Table of Contents
Different types of Botox share the same active ingredient, however there are several factors that make doctors prefer one type over another such as the doctor’s experience, the patient’s response to certain ingredients and the cost of the treatment.
Doctors found that certain types of Botox lead to the formation of antibodies in patients, making it necessary to change the kind of Botox to achieve the best results. Today, this field has advanced enough to provide different types of Botox to give the patients and doctors a choice to make regarding which type is the best depending on each individual case and what their needs and concerns are.
Mechanism of Botox
Botox is injected directly into the muscle using a small needle which has a role in weakening and relaxing the muscle by preventing the nerves from sending chemical signals to the muscles that help them contract thus tightening wrinkles. Additionally, the patient might feel slight pain in this process. The procedure takes about 10-20 minutes and initial results might appear within 1 to 3 days. Full results take 2 to 3 weeks to be visible.
Types of Botox
All types of Botox share a common purpose but they may slightly differ in their composition and efficacy. These types include:
Botox
Botox’s main ingredient is Botulinum toxin type A and it is the most commonly used one to treat wrinkles and moderate to severe frown lines as well as forehead lines. Botox has always been a shining star among cosmetic procedures due to it gaining approval by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
Botox is known for its reliable results which the patient can usually feel from 7-14 days. However, its effect is slower than the newest brands and with time passing, its efficacy may be diminished due to the formation of antibodies. Botox is also used for medical conditions such as excessive sweating and muscle spasms.
Siax
Siax contains the Botulinum toxin, which works by relaxing the facial muscles that cause frown lines, wrinkles and other aging signs, which in turn helps smoothing them out and improving the appearance of the face.
Dysport
Dysport is internationally recognized for its low molecular weight that led to it being approved by the FDA. It has a unique formulation that allows for a wider spread within the treated area. It is suitable for larger muscles such as the forehead and on average, results appear within 1-3 days and last up to 4/5 months.
Dysport may not be suitable for patients with milk allergies due to its lactose content and whey proteins.
Xeomin
Xeomin stands out as it is the pure form of Botox, its formulation is designed to minimize the formation of antibodies and harmful side effects, thereby helping the results last longer. Xeomin is approved by the FDA and has gained popularity in treating moderate to severe frown lines.
Results appear 4-7 days post-injection and can last 3-6 months. However, the time the results take to appear may be slower compared to Dysport. Additionally, Xeomin is not as widely available as Botox or Dysport.
Jeuveau
Juveau, also known as Neurotox, is one of the newest types of Botox injections. It is considered a cheaper and effective alternative to other brands and has received FDA approval.
Results typically appear within 3-5 days and can last for 3-6 months. It treats fine lines and wrinkles, especially in the forehead area, and is suitable for younger adults.
Daxxify
Daxxify is the newest form of Botox injection and has been used in a wide manner recently. It received FDA approval in 2022. It is characterized by its unique and pure formulation that works to prolong the duration of results, lasting up to 6 months. This makes Daxxify an ideal choice for those who prefer less frequent treatments. It is used to reduce wrinkles and achieve a more youthful appearance, although it may cost more than other types of Botox.
The Correct Botox Dose
A common question that many patients have before their Botox sessions is, “How much Botox do I need?”… The amount of Botox used varies from person to person, depending on their facial characteristics, cost, and desired outcome.
The correct dosage of Botox is scientifically measured through previous studies. The number of doses used into units is determined by a company called Allergan. They are then divided based on the appropriate amount of Botox for each area of the face. Most clinics and centers use these guidelines at the start of the treatment, but they may customize a personalized plan based on the patient’s condition.
| The area | The suitable amount |
| Chin | 2-6 Units |
| Frown lines | 25-10 Units |
| Forehead lines | 10-30 Units |
| Crows feet (the outer corner of the eyes wrinkles) | 5-15 Units |
| Eyebrows | 2-5 Units |
| The lines around the nose | 5-10 Units |
| Mouth corners | 3-6 Units |
| Neck Bands | 25-50 Units |
In the table above, we mentioned the usual doses used for injection in different areas, but it is essential to note that one vial of Botox contains 50-100 units.
