.

Needs to be stored frozen or at least refrigerated.

Dysport

Dysport®, scientifically known as onabotulinumtoxin A, is like Botox®, but currently, Dysport is used in treating cervical dystonia. Cervical dystonia, or spasmodic torticollis, is an abnormal tone in the neck muscles which results in abnormal head positions. Botox is not used to treat this problem.

Dysport reacts faster than Botox. Dysport also lasts up to four months compared to Botox, which lasts only around three months. However, larger doses of Dysport need to be given compared to Botox. In addition, Dysport is less expensive than Botox, but the storage of the two products is the same. Dysport also needs to be refrigerated.

Xeomin

Xeomin is scientifically listed as icobotulinumtoxin A. Xeomin has similar uses and protocols to Botox, and both neuromodulators block the neuromuscular junction to decrease wrinkles. Xeomin is referred to as the “naked” botulinum toxin since there are no antibodies in Xeomin. 

The protein casing on Botox can cause allergic reactions and block the actions of the toxin. However, Xeomin has no antibody formation with repeated injections. 

Merz Pharma manufactures Xeomin, and Allergan manufactures Botox. Ipsen Pharmaceuticals in Europe manufactures Dysport. Each company has its own manufacturing protocols, which may show why each neurotoxin has subtle differences.

Though the description of each product can be confusing, discuss your options with Studio R Aesthetics. They know which product will work well with your desires and goals. Contact Studio R at 434-260-1667 or book an appointment at https:studioraesthetics.com.