There are a variety of injectables out there that can reverse the signs of aging in a natural-looking way. While Botox remains synonymous with minimally invasive procedures that aim to smooth aging skin, there are other options out there depending on your needs.
We’re here to go deep into the differences between Botox vs. Dysport vs. Xeomin so that you know which cosmetic injectables will work best for you and give you results you’ll love.
Table of Contents
Botox vs. Dysport vs. Xeomin
What is Botox?
Botox is a minimally invasive injection of botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin that essentially freezes targeted muscles to prevent wrinkles from forming. Over time, Botox users boast fewer wrinkles as you’re not allowing those muscles to squint, scrunch up, and furrow to form new fine lines.
What is Dysport?
Dysport is another type of botulinum toxin injectable most often used for those furrow lines in between your eyebrows. Dysport injections work by temporarily keeping those lines, also known as the “11s,” from contracting, improving wrinkles in that area over time.
What is Xeomin?
Xeomin is a neurotoxin much like Botox that works by preventing frown lines that can cause wrinkles. The difference with Xeomin injections is that they lack the protein additives of other botulinum toxin injections, further reducing the risk of allergic reactions after your treatment.
How Long Do These Injections Really Last?
How long your injections will last depends on the type of injectables you choose, the area targeted, even the overall health of your skin.
How Long does Botox Last?
For most, Botox lasts about 3 months. Some consistent Botox users find that they can go about six months in between touch-ups the more consistent they’ve been with their Botox injections. Expect to see results anywhere between 3-7 days.
How Long does Dysport Last
Dysport injections last about 3 months on average. Some patients will see results for up to 6 months, especially after the first round. Expect to see initial results within 2-3 days after your treatment.
How Long Does Xeomin Last?
Xeomin results can last anywhere from 3-6 months. Expect to see initial results in 3-4 days, although it can take about a week to see the final results of your treatment.
Tips to Make Botox, Dysport and Xeomin Last Longer
To give your results the best shot at longevity, follow these tips to extend the life of your injections:
- Combine treatments with dermal fillers
- Wear sunglasses to prevent squinting
- Minimize stress, particularly in the face
- Maintain a strong skincare routine
- Stay well-hydrated
- Use plumping and collagen-boosting products
- Include hyaluronic acid products in your regimen
- Schedule maintenance sessions
Injection Costs
The typical price for Botox and other injectables is $150-$600 per treatment, depending on the number of muscles treated. Our experts at the Med Lounge can work with you and your budget to come with a customized treatment plan.
Cost of Botox
Botox in Orange County costs $13/unit, with a minimum purchase of 10 units each session.
Cost of Dysport
Dysport in Orange County costs $4.33/unit, with a minimum purchase price of 33 units each session.
Cost of Xeomin
Xeomin in Orange County costs $13/unit, with a minimum purchase of 10 units each session.
Med Lounge Memberships
Any cosmetic injectable treatment you choose will be temporary. For those looking for some consistency in their Botox or Xeomin treatment plan, Med Lounge offers a membership plan for patients planning to receive injectables every 3-4 months.
Both plans are $110/month and include ten units of either Botox or Xeomin every month. You’ll save $240 with either plan on a total of 120 units per year.
Top Treatment Areas for Botox
As the injectable with the longest track record, Botox has proven effective in treating wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet), smoothing the brow area, reducing fine lines on the forehead and adding a subtle lift to the eyebrows.
Outside of fine lines and wrinkles, Botox can also be used to treat migraines, muscle spasms in the neck, TMJ, reduce excessive sweating and adjust lazy eyes. If you’re looking for a non-surgical lip augmentation, the Botox lip flip is a procedure growing in popularity that offers an even more subtle lip enhancement than fillers.
How many units you’ll need will depend on the treatment area and your history with Botox. Expect on average anywhere between 10-30 units per treatment. The corners of the mouth may need even less (3-6), while deeper laugh lines may need even more (up to 50). Your provider will help you come up with a treatment plan based on your skin goals.
Top Treatment Areas for Dysport
Dysport requires a larger dosage size, which makes it popular in areas of the face that may not require as much precision, like the forehead and those deep creases in between the brows.
How many units of Dysport you’ll need will depend on the treatment area and your history with Dysport. Expect on average about 60 units per treatment if you’re targeting the forehead.
Top Treatment areas for Xeomin
Common treatment areas for Xeomin are similar to Botox: crow’s feet, frown lines and forehead wrinkles.
How many units of Xeomin you’ll need will depend on the treatment area and your history with Xeomin. Expect on average about 20-40 units for deeper wrinkles in the forehead, 5-20 for crow’s feet and 15-30 for frown lines.
What’s the best age to start getting Botox, Dysport and Xeomin?
Botox and other injectables are approved for use in patients 18 years of age and older. For those seeking preventative treatments, the best age to start getting injectables is in your mid-20s, before wrinkles have the chance to form.
Some younger patients look into “Baby Botox” at this stage, where smaller amounts of Botox are injected into the face where wrinkles are expected to form. Most patients will start using injectables around their mid-30s when they start seeing fine lines and wrinkles in the more dynamic areas of the face.
How to Prepare for Your Treatment
To prepare for your Botox, Dysport or Xeomin treatment, you’ll want to do the following:
- Let your doctor know if you have a history of cold sores. You’ll need a prescription to get rid of any active infection or prevent an infection after your treatment.
