When you ask your injector for “some Botox,” do you know which formula they choose for you? Each of the Botox-type injectables available—BOTOX®, Dysport®, Jeuveau®, and Xeomin®—contains botulinum toxin type A and is FDA-approved. But they have slight differences, and it is possible in rare cases for patients to require a change in formula after developing Botox resistance.
Our Nurse Injector Beth has helped numerous patients navigate the vast array of injectables available at our Joplin, MO medspa. Below, she explains what you need to know.
What are the different brands of injectable neurotoxins?
The injectable botulinum toxins (a.k.a. neurotoxins or neuromodulators) currently available for cosmetic enhancements today are:
- Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA)
- Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA)
- Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA)
- Jeuveau, a.k.a. Newtox (prabotulinumtoxinA)
At Maningas Cosmetic Surgery, we offer a variety of these injectables, including Botox and Dysport. A fifth neurotoxin formula, Daxxify™ (daxibotulinumtoxinA), has just received FDA approval and is expected to be available in Spring of 2023. It promises to work similarly to the above formulas, but with potentially longer-lasting results.
What do Botox-type injectables have in common?
Each of these cosmetic injectables are composed of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A), a purified substance that is isolated from botulism bacteria. When injected strategically into the facial muscles, Botox-type injectables relax the muscle, softening existing wrinkles and preventing new ones. Botox is used for wrinkle reduction in areas where frequent muscle activity exacerbates lines, including:
- The frown lines between the eyebrows (also called the glabella or “11s”)
- Forehead
- The crow’s feet at the edges of the eyes
- Above the lip to soften lip lines and create a “lip flip” enhancing effect
- In the chin to soften a pebble-like texture
- In the neck to soften vertical platysmal bands, a sign of aging
What are the differences between each type of neurotoxin?
Botox and other neurotoxins are each formulated differently and hold varying FDA approvals, despite being used for many of the exact same cosmetic concerns.
The formula of Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau includes an “accompanying protein” or “complexing protein”; Xeomin has no accompanying protein (these are not necessary for the product to be effective). Additionally, some injectors notice very small differences between how the products work once injected, i.e. how far the product spreads from the injection site and how quickly results take effect.
Botox and other neurotoxins are each formulated differently and hold varying FDA approvals.
Further, each formula holds FDA approval for use in different areas, and some formulas hold approval for both cosmetic and medical uses—i.e. Botox for hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating.
While the forthcoming toxin Daxxify is said to last longer, currently available products do not seem to have noticeable differences in length of efficacy. In any case, you can rest assured that all of these products have gone through a rigorous FDA review process, and have been used safely and effectively for years—talk with your trusted injector to decide on the formula(s) for your treatment.
Can you use two different brands of neurotoxin?
Yes, it is safe to use two different brands of neurotoxin, either in the same visit to your injector or at different visits. As long as you are a good candidate for neurotoxin injections, the brand or product you use will make only a minor difference, if any. Still, some injectors will prefer Dysport for crow’s feet, for instance; these preferences will vary from one injector to another.
Do I need to switch up the type of neurotoxin I use at each visit?
If your Botox is working, then there is no need to change brands to see results. However, if you are experiencing a case of Botox resistance, the simple solution is to switch to a different brand: Botox resistance is thought to potentially be linked to the accompanying protein in the Botox, which varies from formula to formula. Dysport and Jeuveau each contain different complexing proteins; Xeomin contains no accompanying protein at all.
If your Botox is working, then there is no need to change brands to see results.
How do I know if I have Botox resistance?
If you have received a Botox treatment and you do not see satisfactory results after two weeks, Botox resistance may be to blame. This can happen in very rare cases because, with continued use, your body may develop antibodies against an accompanying protein in a certain type of injectable toxin—preventing that formula from working as well as it did originally, and therefore leading to less noticeable results with repeat use over time.
Talk to your provider if you do not see the expected results after two weeks; an experienced, honest injector will ask you to come into the office so that they can examine your skin. The solution may simply be a touch-up if your injector used conservative injection amounts.
Note that, if your provider is inexperienced, bad technique may be to blame, so always choose a highly-trained cosmetic injector working under the supervision of a board-certified cosmetic surgeon.
Schedule your Joplin Botox appointment at Maningas Cosmetic Surgery
At Maningas Cosmetic Surgery in Joplin, MO, we offer a full range of non-surgical treatments and surgical procedures to help you reach your aesthetic goals. Our Nurse Injector, Beth, is highly-trained and experienced with both dermal filler and neurotoxins—with the before and after results to show for it! She is an expert at listening to your concerns, evaluating your aesthetic needs, and recommending a treatment plan that is uniquely tailored to you. We do not believe that one Botox treatment plan or product fits all—we partner with you to meet your goals.
We are led by board certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Talon Maningas, who is closely involved in the day-to-day operations of both our surgery center and non-surgical medical spa. With his extensive training in all cosmetic treatment options, from surgical to minimally invasive to non-invasive, Dr. Maningas is uniquely qualified to ensure our medspa operation provides the highest standards of aesthetic care and safety.
To schedule your appointment with Nurse Beth, call 417-437-0303 or contact us online today.