If you’re thinking about injectable treatments to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, you’ve likely heard of Botox®. But it’s not your only option.
At Findley Dermatology, we offer several treatments including Botox®, Dysport®, and now Xeomin®. This means our patients have more options to create a treatment plan that fits their unique needs and goals.
All three are FDA-approved injectables called neuromodulators, and while they work similarly, there are differences that allow for a more tailored treatment to fit each patient’s individual needs.
So, what is Xeomin? How does it compare to Botox and Dysport? And how can you decide which one is right for you? Here’s what you need to know.
First, What Is a Neuromodulator?
Many of the lines we see as signs of aging partly come from making the same facial expressions over and over.
When you smile, frown, squint, or raise your eyebrows, the muscles under your skin contract and make the skin fold. Over time, these repeated movements can lead to lines that stay even when your face is relaxed.
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin all use forms of botulinum toxin type A, which temporarily relax certain muscles. This helps soften expression lines and, with the right approach, still allows you to look and age naturally.
Xeomin, Botox and Dysport: How Are They Different?
Although all three reduce muscle activity for a certain duration of time, they are not the same.
Botox®
Botox is probably the most well-known cosmetic injectable and has been used for both cosmetic and medical reasons for many years. For cosmetic use, Botox can temporarily smooth out some expression lines caused by repeated muscle movement.
The name “Botox” is so familiar that people often use it to mean any wrinkle-relaxing injection, but it is just one product in the neuromodulator group.
Dysport®
Dysport works much like Botox, but its formula and dosing are different. It also spreads differently after injection, which can make it better for some patients or areas. The amount of Dysport used is not directly equal to the amount of Botox or Xeomin, which can lead to a more budget friendly treatment plan.
As with any neuromodulator, where and how much is injected matters for achieving a natural look.
Xeomin®
Xeomin is the latest neuromodulator we offer at Findley Dermatology. Xeomin, like Botox and Dysport, contains botulinum toxin type A. Its main difference is its formulation.
Xeomin has the active botulinum toxin but does not include the extra proteins found in some other neuromodulators. For this reason, people sometimes call Xeomin a “naked” or highly purified form of botulinum toxin.
Because of this varied formulation, it is possible that there may be less development of antibody resistance over time, however, this is not common with properly administered treatments and dosaging with routine Botox treatments.
Why Choose Xeomin?
You and your provider might consider Xeomin for a few reasons.
You Prefer a Simplified Formulation: Some people choose Xeomin because it has the active ingredient without the extra proteins. If you want a product with a simpler formula, Xeomin might be worth talking about at your consultation.
You’ve Been Receiving Neuromodulator Treatments for a Long Time: One concern with repeated botulinum toxin treatments is that your body could develop antibodies, which might make the treatment less effective. This is rare with cosmetic use, and most people should not expect to become “resistant” to Botox or other neuromodulators.
Still, Xeomin’s lack of extra proteins is something your provider might think about, especially if you’ve had neuromodulator treatments for many years.
You Simply Want Another Option: Sometimes, the best benefit is just having more choices. Everyone’s facial anatomy, muscle strength, treatment history, and cosmetic goals are different. Offering Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin lets us create a treatment plan that fits each person.
Does One Look More Natural Than the Others?
Many patients ask which product, Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin, produces the most natural look.
The answer depends less on the product name and more on how it’s used.
The goal isn’t to stop all facial movement. Careful dosing and placement can smooth lines while keeping your natural expressions and allow you to age naturally.
Your provider will assess how your facial muscles move, where your lines are, and how much movement you want to keep before recommending a treatment.
Which One Works Fastest?
You might start to see changes a few days after your neuromodulator treatment, though the timing can vary by product and person and final results generally take about a week to set in.
Most patients find that their muscles have improved and faster responses over time with repeated treatments with all toxins.
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are temporary treatments. Over time, your muscles will start moving again, and lines may come back. How long results last depends on the product, area treated, dose, your metabolism, and other factors.
Can You Switch From Botox or Dysport to Xeomin?
Yes, you can switch! Picking one neuromodulator does not mean you have to stick with it forever. If you’ve had Botox or Dysport before and want to learn about Xeomin, talk to your provider about your past treatments, how they worked for you, and what you hope to achieve.
On the other hand, if you’re happy with your current treatment, you may not need to switch just because there’s a new option.
So, Which Injectable Is Best?
There isn’t a single neuromodulator that is the “best” choice for everyone. Instead, ask: Which injectable is best for me?”
Your facial anatomy, muscle strength, past treatments, the areas you want to treat, and your goals all play a part in making that decision. It’s also why we offer multiple options at Findley Dermatology. You don't need to know whether you want Botox, Dysport or Xeomin before you come in. Our team can evaluate your concerns, talk with you about your goals, and recommend the treatment that makes the most sense for you.
Find the Right Injectable for You
Cosmetic treatments are not one-size-fits-all. The best option should consider the lines you want to soften, your facial anatomy, natural expressions, past treatments, and your personal preferences.
Now that we offer Xeomin, along with Botox and Dysport, our patients have even more options for a personalized cosmetic treatment plan.
Interested in Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin? Call us at 401-415-8586 or book a cosmetic consultation. We’ll help you explore your options and find the treatment that fits your needs and goals.