Wrinkle relaxers can improve existing signs of aging and prevent new signs from forming, and while using them is a personal decision in your own skin’s journey, it can sometimes be confusing to determine which one is right for you.
Board-certified dermatologists, Mohs surgeons and cosmetic surgeons Drs. Joel and Daniel Schlessinger have years of experience using wrinkle relaxers and an expert understanding of facial anatomy to ensure you get the best results. From classic BOTOX® to BOTOX® alternatives, they’re an excellent resource when determining which wrinkle relaxer will meet your needs. In this blog, you’ll learn all about:
- BOTOX® pros and cons
- Dysport® vs. BOTOX®
- Jeuveau vs. BOTOX®
- Xeomin® vs. BOTOX®
- DAXXIFY® vs. BOTOX®
- Letybo vs. BOTOX®
BOTOX® pros and cons
While BOTOX® is arguably the best-known wrinkle relaxer, there are also BOTOX® alternatives on the market. As with all wrinkle relaxers, it works by temporarily relaxing the muscles you use to express yourself, which can cause forehead lines, crow’s feet or frown lines.
How long any wrinkle relaxer lasts depends on your body’s metabolism and where and how the injections are placed, but BOTOX® typically lasts up to three months (or perhaps a little longer if you are new to neuromodulators). Results occur within a week, usually beginning a few days after treatment. You’ll experience full results in about seven days.
As with other wrinkle relaxers, there is minimal to no downtime with BOTOX®. The treatments are quick, usually taking about five to ten minutes, and you can generally go about your day afterwards. Though, Drs. Daniel and Joel Schlessinger don’t recommend lying down for the first three hours after treatment and also discourage exercising or facial massage or manipulation after having BOTOX, as it may lead to bruising or inadvertent “spread” of the BOTOX®.
Dysport vs. BOTOX®
Dysport is created with a similar mechanism to BOTOX®, though it shows activity over a wider area around each injection point due to its unique molecular structure. “Dysport is one of the strongest neurotoxins on the market,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says. Having conducted many of the clinical studies at Schlessinger MD Skin Research Center and written several papers on the topic, Dr. Joel Schlessinger has extensive experience with Dysport, having used it since 2003.
“It takes effect quicker than other toxins,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says. It also tends to last slightly longer than other wrinkle relaxers, with results lasting up to 100 days.
“It’s my go-to option for people who have very strong movement and is a great option for men. It can also be a good alternative for women whose BOTOX® wears off more quickly,” Dr. Daniel Schlessinger says.
When comparing BOTOX® vs. Dysport, it’s important to note, while both are wrinkle relaxers made of the same botulinum toxin type A, each will provide slightly different benefits. “I recommend you consider trying several neuromodulators to see which one is best for you,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.
Jeuveau vs. BOTOX®
Jeuveau was created to help improve moderate to severe frown lines. Dr. Joel Schlessinger has published work on this neurotoxin and also conducted many of the clinical studies at Schlessinger MD Skin Research Center, so he has unique insight into the injectable.
“It’s a great treatment for people in their 20s and 30s or first-time patients who may be apprehensive about trying neurotoxin. Because it has a softer effect than traditional BOTOX®, it’s perfect for patients who’d like to preserve some expressivity, and I sometimes call it ‘training wheels’ for BOTOX®,” Dr. Daniel Schlessinger says.
If you’ve narrowed your choices down to BOTOX® vs. Jeuveau but can’t decide between the two, consult with a board-certified dermatologist to get an expert opinion. They both tend to last about three months, so it’s more about the strength of results you want to achieve than the longevity.
Drs. Joel and Daniel Schlessinger have found Jeuveau tends to have a lighter effect than other wrinkle relaxers. “It gives a natural look to younger individuals or older patients who have heavy lids or foreheads they’d like to be able to move to some degree,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says. “I love it for people in the public eye who want a little bit of relaxation but not so much that they look ‘done.’”
