What Are Injectables?

Botox (Allergan), Dysport (Medicis), and Xeomin (Merz) are all injectable neuromodulators, meaning they can temporarily alter the nerve impulses of targeted muscles, therefore reducing or eliminating contraction-induced wrinkles.

Each brand has a slightly different formulation of the same substance, bacterium Clostridium Botulinum, or Botulinum Toxin A, but they all work the same way: they block the nerve impulses of the injected muscles to temporarily paralyze muscle movements that cause wrinkles. The most common targets are horizontal lines across the forehead and perpendicular frown lines between the brows (also called “The Elevens”), but many also rely on Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin for crow’s feet, nasal squint lines, lines around the neck, eyebrow lifting, and even profuse underarm sweating and migraines.

How Much Does It Cost?

Botox – $12 per unit

Dysport – $5 per unit

Xeomin – $11 per unit

What Is The Difference Between Botox, Dysport, & Xeomin?

Botox has become the recognized name for botulinum toxin A. Both are the same product botulinum toxin A, a derived protein that works by relaxing targeted muscles. The Dysport protein is slighlty smaller so it works quicker. The differences I have seen and that are reported in the literature include a faster onset and a cheaper price… We are getting the product cheaper so we can pass it on to the patient. Botox prices have gone up every year and now we have an equivalent or perhaps better product (initial studies showed it lasting at least 4 months) that comes in at a better price point. Dysport has been used in Europe for many years and now has arrived via Medicis the makers of Restylane and Perlane.. Be sure you see someone who is trained in injecting and knows the differences in using these products as they are diluted and dosed differently. The end result is the similar from the patient standpoint except for the pocketbook. In short, it is great to have another option and we are always looking for something better for our patients. I now use Dysport almost exclusively in my practice because patients love their rapid results and the price point.