Top Botox Brand Names Compared - Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau

The Most Popular Botox Brand Names

Botox is one of the most widely recognized brands for botulinum toxin injections that smooth wrinkles. However, Botox is just one of several FDA-approved botulinum toxin brands available. Each brand differs in formulas, dosing, results and more.

Understanding the various types of neurotoxins and their unique characteristics can help you determine which is best for your cosmetic needs. Read on for an overview of the top botox brand names, comparing the pros and cons of each.

What is Botulinum Toxin?

Botulinum toxin is produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. In very small doses, purified botulinum toxin temporarily paralyzes muscles by blocking nerve impulses. This leads to relaxation of wrinkle-causing facial muscles.

Effects of botulinum toxin start to appear within 2-14 days and typically last 3-6 months. Repeated injections are needed to maintain results. While botulinum toxin is most known for smoothing wrinkles, it also has medical uses like treating muscle spasms.

Botox

Botox is the brand name for onabotulinumtoxinA and the first FDA-approved botulinum toxin for cosmetic use. Botox was approved in 2002 for temporarily improving the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows.

Since then, Botox has become the most popular cosmetic procedure in the world. It now also treats crow's feet, forehead lines and other wrinkles. Botox is manufactured by biopharmaceutical company Allergan.

Benefits of Botox include its longstanding use and research showing it is generally safe and effective. Potential downsides are that it may cause more discomfort during the injection and some patients report it wears off before 3 months.

Dysport

Like Botox, Dysport is based on botulinum toxin type A. But Dysport uses a different proprietary formula called abobotulinumtoxinA. Dysport was FDA approved in 2009 for moderate to severe frown lines.

Dysport is made by the biotech company Ipsen. It tends to have a faster onset than Botox, showing effects within 2-3 days. However, Dysport may not last quite as long as Botox, with some patients reporting results for 2-3 months.

An advantage of Dysport is the injections may be less painful. A potential downside is that it can have a higher risk of spread from the injection site.

Xeomin

Xeomin contains the botulinum toxin incobotulinumtoxinA and was approved by the FDA in 2011. Xeomin is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Merz.

Like Botox and Dysport, Xeomin blocks muscle contractions to smooth wrinkles temporarily. Unique to Xeomin is that it does not contain accessory proteins, also called complexing proteins, which are found in other botulinum toxin products.

The lack of accessory proteins may reduce the potential for the body to build up resistance to Xeomin with repeated injections. Clinical trials found Xeomin and Botox had similar effectiveness. However, long-term trials are still limited.

Jeuveau

Jeuveau is one of the newest neurotoxin brands, developed by Evolus, Inc. Jeuveau contains prabotulinumtoxinA, which was approved by the FDA in 2019 for temporarily improving moderate to severe frown lines.

Jeuveau aims to compete with Botox and provide comparable results. Studies so far have found Jeuveau is effective and safe for smoothing glabellar lines between the eyebrows just like Botox.

Being the latest FDA-approved neurotoxin, Jeuveau does not have quite as much long term clinical data as more established brands. But its lower cost may appeal to some looking to try a newer product.

By FDA Approved Uses

In addition to forehead wrinkles, botulinum toxin injections can treat:

• Crow's Feet - Lines around the eyes
• Bunny Lines - Wrinkles on the nose
• Neck Bands - Horizontal neck lines
• Smokers Lines - Vertical lip lines
• Gummy Smile - Excess upper gum exposure

The number of FDA approved cosmetic uses varies by brand:

• Botox - Frown lines, crow's feet, forehead lines
• Dysport - Frown lines
• Xeomin - Frown lines, crow's feet
• Jeuveau - Frown lines

Other areas may be treated with off-label use. Talk to your provider about your goals to choose the right neurotoxin brand for the desired results.

Choosing Between Botulinum Toxin Brands

Factors to consider when deciding on a brand include:

• Formula differences - This affects how quickly results appear and how long they last.
• Injection discomfort - Some brands tend to hurt more than others during injections.
• Approved treatment areas - Each brand has FDA approval for specific wrinkles.
• Experience and expertise - The provider's skill level with the brand.
• Cost - There are cost differences between brands.

Have an in-depth discussion with your cosmetic provider about your needs and which neurotoxin they recommend for optimal, natural-looking results.

What About Unapproved Botulinum Toxin Brands?

With the popularity of wrinkle-relaxing injections, numerous botulinum toxin products have come on the market globally. However, only Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Jeuveau have FDA approval for cosmetic use.

Unapproved or counterfeit products made outside the U.S. are best avoided. These products do not undergo the same rigorous testing and may be manufactured under lower quality standards.

The FDA provides alerts about potentially dangerous or ineffective unapproved botulinum toxins. Only accept treatment from properly trained medical providers using reputable neurotoxin brands.

How to Use Botulinum Toxin Safely

Botulinum toxins are very safe when administered properly by an experienced, licensed provider. However, a few precautions include:

• Avoiding treatment if pregnant, breastfeeding or have certain neuromuscular disorders.
• Informing your provider of any muscle or nerve conditions, medications or supplements.
• Starting with the minimum effective dose.
• Allowing at least 2-4 months between treatments for the best results.
• Being aware that resistance can develop with repeated, frequent use.

Some temporary side effects like headache, bruising or minor asymmetry can occur after injections. More serious adverse reactions are very rare but seek medical care if any breathing, speaking or swallowing difficulties arise.

To get the smoothest, most natural looking results, choose an experienced board-certified cosmetic provider to assess your needs and determine the optimal neurotoxin brand and personalized treatment plan.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.