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Home/Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments/BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, & XEOMIN®

BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, & XEOMIN®

What Are BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, & XEOMIN®?

BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and XEOMIN® are botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) injectables that are processed and purified to produce a sterile therapeutic neuromuscular blocking agent suitable for injection. They act by temporarily relaxing the treated muscles, which causes a smoothing effect of the lines on the overlying skin by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine. BOTOX® Cosmetic and BTXA injections are most effective in treating the lines and wrinkles caused by muscle contraction during facial expressions, such as frowning or squinting. These include the “Bunny” lines, “11” lines, or “Worry Crease” in the central forehead (glabella); the horizontal lines of the forehead; and the “Crow’s Feet” (lateral canthal) lines.

BOTOX® and BTXA injections have also been approved to treat certain conditions involving crossed eyes (strabismus), eyelid spasm (blepharospasm), cervical dystonia (spastic muscle disorder with the neck), spasticity disorders in children with cerebral palsy, and motor disorders of the facial nerve (VII cranial nerve)—as well as the treatment of migraine headaches, colorectal disorders, excessive perspiration (hyperhidrosis) disorders of the armpit and hands, and musculoskeletal pain disorders.

Key benefits of treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and XEOMIN® include:

Board-certified plastic surgeon Joseph DiBello, MD is highly experienced in performing BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and XEOMIN® injections to address both cosmetic and medical-related concerns. If you are interested in treatment in the Philadelphia area, we encourage you to continue reading the information below to learn more about these BTXA injectables, or simply contact our practice today to schedule a consultation with Dr. DiBello.

BOTOX® Cosmetic vs. Dysport® vs. XEOMIN®

BOTOX® Cosmetic (cosmetic form of onabotulinumtoxinA, developed by Allergan) has FDA approval for temporary improvement in the appearance of the following aesthetic concerns for adults: moderate to severe glabellar lines associated with corrugator and/or procerus muscle activity (20 units, approved in 2000); moderate to severe lateral canthal lines associated with orbicularis oculi activity (24 units—12 per side—approved in 2013); and moderate to severe forehead lines associated with frontalis muscle activity (20 units, approved in 2017).

Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA, created by Galderma) was given FDA approval in 2009 for the treatment of glabellar lines (50 units), and XEOMIN® (incobotulinumtoxinA, produced by Merz) was FDA approved in 2010, also for the treatment of glabellar lines (20 units). While BOTOX® Cosmetic is the only BTXA injectable with FDA approval for all three treatment areas (forehead, glabella, and lateral canthi), both Dysport® and XEOMIN® are routinely used for these areas as well. Treatment of areas such as the perioral area (around the mouth) and neck bands, while commonly performed, are not specifically approved by the FDA, and are therefore considered “off label.”

On a molecular level, a key difference between these three BTXA injectables is that XEOMIN® has one less protein side chain than Dysport® and BOTOX® Cosmetic, making it potentially effective for patients who have developed tolerance or immunity to Dysport® or BOTOX® Cosmetic—but with a slightly shorter duration of effectiveness. Additionally, Dr. DiBello has found the gradual onset of effects for BOTOX® Cosmetic and XEOMIN®—which is about three to five days—to differ slightly from Dysport®, which usually becomes noticeable within one to three days (and at a different dosage—2.5 units of Dysport® to each unit of BOTOX® Cosmetic).

Are BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, & XEOMIN® Safe?

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) maintains that BTXA injections for aesthetic purposes appear to be safe and effective. Patients who show early signs of aging, as well as those who may not be suitable candidates for more extensive aesthetic facial surgery, may be good candidates for this procedure. Certain medications (some antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or aspirin) and even some vitamins and herbs may increase the potency of BTXA and could increase bleeding and bruising at the time of injection. Therefore, you should be candid with Dr. DiBello about all medications and supplements. Pregnant or nursing women should postpone undergoing these procedures. It is not known whether injection of BTXA has any effect on a fetus or whether it is found in breast milk.  Dr. DiBello advises all patients who receive the COVID-19 vaccine to avoid BOTOX® Cosmetic and BTXA injections within 2 weeks of the vaccine shot (two (2) weeks before or two (2) weeks after).

