Neurotoxins: Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, Xeomin, Daxxify, Letybo

Neurotoxins: Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, Xeomin, Daxxify, Letybo

There are 6 FDA-approved neuromodulators currently approved in the United States - Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, Xeomin, Daxxify & the newest of the bunch - Letybo. They all contain the botulinum toxin type A molecule produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum which temporarily blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that activates muscle movement so the muscles can’t contract. Neurotoxins can be used for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes. Read more to learn about each neuromodulator.

Botox

“Botox” is the most popular non-surgical treatment in the United States. While the treatment is commonly referred to as Botox, this is actually a brand name created by the manufacturer, Allergan. Botox was originally approved for therapeutic purposes in 1989, then for cosmetic purposes in 2002. It makes up around 70% of the neuromodulator market in the United States.

Below are some medical conditions that can be treated.

Chronic migraines and headaches

Excessive sweating

Lazy eye

Overactive bladder 

Muscle spasms (i.e. cervical dystonia and blepharospasm)

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

Strabismus

TMJ disorders (jaw clenching or teeth grinding)

Facial tics and spasms

To learn more about Botox and what to expect at your appointment at Georgetown Allure Medical Spa, click here .

While the effects of Dysport may show up sooner (within 24 hours) than Botox, it has a shorter lifespan making it a good choice for patients who are unsure about whether they will like the results. It has a high rate of diffusion, which makes it ideal for treating larger areas though more product may be needed to achieve results and is used at a 3:1 ratio in comparison to Botox (3 units of Dysport equals the potency of 1 unit of Botox). Important to note - Dysport contains lactose and cow’s milk protein — making it unsuitable for patients with milk allergies.

Jeuveau, also called “Newtox” is made using Hi-Pure™ technology, a proprietary purification and manufacturing process designed to produce a highly pure botulinum toxin type A. As a result, it is often considered to be more precise, more performant and potentially safer. Compared to Botox Jeuveau's proteins are smaller and more uniform, which may contribute to a faster onset of action.

Xeomin was first approved by the FDA in 2010 for treating blepharospasm, or involuntary blinking, and cervical dystonia. In 2015 it was approved for treating upper limb spasticity, and in 2018 it was approved for treating chronic qsialorrhea. It is often referred to as "naked Botox" because it's a purified form of botulinum toxin and doesn't contain any additional proteins.

Daxxify utilizes a unique peptide (RTP004) to stabilize the botulinum toxin, eliminating the need for human or animal-derived additives. This formulation contributes to its extended duration and stability making it the best option for patients desiring longer-lasting results with fewer treatment sessions per year. As such, due to its extended duration, any undesired effects may also persist longer.

Letybo is one of the newest neuromodulators to be approved for use in the United States, however it has been used for years in Korea where it is called “Botulax”. Manufactured by Hugel, Inc., Letybo is a leading neurotoxin in Korea among more than 70 competitors. In comparison to Botox, it has a quicker onset and gives a softer, more natural finish therefore being ideal for those seeking an effective yet subtle treatment. One of Letybo’s standout features is its formulation with fewer complexing proteins. This cleaner profile may help lower the chance of the body forming antibodies that could reduce effectiveness with repeated use.

To summarize:

Botox is the most established brand, with broad use across medical and cosmetic indications.

Dysport has a reputation for spreading more, which can be useful for larger areas but may cause less precision.

Jeuveau is tailored for aesthetic use only and often priced lower, targeting the millennial market.

Xeomin is considered the “cleanest” neurotoxin because it has no accessory proteins which can reduce the risk of antibody formation. It is also widely used for medical purposes.

Daxxify is the longest-lasting neurotoxin available (~6 months).

Letybo is the new kid on the block, known for its natural results.

Here at Georgetown Allure Medical Spa in Washington, DC, we currently offer Botox, Dysport and Jeuveau, biostimulators such as Sculptra & EZ Gel, and hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers. 

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