Always consult your doctor about the suitable dosage for your specific condition and aesthetic goals. Your desire to pay less may not help you get the desired outcome from your treatments. It may even cost you more trying to correct previous sessions.
You should trust your dermatologist to administer the correct amount of Botox for optimal results.
Factors affecting Botox dosage
The optimal dosage of Botox is determined by a variety of factors, including:
- Gender: Men have more muscles than women therefore requiring more injections.
- Facial Muscle Strength: The strength of facial muscles differs from one person to another, and is affected by several factors such as frowning, squinting, smiling and pressing on the lips. These individuals may require higher doses.
- Metabolism: Metabolic levels vary from person to person, and therefore the duration of the results may vary.
- Aesthetic goals: Some patients prefer to maintain facial mobility, and others may not, preferring complete muscle stabilization.
- Severity of wrinkles: When wrinkles are more severe and deep, the effect of Botox is better.
To choose the suitable amount of Botox, it is crucial to choose the best dermatologist. The most important factor for the success of the injection is the doctor’s experience and skill in choosing the best type of Botox. This requires extensive knowledge and experience in facial anatomy, the appropriate amount for each part, and extensive application of various procedures as well as having many years of experience.
Basic terms in the world of Botox
We learned about the types of Botox now, now let’s understand the commonly used terms, like:
Baby Botox
Considered the most popular cosmetic Botox procedure in our time, it is called that due to many younger adults,resorting to getting it. It is known for its simplicity and natural-looking results. Baby Botox is used to reduce wrinkles, particularly around the eyes and eyebrows. A smaller quantity of baby Botox is used for injection unlike traditional Botox.
BroTox
Contrary to popular belief, Botox is not only exclusive to women. This is where the term “Brotox” comes from, it combines “bro” and “Botox” to reflect the popularity it is getting amongst men. Many men aim to keep their youthful appearance and reduce wrinkles, while still achieving natural-looking results (not a “frozen” look). The most common injection areas for them are the forehead lines and around the eyes.
BlowTox (for sweat)
BlowTox was developed for individuals seeking to prevent excessive sweating in various body areas such as the scalp and underarms. These conditions may lead to many problems and issues such as hair loss, decrease in hair vitality due to scalp issues, bad odors and embarrassing situations caused by underarm sweating. BlowTox is characterized by its high efficacy, long-lasting results, and slight pain during injection.
How do I choose the best Botox type?
To choose the best kind of Botox, you have to match it to several factors including your needs and priorities, these include:
- Botox ingredients and components: There is no harm in asking your dermatologist to check the product’s composition and suitable dose for your needs.
- The area of injection: Choosing the most suitable Botox depends on whether the desired area to be injected is in the face or body.
- Time for results to appear and how long they will last: The period that results take to appear and how long will they last varies depending on the type of Botox. If you prefer a certain time, then your dermatologist will help you make the optimal choice. By consulting a skilled dermatologist with long experience then you can get all the answers to you questions and choose the most suitable treatment
Budget: Costs vary between clinics and different brands of Botox, it is best to choose the best kind according to budget.
We mentioned and put emphasis many times that to choose the best type of Botox, it is crucial to get the consultation of a specialized dermatologist, who will assure you and answer all your questions. A skilled dermatologist will determine the most appropriate dosage for your condition and provide a scientifically backed explanation on the expected results. It is very important to take your dermatologist’s advice before making any decision regarding getting any cosmetic procedure.
One such expert is the excellent dermatologist Dr. Mohanad Adas, a renowned expert who has over 15 years of experience in this field. He has played a significant role in introducing the latest cosmetic procedures and applying them. As Dr. Mohanad always said “ The more natural the results, the more it reflects the skill & knowledge of the doctors as well as the efficacy of the used products”.
- To book an appointment in the clinic, call this number:
For other informative & useful articles, visit the doctor’s official site dradas.com.