What Is Treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic & BTXA Injections Like?

Dr. DiBello personally performs all of BOTOX® Cosmetic and BTXA injections at DiBello Plastic Surgery. You will consult directly with him and receive an individualized plan tailored to your needs, goals, and budget.

During treatment, Dr. DiBello will carefully administer the selected BTXA product directly into the muscles in the chosen area(s) in a series of injections with extremely small needles. Due to his gentle approach and seasoned technique, most patients experience little to no discomfort—rarely anything more than a slight “pinching” sensation. For added comfort, cool compresses will be applied at the conclusion of treatment. The entire procedure takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to perform, and the expression lines in the treatment area(s) will usually appear noticeably softer within a few days.

As a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment, you will likely be able to resume normal daily routines as soon as you leave our office. That said, in order to help ensure an optimal outcome, you will need to avoid exercise and any strenuous activities for at least four to six hours.

To see this procedure animated, click here.

Are There Side Effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic & BTXA Injections?

Potential side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and XEOMIN® include local numbness, swelling, bruising, or a burning sensation during injection. Some patients have also reported temporary headache and nausea. Since flu-like symptoms are a rare, but possible, side effect of BOTOX® injections, you should avoid receiving a flu shot (vaccination) within one week of treatments.

Very rarely, the BTXA solution can spread beyond the treatment area, which can cause botulism-like signs and symptoms such as breathing problems, trouble swallowing, muscle weakness, and slurred speech. However, most complications are of short duration and can be avoided with proper injection techniques. A small percentage of patients are reported to experience no improvement at all.

Ultimately, it is important to note that although the side effects mentioned above are possible, the probability of their occurrence following BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and XEOMIN® is greatly minimized when treatment is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who is both skilled and experienced with these injectables, such as Dr. DiBello.

How Long Do BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, & XEOMIN® Results Last?

While most patients are very pleased with the results of treatment, the outcome is not permanent. BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and XEOMIN® each typically lasts for approximately three to four months for most patients, though the duration of XEOMIN® may be slightly less for some individuals. Generally, optimal results for smoothing the wrinkles/lines is seen after cumulative (repeated) injections, followed by maintenance. A minimum period of three months should be waited between injections of BTXA to avoid the development of immunity to the product. Dr. DiBello will personally advise you as to the recommended treatment, as well as maintenance program, that he individualizes for you.

What Is the Cost of BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, & XEOMIN®?

At our Philadelphia practice, the cost of BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and XEOMIN® treatments usually ranges between $400.00 and $600.00. Of course, exact pricing will be dependent upon the specific BTXA injectable you receive, how many areas/concerns are targeted, and the number of units administered. At the time of your consultation, Dr. DiBello can provide a personalized quote after performing a thorough evaluation and developing a custom treatment plan based on your unique needs and goals.

Are There Alternatives to BOTOX® Cosmetic & BTXA Injections?

Dr. DiBello offers multiple alternatives to BOTOX®, Dysport®, and XEOMIN® for patients who are interested in other facial rejuvenation options, or for those whose aesthetic concerns would be more effectively addressed with a different treatment option. Dermal fillers—including the JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® product families—can be an excellent option for many individuals seeking to reduce moderate to significant lines and wrinkles found around the mouth and throughout the mid to lower face. Additionally, microdermabrasion and chemical peels have the ability to diminish fine lines while smoothing the skin. In some cases, a brow lift and/or facelift surgery may be best suited for comprehensive, long-lasting enhancement.

During your consultation, Dr. DiBello will cover all options available to you, helping you decide which treatment is ideal for your needs, goals, and expectations.

Contact DiBello Plastic Surgery

If you have additional questions about BOTOX® Cosmetic and/or other BTXA injections, or if you wish to book an appointment with Dr. DiBello, please don’t hesitate to contact our office today.

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