Tox Talk 101

At Ivy Aesthetics, we get many questions about neurotoxins. We carry 3 kinds of neurotoxins at our facility: Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau. The main difference between neurotoxins is they are made by different manufacturers, which means slightly different formulas. However, all contain the same active ingredient, botulinum toxin type A. All types of neurotoxins are FDA-approved. Botulinum toxin in small doses temporarily paralyzes muscles, which prevents lines from forming when expressions are made. This lack of muscle contraction over time atrophies the muscle, which reduces the muscles’ ability to create strong wrinkles/lines with expressions. There are subtle differences between each type of neurotoxin, which is why it’s important for your provider to be well-versed in each to provide you with your desired results.

Botox

Botox has been on the market the longest and has many FDA-approved cosmetic and medical indications. Botox is formulated with proteins that individuals may develop an antibody against with time, which can decrease the effectiveness of the treatment. Inactive ingredients include albumin and sodium chloride. Botox takes 3-5 days to kick in but may take up to 2 weeks for final effects. Botox typically lasts 3-4 months.

Dysport

Dysport has a lower molecular weight than Botox brand. Dysport contains lactose and milk protein, which makes it unsuitable for patients with milk or lactose allergies. The protective proteins in Dysport allow more diffusion on injection, which makes Dysport ideal for treating larger areas. Dysport’s effects may show up within 24 hours of injection, and full effects will be noticed by day 10. Dysport will typically last 3-4 months.

Jeuveau

Jeuveau is the most recent neurotoxin on the market. Jeuveau has a similar molecular weight to Botox, and is also formulated with albumin and sodium chloride. It does contain a protein similar to Dysport, however, there is less spread than Dysport, which makes Jeuveau slightly more precise. Jeuveau will take 1-5 days to kick in, with full results showing on day 14. Jeuveu will typically last 3-4 months.

Xeomin

Xeomin may be used when individuals build up resistance to other neurotoxins. Xeomin has less protein in its formula, so the risk of an allergic reaction is low. However, Xeomin does contain albumin and sucrose. Xeomin will take 5-7 days to become visible, and up to 14 days to fully kick in. Xeomin typically lasts 3-4 months. At Ivy Aesthetics we do not carry Xeomin.