As we gain life experience, we begin to notice fine lines and wrinkles, a few of the most common side effects of aging. Our skin loses collagen, becoming thinner, dryer and less elastic. When we exercise our facial muscles, spend time in the sun, undergo stress, and make varying lifestyle choices – such as smoking, diet, exercise, and sleep habits – these can all show up on our face in the form of fine lines and wrinkles.
Thankfully, there are an array of neuromodulators available – injectables that treat fine lines and wrinkles by temporarily preventing the muscle fibers in treated areas from contracting. These products work to both prevent and treat wrinkles, resulting in a smoother, fresher, more youthful appearance.
We get a lot of questions about the differences among the neuromodulators offered at our practice – BOTOX, Dysport and Jeuveau, and we’ve provided a brief overview here. This is intended to be just a glimpse at the subtleties and differences between the products. During your aesthetic consultation, we will make the best recommendation for you personally based upon your unique goals. What’s less important than the product you choose is that you choose a provider who has extensive experience and training. While almost anybody can take a daylong course and learn to inject toxins, there is an incredible amount of nuance to it. What makes our group special is that we go beyond just chasing wrinkles in order to customize a treatment plan for you that takes into consideration facial aesthetics and harmony.
What is BOTOX?
BOTOX (botulinum type A) entered the market as the first FDA-approved neuromodulator in 1989, and in 2002 was approved as BOTOX Cosmetic for the treatment of moderate-to-severe frown lines in adults. BOTOX is injected to temporarily reduce underlying muscle activity that causes moderate-to-severe frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines, resulting in a visibly smoother appearance.
Many people consider BOTOX to be the “gold standard” of neurotoxins since it was the first in this category to be FDA approved over 20 years ago. It’s safe, effective, and has certainly established itself as a pop culture icon and a household name. For most patients, results will take seven to 14 days to kick in and will last three to four months.
What is Dysport?
Dysport, also botulinum Type A, launched worldwide shortly after BOTOX and was FDA-approved for use in the United States in 2009. It is primarily used to treat moderate-to-severe frown lines in the glabella (the area between the eyebrows, aka the ‘11s’), by reducing muscle activity in the glabellar area.
Dysport differs from BOTOX in concentration so it works well for larger surface areas like the forehead. It’s fast-acting, spreading evenly and quickly throughout the treated area. Some people feel that Dysport may last a little longer in athletes and people who grimace a lot. Like BOTOX, results will typically kick in after seven to 14 days and will last three to four months.
What is Jeuveau?
Jeuveau is the most recent drug in this category to receive FDA approval, and is sometimes referred to as ‘newtox.’ Jeuveau is the first toxin to come to market in almost 10 years and is the only neurotoxin with an exclusive focus on aesthetics.
Jeuveau has an identical molecular weight to BOTOX, and we think it’s excellent for treating similar areas as you might have treated with BOTOX. Some people consider Jeuveau to be the most precise drug in this category- meaning it can be used all over the face with less risk of traveling to an unwanted location and producing unexpected side effects. Many injectors have observed that Jeuveau may kick in a little faster than the other toxins, sometimes in as little as two to three days. However, it is still recommended that you anticipate seven to 10 days to see the full effect. Like the other neurotoxins, smoothing results typically last three to four months.
How are BOTOX, Dysport and Jeuveau similar and different?
The active ingredient in BOTOX, Dysport, and Jeuveau is exactly the same- however there are manufacturing and processing differences that give each toxin its own unique flavor. Much like colas – which are made of carbonated water, sugar, and caramel color – they occupy the same category. However, try somebody who loves Coca Cola that it’s the same as drinking Pepsi!
Treatment area
Like every FDA-approved drug, there are certain areas of the face that are considered “on label,” meaning that FDA approval was sought and granted for that specific location. However, just like with any other medication, the FDA and state medical authorities give broad leeway to licensed and credentialed providers to decide how a drug is best used. In this case, your injector may elect to treat you both on- and off-label in order to achieve a satisfactory result and good facial harmony and balance.
BOTOX has been around the longest, and therefore has been FDA-approved to treat more areas – forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet. Meanwhile, Dysport and Jeuveau are officially approved to treat glabellar lines, those ‘11’ lines between the eyebrows. However, all of our injectors have extensive experience and training with both on- and off-label use of these products. Prior to administering any treatment, we will have a thorough consultation and discussion with you about your priorities and concerns.
Cost
Since BOTOX, Dysport and Jeuveau are all produced by different manufacturers, with different indications, they have varying costs per unit. Since a different number of units are needed to achieve the same result, does this result in a greater cost to you as a patient? The simplest answer is … not really! While BOTOX may be more potent, the price of a unit of Dysport is less than a unit of BOTOX, so you’ll spend about the same amount of money to achieve comparable results.
When deciding to get your first treatment, the most important consideration should be what your goals are and whether or not this is a treatment you can maintain. Since all neurotoxins regardless of brand are going to last about three to four months, this is a treatment that you should expect to get roughly three times a year in order to maintain your results. Much like your hair or nails, this is a treatment that requires some regular maintenance. Just like choosing a trusted hair stylist from a reputable salon, it is incredibly important that you are picky about your injector. Other considerations include a tranquil office environment, friendly staff, and ease of appointment-making.
The best way to learn the ideal treatment for you as well as accompanying pricing is to schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic injection experts. Our team has national and international experience in education and injector training, and we pride ourselves in being involved in training the next generation of injectors in safe, efficacious and ethical injection techniques.
Schedule your injectable consultation today by calling 512-327-2227 or by booking online.