Because Botox© and then BotoxCosmetic© were the only brands of injectable wrinkle relaxers available for years, the terms became synonymous with botulinum toxin type A. As more products have entered the market, many patients now ask, “Are there advantages to newer Botox© alternatives?” There are several options now, and while they are very similar, there are a few important differences. Here’s a summary of the pros and cons, and a guide to how to make the best decision.
Understanding Wrinkle Relaxer Terminology and Key Differences
First, a word about terminology: All of these products contain the same active molecule, which is the same one that causes botulism poisoning but is used in vastly tinier doses. Many prefer to call them “neuromodulators,” which sounds a bit sinister to me, so I prefer to call them “wrinkle relaxers” because they relax muscles of expression that cause furrows. In its natural form, the toxin molecule is enclosed in a cage of proteins, and alterations in these are one way to create different products with different characteristics. Here’s how they stack up now:
- Botox (onabotulinum toxin type a): Onset in 3-5 days, duration 3-6 months.
- Dysport (abobotulinum toxin type a): More rapid onset (1-3 days). Some of the cage proteins are removed, so the molecule is smaller and diffuses more. Some like the softer effect that this produces. Duration of effect similar to Botox.
- Juveau (prabotulinum toxin type a): Rapid onset of action, duration of effect probably longer than Botox.
- Xeomin (incobotulinum toxin type a): All of the cage proteins removed, so this is the smallest molecule, meaning rapid onset and wide diffusion.
- Letybo (letibotulinum toxin type a) Popularly known as K-Tox, Letybo has been the most popular brand in Korea for many years. Some feel that it has less diffusion, producing a sharper effect; for this reason, Letybo is often placed with more injection points of smaller amounts in each. Our experience is that it has a rapid onset and possibly a smoother effect. Letybo may be priced lower because of its late entry into the US market (call for pricing).
- Daxxify (daxibotulinum toxin type a): “Daxi” has a unique feature, which is responsible for its fast onset and long duration of effect. It has a small peptide molecule attached, which makes it more “sticky” at the site of action. In our experience, it definitely has a longer duration on average than the others, up to 6 months or more.
How To Compare Doses Between Different Wrinkle Relaxers
This can be a bit confusing because pricing is customarily done by units, which are proprietary measurements of activity for each manufacturer. They are not all the same; for example, 2 units of Daxxify has the same amount of toxin as Botox.
Expert Injectors Are More Important Than the Choice of Product – Call Us Today
Far and away, the most important determinant of a successful result is not the product but the experience and attention to detail by the person performing the injections. Mastery of the subtle differences between the different products and how they are tailored to each person’s situation requires a meticulous approach. You don’t get this at bargain basement prices. Call now to schedule an appointment with one of our expert professionals and learn more about the different advantages to newer Botox.
