Injectables remain the most popular cosmetic treatments performed in the world, and there is no sign of that changing. Patients get injections of BOTOX and dermal fillers at our Boston practice virtually every day. Despite the popularity of fillers and BOTOX, many people considering these treatments aren’t sure which option is right for them.
Adding to the confusion is the arrival of similar products manufactured by different companies or composed of different ingredients. Dysport, for example, is one of at least 3 BOTOX competitors. And while JUVÉDERM may be the most recognizable name when it comes to dermal fillers, not all fillers are the same.
Knowing the difference between the products can help you make an informed decision about your treatment. In this blog post, we’ll explore their similarities and distinguishing features and explain the benefits of each.
What’s the Difference Between BOTOX and Dysport?
BOTOX is a household name in the U.S. and many other countries around the world because it is so effective at smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. The FDA approved its use as a cosmetic treatment in 2002 (originally, it was used for eye muscle disorders, which led to the discovery of its ability to minimize wrinkles). Dysport’s FDA approval came in 2009.
Both BOTOX and Dysport belong to a category of treatments called neuromodulators, which means they interfere with signals sent from the nervous system to the muscles. Because they block signals from the nerves, muscles are weakened and can’t create expressions that result in lines and wrinkles.
In the United States, several FDA-approved neuromodulators are available for cosmetic use, each derived from botulinum toxin type A. These injectables temporarily relax targeted facial muscles to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. Here’s a brief overview of each:
- BOTOX (OnabotulinumtoxinA)
As the first botulinum toxin approved for cosmetic use, BOTOX has become synonymous with neuromodulator treatments. It’s widely used to smooth frown lines, forehead creases, and crow’s feet, but it is also used to smooth vertical neck bands, treat migraines, and address excessive sweating. Patients typically notice results within 3 to 5 days, with effects lasting approximately 3 to 4 months. - Dysport (AbobotulinumtoxinA)
Dysport is known for its quick onset, often showing results within 2 to 3 days. It’s particularly effective for treating moderate to severe glabellar lines (the lines between the eyebrows). The effects generally last about 3 to 4 months. - Xeomin® (IncobotulinumtoxinA)
Xeomin is unique because it doesn’t contain accessory proteins, which may reduce the risk of developing resistance over time. It’s used to treat frown lines between the eyebrows, with results appearing in 3 to 4 days and lasting around 3 to 4 months. - Jeuveau® (PrabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs)
Marketed as “Newtox,” Jeuveau was approved by the FDA in 2019. It’s primarily used for glabellar lines, with results visible within 2 to 3 days and lasting about 3 to 4 months. - Daxxify® (DaxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm)
Approved in 2022, Daxxify is noted for its longer duration of effect, with results lasting up to 6 months. It’s used for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe glabellar lines.
Each neuromodulator offers unique benefits, and the choice among them can depend on individual patient needs, treatment goals, and the specific areas being addressed. Consulting with a qualified healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate option for achieving your desired aesthetic outcomes.
Which One Is Right for You?
The best way to determine which neuromodulator is right for you is by consulting with an experienced injector or plastic surgeon. They’re most familiar with the subtle differences and know which is best to achieve specific cosmetic goals. There are considerations such as differences in potency, price per unit, and more that will help your provider guide your decision on which product is the best choice for your treatment needs.
What’s the Difference Between JUVÉDERM and Sculptra Aesthetic?
Unlike BOTOX and Dysport, JUVÉDERM and Sculptra are quite different from one another. They’re both used for adding volume but formulated using different active ingredients. Additionally, the JUVÉDERM collection of fillers includes several specialized products designed to be used in different areas of the face. Sculptra is primarily used to restore volume to the cheeks.
What Are JUVÉDERM Fillers?
Like most fillers available today, JUVÉDERM fillers are made using hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the body. Hyaluronic acid performs numerous functions in the body, such as cushioning and lubricating joints. Skincare products include HA because it binds to water molecules and attaches to cells, making them plump. Supplements that include HA are meant to reduce dry skin, and hyaluronic acid serums are designed to reduce wrinkles. HA is most effective, though, when used in a dermal filler.
Age, sun exposure, and other environmental pollutants deplete the skin’s volume, resulting in wrinkles and creases such as nasolabial folds and smile lines around the mouth. JUVÉDERM and other HA fillers are gel-like substances that restore the volume with results that you can see immediately. JUVÉDERM fillers (and other HA fillers) are reversible if a patient is unhappy with the results.
The JUVÉDERM collection offers a range of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, each tailored for specific aesthetic enhancements:
- JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® XC: Designed to add volume to the cheeks and midface, it provides a subtle lift and contour. It’s also used for chin augmentation to improve the chin profile. Results can last up to 2 years in the cheeks and 1 year in the chin with optimal treatment.
- JUVÉDERM® VOLLURE® XC: This treatment targets moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (smile lines). It offers a balance between flexibility and durability, with results lasting up to 18 months with optimal treatment.
- JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® XC: Formulated for lip augmentation and correction of perioral lines (lip lines), this filler provides subtle volume and smooths vertical lip lines, with effects lasting up to 1 year with optimal treatment.
- JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC: This filler adds fullness and plumps lips, as well as smooths moderate to severe nasolabial folds. It’s versatile for enhancing lip volume and facial lines, with results lasting up to 1 year with optimal treatment.
- JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus XC: Similar to JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC but with a thicker consistency, this product is used for deeper facial wrinkles and folds, providing more substantial volume. With optimal treatment, results can last up to one year.
- JUVÉDERM® VOLUX® XC: A robust filler designed to improve jawline definition, VOLUX addresses moderate to severe loss of jawline contour. It provides structural support and lasts up to 1 year with optimal treatment.
Each product in the JUVÉDERM® line is formulated with unique properties to address specific areas of the face, allowing for a customized approach to facial rejuvenation and enhancement.
Sculptra: Biostimulator vs Filler
The active ingredient in Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which is quite a bit different from hyaluronic acid. Instead of simply replacing volume as JUVÉDERM does, Sculptra stimulates the production of new collagen—a vital component of healthy, youthful-looking skin. That’s why Sculptra belongs to a category of injectables called biostimulators, which also includes RADIESSE®. RADIESSE is made of calcium hydroxyapatite spheres suspended in a gel carrier, so it provides both immediate volume and prolonged collagen stimulation.
Because Sculptra increases your body’s own collagen, results appear gradually. It may take 2 or 3 treatments over the course of 2 months to create the desired results. Many patients believe the wait is worth it, as results can last 2 years or more, making Sculptra the longest-lasting filler available.
Because fillers, biostimulators, and neuromodulators (such as BOTOX) address different types of wrinkles, patients often choose to get different treatments during a single appointment. If you’re considering cosmetic injections and want to discuss your options, request a consultation using the online form or call us at (781) 740-7840 to schedule an appointment.
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