Posted by Anne Hermann on Mon, Mar 12, 2012 @ 01:30 PM
Dr. Anne Hermann
The three cosmetic Botulinum toxins are Botox, Dysport and Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA). My patients often have questions about the difference between Botox, Dysport and the latest competitor, Xeomin, and which product will give them the best result. I have taken the time to share what I tell them in the article below.
Botox has been FDA approved for muscle spasticity for over 20 years. It was FDA approved for cosmetic treatment of fine lines and wrinkles in 2002. Botox is made by Allergan, the same company that makes Juvederm. Prices will vary; we charge $10 to $12 per unit. Typically 0.01 cc of Botox is one unit of Botox. So, an average amount of Botox for frown lines is 25 units. If you receive 25 units, you will be receiving 0.25 cc of Botox. At $12 per unit, 25 units cost $300.
Xeomin is made by the company that makes Radiesse. It has been in use in Europe since 2008 and received FDA approval for use in the US in November 2011. Unlike Botox 
and Dysport, Xeomin has no additives. This may lessen the chance of developing antibodies to the product. Also, it works slightly faster than Botox. Otherwise, Botox and Xeomin are virtually interchangeable. Both will last 3 to 6 months. Because Xeomin is new to the market, it is priced better. At $9 per unit, a treatment that would cost $300 in Botox will cost $225 with Xeomin.
The active ingredient in both of these products is a naturally occurring protein derived from the bacteria Botulinium. The protein temporarily prevents muscles from contracting for three to six months. The results of both Botox and Xeomin treatments are gradual. With both treatments, you will begin to notice results anywhere from three days to one week after treatment, reaching maximum benefit at two weeks.
Most often there is no bruising from the injections, and if there is any bruising, it is typically small. However, we advise that if you want to look your best for an occasion or event, get the treatment two weeks prior to that event. This will give any bruising time to heal and botulinim takes 10 to two weeks to reach maximum benefit.
Post treatment instructions are not to lie down on the treated area for 4 hours and no deep massage of the area for two days. It is okay to wash your face and apply make-up.
Price Difference of Botox vs Xeomin:
- Brow lift or 11 lines average $225 with Xeomin or $300 with Botox*
- Upper forehead lines vary greatly based on what people need. Can be anywhere from $50 to $250*
- Crows feet average $215 to $288 with Botox and $162 to $216 with Xeomin*
- Sweaty underarms $450 for Botox and $390 for Xeomin, last over six months*
- Neck bands or Platysma muscle: $300 per band with Botox and $225 per band with Xeomin
Other areas that Botulinum helps include downturned mouth, gummy smile (show too much gum when you smile), chin wrinkles, bunny lines (lines on upper nose when you smile)
*Please note, men have larger muscles than women and require 50% more than women and cost increases accordingly
To schedule your appointment in either our Tampa or St. Pete Beach office, please call (813) 902-9559.
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