Botox vs. Dysport vs. Xeomin vs. Jeuveau vs. Daxxify

Five Widely Used FDA-Approved Cosmetic Neurotoxins

Botox Cosmetic

Manufactured by Allergan Aesthetics, Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) was the first FDA-approved neuromodulator for aesthetic use (2002). It remains the most recognized brand worldwide.

Typical onset: 3–5 days

Average duration: 3–4 months

Botox has the longest track record of any cosmetic neurotoxin, with more than 20 years of FDA-approved cosmetic use.

Botox is one of the three neurotoxins our physicians use at The Naderi Center, along with Dysport and Daxxify. It has been in our hands for many years, and our team and our patients appreciate its long safety record and consistent results.

“Botox is predictable, refined, and extremely reliable,” says Dr. Shervin Naderi. “But brand alone doesn’t create natural results. Injection technique does.”

Xeomin

Manufactured by Merz Aesthetics, Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) is often called a “naked” toxin because it contains no accessory proteins.

Duration: 3–4 months

Xeomin was FDA-approved for cosmetic use in 2011. It is an effective, well-studied option used by many practices.

Jeuveau

Introduced in 2019 by Evolus, Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs) was developed specifically for aesthetic use.

Duration: 3–4 months

Jeuveau is FDA-approved and effective, and it is widely used for frown lines.

“Jeuveau performs well when dosed correctly,” Dr. Naderi says. “As with any toxin, the injector matters more than the brand.”

Daxxify

Developed by Revance Therapeutics and FDA-approved in 2022, Daxxify (daxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) is positioned as a longer-lasting neuromodulator.

Why Does Daxxify Last Longer?

Daxxify uses a proprietary peptide stabilizer instead of traditional human serum albumin. Some studies suggest Daxxify can last longer than traditional toxins when it is dosed properly.

However, there is an important catch:

Daxxify’s longevity is dose-dependent.

Higher dosing strategies are associated with longer-lasting results. In other words, extended duration often correlates with increased units administered.

“Longevity is tied to dose,” Dr. Naderi explains. “When you increase dose appropriately, duration extends. Daxxify was engineered to maximize that effect.”

Botox vs. Dysport: How They Compare

Botox and Dysport are the two toxins patients ask us to compare most often. Both contain botulinum toxin type A, and both relax the muscles behind frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet. The differences come from how each company makes and formulates its product.

How quickly they work

Botox usually starts to show in 3 to 5 days and reaches its full effect within about two weeks. Dysport often kicks in a little sooner, sometimes within a day or two. Once both have settled, the results look much the same, and either one lasts about 3 to 4 months for most patients.

How they spread

Dysport spreads a little farther from each injection point, which can work well across a broad muscle like the forehead. Your physician accounts for that spread when deciding where to inject and how much to use.

Why the unit counts differ

A unit of Dysport is not equal to a unit of Botox. Dysport takes more units to reach the same effect, so a Dysport treatment shows a higher unit count for the same result. That is also why comparing the two by price per unit can mislead; compare the whole treatment instead.

“The difference between Botox and Dysport is like the difference between Coke and Pepsi,” says Dr. Naderi. “There are subtle differences between the two, but most don’t notice any.”

Side Effects and Who Should Wait

Neurotoxin injections take only a few minutes, and side effects are usually mild whichever brand is used: some redness, swelling or a small bruise at the injection sites, slight tenderness, or a headache. These typically settle within a few days to a week.

Serious reactions are rare. Call your doctor or get medical care right away if you notice drooping eyelids, blurred vision, new muscle weakness, or any trouble swallowing, speaking or breathing after treatment.

Neurotoxins are not recommended during pregnancy or for anyone who has had a reaction to a botulinum toxin product before. Dysport contains a small amount of cow’s milk protein, so it is not used for patients with a cow’s milk protein allergy. Tell your physician about any allergies, medications and medical conditions before your appointment.

Why Does Botox Pricing Vary Between Offices?

Patients frequently ask why pricing varies dramatically between practices.

Here are the primary reasons:

• Whether pricing is quoted per unit or per area
• Different dilution practices
• Different dosing philosophies
• Injector experience level

At The Naderi Center, dosing is based on:

• Facial anatomy
• Muscle strength
• Gender-specific aesthetics
• Long-term facial harmony

“We don’t treat units. We treat faces,” says Dr. Naderi. “Under-dosing to hit a price point leads to short-lived or incomplete results.”

Which Neurotoxins Does The Naderi Center Use?

At The Naderi Center, our physicians use Botox, Dysport and Daxxify, and every neurotoxin injection is done by a physician.

Botox and Dysport have been on the market the longest and have the longest history of FDA approval for cosmetic use. That long track record is why they have been in our hands for so many years.

We added Daxxify because it came to market as a longer-acting toxin. Some studies suggest it can last longer when it is dosed properly, which can make it a good option for patients who would like fewer visits.

Xeomin and Jeuveau are also FDA-approved and effective. We simply have the most experience with Botox, Dysport and Daxxify, and that experience is what we bring to every treatment.

What Truly Determines Natural Results?

The most important factor is not the label on the vial.

The Takeaway for Patients in Virginia and Maryland

All five of these FDA-approved neurotoxins can produce beautiful, natural results when used correctly:

• Botox Cosmetic
• Dysport
• Xeomin
• Jeuveau
• Daxxify

Botox and Dysport have the longest track record, and Daxxify may last longer when it is dosed properly. Xeomin and Jeuveau are proven, FDA-approved options as well. At The Naderi Center, we use Botox, Dysport and Daxxify, the toxins our physicians have the most experience with.

But at The Naderi Center, the philosophy is simple:

“The injector determines the outcome, not the brand,” Dr. Naderi emphasizes.

If you are considering a neuromodulator, our physicians can help you choose the product and dose that suit your face.

Book your appointment at our Reston and Chevy Chase offices here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cosmetic Neurotoxins