When patients come into our offices to discuss addressing lines, wrinkles, and other facial imperfections, we are often asked, “What is the Best Kind of Botox?” An excellent question to be sure, but one that can’t easily be answered for two primary reasons: 1) every patient is different with unique issues which may make one treatment better than another, and 2) there is, in fact, only one kind of Botox.
Let’s explain that second point first.
“Botox” Is Just One In a Family of Similar Products
Have you used a “Kleenex” lately? Are you sure it wasn’t some other brand of facial tissue? Did you recently “google” something? Are you sure you weren’t using “Bing” or some other search engine? These are common examples of how we often use trademarked brand names to describe a generic product or service. Same goes for “Botox.” People often use that specific, brand-name facial restoration and muscle-relaxing agent to describe a whole family of similar products called injectable neuromodulators. There are two other brands of products in this family which we offer along with Botox itself: Dysport and Xeomin.
The reason folks use “Botox” as shorthand for these different products is because they all contain the same substance that the name “Botox” is shorthand for: Botulism Toxin A. While the formulations of Botox, Dysport and Xeomin differ slightly, they all work the same way by blocking the nerve muscles responsible for the repetitive actions that cause fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing them away to produce a younger and more refreshed appearance. We use these minimally invasive injections to reduce wrinkles in areas such as crows feet, between the eyes—glabella (aka the 11’s), smoker-lines, lip wrinkles, laugh lines, neck wrinkles, and many others.
Distinct But Effective
While these three products are all very similar in substance and effect, they do have a couple of important differences.
Xeomin is different from its cousins in that it contains no additives, which may decrease a patient’s immune reaction. If the immune system is not creating antibodies to fight it, the treatment will be much more successful.
Dysport can diffuse muscles one to three centimeters from the injection point, while Botox can only reach as far as one centimeter, allowing for results that reach farther with a single injection.
So, which “Botox” of these three products is the best? That is a question we can answer when we meet with you to learn more about you and the specific problem you want to address. Whether we decide on Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, or some other form of treatment, we personally tailor our treatment plan to each individual patient.
Call Dr. Busso Today to Schedule a Consultation
If you’d like to learn more about ways to improve your appearance and enhance your sense of self-esteem and well-being, book your consultation with Coconut Grove | Miami Aesthetic Dermatologist Dr. Busso today. Dr. Mariano Busso is a leader in the field of aesthetic dermatology, acting as both Senior Attending of Dermatology at Mercy Hospital in Miami and Voluntary Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Miami. A widely published and highly acclaimed professional, Dr. Busso has the knowledge to pick the optimal course of treatment to ensure beautiful, long-lasting results.
To schedule an appointment, call our office at 305-857-0144.