BOTOX® Cosmetic (onabotulinum toxin) is a type of medication that is known as a neurotoxin and is produced by Allergan pharmaceuticals. Two other neurotoxins that are FDA approved for cosmetic use in the US market are Dysport™ (abobotulinum toxin) and Xeomin® (incobotulinum toxin), and all of them are fairly similar in effect.

Botox® and Dysport™ are similarly priced, and Xeomin® is slightly less expensive. All of these medications work to relax the muscles that they are injected into, which in turn will reduce the appearance of frown lines and some types of wrinkles. These products are most commonly used around the eyes and forehead to improve the “crow’s feet” and “frown” lines between the eyebrows, but they can be used elsewhere, such as the lip or neck.

A very small amount of medication is injected under the skin into the selected muscles. It takes about 3 to 5 days for the effect to take place, and in most cases, lasts for about 3 months.  In some patients, Dysport™ may act more quickly and last a little longer than the other two medications. The treatments can be repeated as necessary.

Although very safe, some side effects such as bruising at the injection site or temporary drooping of the eyelid are possible. Dr. Jordan has used BOTOX® Cosmetic for over 15 years and has injected thousands of patients. We have used Dysport™ since it became available in 2009 and our clinic will be among the first in the nation to use Xeomin™ once it is available in the near future. We are happy to discuss the advantages of the various neurotoxins with you.