- Avoid any anti-inflammatories, blood-thinning medications or herbal supplements up to two weeks before your treatment.
- Try to avoid scheduling any special events in the two weeks after your injections. Some patients report swelling and bruising in treatment areas, which will subside within a few days in most cases.
- Avoid drinking alcohol the week of your treatment.
- Consider taking Arnica tablets several days ahead of your treatment. Arnica could help prevent bruising at your injection sites.
- Arrive at your appointment without makeup or topical creams.
What to Expect from Your Treatment
All three cosmetic injectables featured here are minimally invasive, with quick treatments that will have you on your way in as little as 20 minutes. Most patients report little pain during the procedure itself, but if you’re sensitive to pain, a topical anesthetic can make your treatment more comfortable.
Aftercare and Possible Side Effects
For the best results post-treatment, you’ll want to follow these aftercare instructions:
- Avoid touching or massaging your face in the first four hours after your injections.
- Your provider may suggest facial exercises in the 30 minutes after your treatment to allow the injections to work their way into the targeted muscles. Avoid any other strenuous activity or exercise for at least four hours after treatment.
- Avoid applying makeup to your face the day of your treatment. If you had injections in your forehead or between your eyebrows, avoid hats or headbands, too.
- Some swelling or redness is a normal reaction and should resolve within a few days after treatment.
- Call your doctor if you have any serious side effects, such as increased pain or swelling, muscle weakness or breathing problems.
5 Things to Know About Getting Botox, Dysport or Xeomin for the First Time
No matter which injectable you choose, there are some things you should know about getting Botox, Dysport or Xeomin for the first time:
- You can use treatments in a preventative way. If you’re trying to figure out when to start, that answer will vary from person to person.
- There really is no downtime. It’ll be recommended that you avoid makeup the day of your treatment, but if you have to go back to work after your injections, you won’t ruin your face if you need to put some on that day.
- Your first appointment may just be a consultation. That’s why finding a provider you trust is so important.
- Be patient with results. Some may see an immediate improvement after treatment, but it’s likely that you’ll need to wait up to a week after your injections for complete results.
- Those results you’ll love are temporary. Some patients report being able to space out appointments further apart once they’ve become consistent with injections.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Botox, Dysport and Xeomin all have similar levels of efficacy. The injectable you choose for your cosmetic treatment may depend on areas targeted and desired results. You’ll need touch-ups to maintain those results no matter which injectable you choose. Your provider can help you choose if you’re still not sure which injectable is right for you.
Can you combine other treatments with Botox, Dysport and Xeomin?
Some patients find more success and improved longevity with combination treatments.
Dermal Fillers
When considering whether you should choose Botox vs. fillers, the answer may be a combination of the two.
Dermal fillers and injectables like Botox target different kinds of wrinkles. Fillers are best used for static wrinkles and adding volume to areas of the face, whereas injectables like Botox are best used for dynamic wrinkles. Together, they can produce more long-term results than solo treatments.
Kybella
Cosmetic injectables target fine lines and wrinkles. Kybella targets saggy jowls and the dreaded double chin. Used in combination with injectables like Botox, you can target your crow’s feet and shape your chin at the same time, as you’re targeting different areas of the face during your treatment.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatments can be used to improve the tone and texture of your skin. Your provider will likely advise that you wait at least two weeks between your injectables and a follow-up laser treatment to allow your skin to heel.
Chemical Peel
Much like laser treatments, chemical peels can reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. Your provider will advise that you wait at least 24 hours after cosmetic injectables before scheduling a chemical peel or any facials, microdermabrasion or microneedling treatments.
Botox, Dysport and Xeomin FAQs
There may still be a few misconceptions out there about cosmetic injectables. Let’s take a look at the most commonly asked questions when it comes to the top treatments.
Who is a good candidate for Botox vs. Dysport vs. Xeomin?
The best candidates for cosmetic injectables are in good health, follow good skin care practices, and are non-smokers. Outside of that, anyone with the goal of reducing the appearance of aging on the skin may benefit from Botox, Dysport or Xeomin.
Are there any differences among the procedures?
All three options described here are injectables, and all are administered similarly. You’ll go through the same prep and aftercare following a Botox treatment as you would a Dysport or Xeomin treatment. The main differences you’ll find is in cost and the number of units needed for each.
Are there any differences in the effectiveness?
All three injectables described here are safe and effective. Dysport may have a quicker onset in some patients, but that’s not true in all patients. Effectiveness may also vary from patient to patient.
Is Botox better than Dysport or Xeomin?
Botox is better in certain cases than Dysport or Xeomin, but each injectable has a purpose when it comes to putting up a good fight against aging.
Does getting Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin hurt?
Many patients report little pain during treatments. Some report quick pinching sensations. If you’re sensitive to pain, talk to your provider. They can recommend a topical numbing cream to ease any discomfort.
How to Find the Best Botox, Dysport and Xeomin Provider for You
Now that you know the dIfference between Botox, Dysport and Xeomin, you may feel ready to get your treatment plan started.
All cosmetic treatment providers aren’t created equally, though. Finding a good provider who will not only ensure that your treatment is safe and effective but listen to your personal goals for treatment is important to the success of that treatment.
Our experts at the Med Lounge know how important it is that you find a provider you trust. Book an appointment today to talk through your options with us so that we can get you on track to meet your goals.