Xeomin vs. BOTOX®
Xeomin is another neurotoxin similar to BOTOX®, Jeuveau and Dysport but with a different molecular structure. Dr. Joel Schlessinger also performed clinical studies on Xeomin at Schlessinger MD Research Center and has published work on it as well.
Dr. Daniel Schlessinger says, “I like using Xeomin for patients with hooded or heavy upper eyelids and the neck area, as it tends to be less potent than traditional BOTOX®.”
While other neurotoxins have a molecular weight of about 800-900 kilodaltons (kDa), Xeomin is only about 150 kDa. “This structure may possibly be a benefit to someone who is resistant to other forms of neurotoxins. Some people respond to Xeomin who may not respond to other wrinkle relaxers,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says.
“Because of Xeomin’s unique molecular structure, it can be useful when someone develops BOTOX® resistance,” Dr. Daniel Schlessinger says. “BOTOX® resistance is becoming more common than previously thought. We have patients who have been receiving neuromodulator injections for many years who experience a gradually diminished effect over time. Sometimes, this means we have to inject more units to achieve the same effect, and other times, we may need to switch the type of neuromodulator to one they haven’t tried in the past,” he continues.
Fortunately, there are many new alternatives, so there are options if this occurs. If you’re trying to decide between BOTOX® vs. Xeomin or another wrinkle relaxer, consider Xeomin lasts eighty to 85 days. You’ll also possibly experience faster results, noticing its full effect within three to seven days.
DAXXIFY® vs. BOTOX®
DAXXIFY® is one of the newest neurotoxins on the market. While it does offer wrinkle relaxing benefits, its formulation is slightly different from BOTOX®, containing a peptide which theoretically helps stabilize the active ingredient and improve its ability to target the nerves.
Its unique mechanism of action gives the start of results in as little as two days, with full results visible around two weeks. It also helps it last slightly longer than other wrinkle relaxers, with results lasting anywhere from three to nearly six months in some individuals.
“We performed some of the clinical trials on DAXXIFY® at Schlessinger MD Research Center and are impressed with the longevity to some degree,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says.
Since this neurotoxin is newer than others on the market, it doesn’t have as much history and data as something like BOTOX®. If you’re trying to decide between BOTOX® vs. DAXXIFY®, consult your board-certified dermatologist.
“There are more side effects with DAXXIFY®, and those side effects can last a little longer if they do happen. BOXOX®, Jeuveau, Dysport and Xeomin tend to be our top choices, though we do still use DAXXIFY®. We expect that over time, DAXXIFY® may be a nice addition to our options,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says.
Letybo vs. BOTOX®
Letybo is the newest form of neuromodulator on the market and we are proud to say we performed clinical trials on it as well. “From my view,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger, “Letybo is similar to Xeomin or Jeuveau, though time will tell. Its results and longevity are most similar to Jeuveau thus far, though it’s still being studied.”
“During clinical trials, products can vary in effect based on the patient types that are selected within the trials. Once the products are more widely available, we are able to get a better view and understanding of their place within the full portfolio,” he continues.
Letybo may provide minor results as early as one day after treatment and usually within three days. As with any wrinkle relaxer, individual results may vary, but it tends to last anywhere from three months or a little longer.
Ultimately, the type of wrinkle relaxer you get is dependent on your goals and your facial anatomy, which is why discussing your options with a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon is ideal for achieving the best results.
When you’re ready to talk to someone about wrinkle relaxers, Drs. Joel and Daniel Schlessinger look forward to discussing your options with you. They are experts in injectables and personally handle all injectable treatments at Schlessinger MD.
Whether you and either Dr. Joel Schlessinger or Dr. Daniel Schlessinger decide to use BOTOX® or BOTOX® alternatives, the treatment process is simple and relatively painless. We offer numbing prior to the injections at no extra cost so it can be as comfortable as possible, and we price each injectable at similar points to ensure the best results are our main focus.
If you’re new to injectables at Schlessinger MD, you can also take advantage of our new patient special by saving up to $300 off BOTOX® and fillers. Visit our appointment portal to schedule your consultation today.