There are 5 patented FDA-approved types of botulinum toxin type A injectable products commercially available in the United States. Each product has a similar safety and efficacy profile but a distinctive commercial preparation, including its formula, manufacturing, and purification profile. These distinctions influence each product’s unique molecular size, degree of activation, and mechanisms of action, which ultimately impact how, where, and how much of each neuromodulator is used.
Available botulinum toxin type A injectable products include:
- OnabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX®)
- AbobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport®)
- IncobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin®)
- PrabotulinumtoxinA (Jeuveau®)
- Daxibotulinumtoxina (Daxxify)
The different prefixes labeled above indicate distinctions in the biological properties of each neuromodulator.
BOTOX®
The most recognized brand name in injectable products and the only one synonymous with neurotoxins. BOTOX® is a legacy neuromodulator and has been available for cosmetic use in the US since 2002. Given its longstanding history and record of success, it’s no wonder it’s the most dominant product for the temporary relief of fine lines and dynamic wrinkles. BOTOX® remains one of the most predictable and reliable treatments in medical aesthetics to this day. However, some patients report BOTOX® immunity or resistance, although the number of cases is small. Most patients whose body accepts treatment indicate the full effects of the procedure may take 2 weeks to realize, while product duration is between 3 and 4 months.
Dysport®
First launched in the US in 2009, Dysport®’s chemical formula, while similar, maintains a lighter weight protein molecule, which allows for greater diffusion compared to BOTOX®, making it optimal for larger skin surfaces. Dysport® is often recognized as the go-to toxin for more significant facial injection areas like the forehead, but it is also considered the most diluted of the 5 available drugs with the lowest botulinum toxin concentration. Still, Dysport® provides patients with a faster-acting and more durable product. Dysport® typically begins to take effect within 2 to 3 days, and some users report improved product endurance between 3 and 6 months.
Xeomin®
Launched in the US in 2011, it is considered the only naked or natural neurotoxin available to this day. Unlike its competitors, Xeomin® does not bind accessory proteins or peptides to the botulinum toxin protein molecule. This means patients do not develop immunity or resistance to the drug because their bodies do not develop antibodies against the chemical formula or neurotoxin product following treatment. However, patients report a delayed onset, upward of 7 to 14 days, and slightly less duration in comparison to other leading neuromodulator brands.
Jeuveau®
One of the newest neuromodulators available, taking the US by storm, was first introduced in 2019. Jeuveau®, like BOTOX® and Dysport®, utilizes accessory proteins that bind to the toxin protein molecule but incorporates Hi-Pure technology to prevent neurotransmitters from binding to their receptors. Jeuveau® is the most precise neurotoxin with regard to diffusion and is one of the fastest-acting and longest-acting neuromodulators available. Patients report uptake in as little as 2 days and product endurance of 4 months. Jeuveau® also boasts superior patient satisfaction.
Daxxify
The newest neurotoxin to make a resounding splash in US markets was launched in 2022. Twenty years after BOTOX® was introduced, Daxxify utilizes a unique and completely distinctive molecular structure by incorporating peptide exchange technology to stabilize its toxin molecule for longer periods, instead of using a protein molecule or non-binding compounds. Daxxify has the ability to produce dramatic results rapidly. While the results of treatment are dramatic, they are not permanent.
Users report a quick uptake of 2 to 3 days, which may be comparable to others within its class. However, the same users also report significant improvements in duration, with most patients reporting on average 6 months of product endurance and others as much as 9 months. The result duration for Daxxify is typically twice as long as BOTOX® and other toxin-based injectables.
Whether you’re new to aesthetic treatments and have recently been exploring your first neurotoxin procedure or have experience with treatment and are simply evaluating the possibility of changing injectable products, BOTOX®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, Jeuveau®, and Daxxify are all clinically proven to be safe and effective for the treatment of fine lines and dynamic wrinkles. In fact, they all provide patients with fantastic results that help them feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin.
Before using any of these prescription pharmaceuticals, we encourage you to consult with a board-certified physician or master injector. During your consultation, a licensed and experienced doctor can help guide, educate, and recommend the best injectable product or combination to address your unique concerns and aesthetic goals.