Though Botox®, Dysport®, and Jeauveau® are all neurotoxins that treat fine lines and wrinkles on the face, they aren’t identical compounds, and your provider may choose one over the others to treat your specific issues.
At ENVY Skin Clinic, our team of aestheticians is well versed in the nuances of Botox and Dysport use. If you’re in the Glendale or Sherman Oaks, California, area and are thinking about treatment for your facial lines, you can rest assured you’ll receive the best and most appropriate treatment option for you when you come into our office.
What is a neurotoxin?
A neurotoxin affects the functioning of nerves. In the case of Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau, the drugs prevent specific nerves in the face from sending out a signal to a muscle to contract. Normally, your facial muscles contract with every expression you make, pulling the skin over them this way and that until, at some point, the muscle doesn’t fully relax, and the skin stays furrowed (or lined). These are called “dynamic wrinkles.”
By injecting the neurotoxins into the nerves, the muscles can no longer contract; the face relaxes, and the wrinkles disappear.
The differences among Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau
Botox is the brand name for one specific type of A botulinum toxin, known as onabotulinumtoxinA (ONA). Dysport and Jeuveau are the brand names for different types of A botulinum toxin, known as abobotulinumtoxinA (ABO) and prabotulinumoxinA, respectively. Botox was first approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in 2002, Dysport was approved in 2009, and Jeuveau was approved in 2019.
All three work by blocking nerve signals to the muscles, but because they’re manufactured differently, their resulting non-toxin proteins give them different potencies and possibly different times for their duration or onset of effect. That means all dosages are product-specific.
Dysport reduces the appearance of glabellar lines, those that extend upward between the eyebrows toward the forehead and are particularly noticeable when you frown or squint. Over time, glabellar lines can become more prominent when your face is relaxed, too. Dysport is intended for use in people with moderate-to-severe, not mild, glabellar lines. Jeuveau is approved for the same condition.
Botox, on the other hand, is FDA-approved for treating forehead lines and crow’s feet in addition to mild-to-moderate glabellar lines.
Most research studies have used a ratio of 2.5:1, meaning 25 units of Dysport should provide approximately the same action as 10 units of Botox. The results from studies comparing the two neurotoxins have mostly yielded conflicting or inconclusive results.
One trial demonstrated that Dysport worked longer than Botox in participants with severe horizontal forehead lines. However, the study was sponsored by the manufacturer of Dysport and may reflect an anticipated outcome.
Another trial showed no difference in how long the products worked; however, they did find that complete efficacy was more likely with Dysport (90%) than with Botox (75%).
Yet another trial found Dysport worked more quickly than Botox, and the injections were significantly less painful. This may not have been a representative study, though.
A research study evaluating Jeuveau found that 70% of people saw improved frown lines compared with about 1% of people who received a placebo.
So how do I choose?
Your aesthetician will discuss the pros and cons of each product at your consultation, and they’ll select the one that better meets your needs. Generally, if you have glabellar lines and they’re more than just fine lines, Dysport or Jeuveau are the way to go.
Want to learn more about how Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau can address your cosmetic needs? Feel free to call us at either location to set up a consultation with one of our aestheticians, or send us a message online today.