Botox, Dysport, Xeomin

Neuromodulators

Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin

Over time repeated muscle movements can cause wrinkles. This type of wrinkle is called a “dynamic wrinkle” and neuromodulator injections are designed to target the cause. The treatment of a few injections relaxes the muscles in your face that cause lines to form. Neuromodulator injections temporarily limit the facial muscles that contribute to wrinkles every time they contract. Within a few weeks of treatment, targeted wrinkles begin to fade leaving skin looking more smooth and youthful. Improvements usually last three months but can often be maintained with periodic treatments. These quick, simple injections can effectively improve your facial wrinkles while maintaining your ability to make natural facial expressions. The neuromodulators are injected directly into the muscles between the brows. They work by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles; this reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those persistent lines to form.

There are a few differences between the different neuromodulators – Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and now Jeuveau. They vary by chemical composition, company manufacturing process, onset of action and diffusability.

Botox

Botox is a naturally occurring, purified protein. It is made by Allergan from Clostridium botulinum toxin type A. Botox has been used for years to treat medical problems such as muscle spasms of the face and neck, migraine headaches and blepharospasm. Botox is injected directly into the muscles between the brows. It works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles; this reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those persistent lines to form.

Dysport

Dysport is made from the same active ingredient as Botox, Clostridium botulinum toxin type A. However, the manufacturing process of Dysport is slightly different, resulting in slight differences in its clinical use for cosmetic purposes. Dysport may provide a little faster onset of action with increased diffusion. While results do vary among individuals, Dysport may provide quicker results 7 days.

Xeomin

Xeomin is similar to Botox and Dysport, Xeomin is used to treat frown lines between the eyebrows. It is manufactured by Merz, and also FDA approval for wrinkle reduction of the glabellar frown lines, cervical dystonia and blepharospasm.

Xeomin does not contain any additives. The major benefit of a pure-form injectable is that the human body is less likely to develop immunity to Xeomin because there are simply less ingredients in the solution.

Side Effects

Side effects are similar for Botox, Dysport, and Xenomin.

While infrequent, mild temporary bruising is the most common side effect. In some cases, the medicine can migrate and cause a temporary weakness of nearby muscles. In rare cases, there can be a drooping of an eyelid or asymmetry of facial expression. The risk of any side effect depends on the muscles injected. Because the effects of neuromodulators are completely reversible, any side effects are temporary and lasting only a few weeks.