Elevate Comparing Neurotoxins

Since the early 2000s, botulinum toxins – colloquially known as “Botox” – have surged in popularity. Many people receive regular injections of these neurotoxins for cosmetic and medical reasons. For instance, a 2021 survey study found that 24% of people aged 26 to 30 had received cosmetic Botox

injections.¹

In response to the growing demand for cosmetic medications, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several types of neurotoxins. Comparing these medications allows patients to select the

best treatment option for them.

Cosmetic and Medical Dermatology Uses for Neurotoxins

Most people associate neurotoxins with facial wrinkles only. However, these drugs have many other important medical dermatology uses, such as:

Chronic migraines

Eyelid twitching

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating

Overactive bladder

Cervical dystonia

Spasticity

FDA-Approved Neurotoxins Available in the United States

In the United States, the FDA has approved four botulinum toxin type A injections for cosmetic purposes:

Botox®

Dysport®

Jeuveau®

Xeomin®

Daxi® - pending FDA approval

Comparing Neurotoxins for Cosmetic and Medical Uses

While all four FDA-approved neurotoxins perform similar cosmetic functions, they also have a few key differences that can affect their efficacy and utilization.

FDA Approval: Botox® is the most versatile botulinum toxin because the FDA has approved its usage for a variety of medical conditions. By contrast, the FDA has only approved Dysport®, Jeuveau®, and Xeomin® for the treatment of moderate to severe glabellar lines, or wrinkles that appear between the eyebrows. Most cosmetic practices that utilize multiple brands of

neurotoxins use them off label in full face wrinkle treatment.

Formulation: All four approved neurotoxins contain botulinum toxin type A as the active ingredient. However, Xeomin® contains fewer inactive complexing proteins, which may decrease the potential for antibody formation and treatment resistance.

Picking the Right Neurotoxin

Though Botox® is often regarded as the default cosmetic neurotoxin, patients have several options when choosing injections for cosmetic and medical dermatology treatments. By comparing the neurotoxins’ approved therapeutic indications and formulations, patients can pick the most effective

medication for their desired needs.

References:

1. Freeman M, Sayegh F, Sarosi A, et al. Millennials Are Interested in Botulinum Toxin Injections for Prevention of Facial Rhytids. FACE. 2021;2(1):94-98. doi:10.1177/2732501620984761

Allie McAllister, NP-C DCNP is the provider and owner of The Atlanta Injector and aesthetic practice in Atlanta, Georgia. She is the co-founder of Cult Aesthetics an Advanced Injector Retreat Style Conference. When not working, she enjoys traveling with her husband and French bulldog.