Beyond Botox: Which Wrinkle Reducing Injection Is Best for You?

By Dr. Jonathan Kulbersh | June 12, 2023

Botox is often the first injectable people think of when it comes to looking younger. However, it is far from the only option. As the first neuromodulator on the market, Botox® Cosmetic became the name everyone associates with wrinkle-relaxing treatments, yet innovation has moved well beyond a single injectable.

At Carolina Facial Plastics, we are recognized as the #1 medspa and facial plastic surgeon in all of Charlotte by the BOB Awards! Here, patients have access to a full spectrum of advanced neuromodulators designed to smooth lines, soften expressions, and refresh the face with natural-looking results.

While Botox remains a trusted favorite, newer alternatives are gaining attention for their unique benefits, longevity, and performance.

Below, we break down what makes Botox different from today’s leading Botox alternative options, so you can confidently choose the neuromodulator that aligns with your aesthetic goals, timeline, and budget while receiving care from one of Charlotte’s most trusted aesthetic destinations.

A Look at Botox Alternatives

While Botox has been synonymous with anti-aging treatments or non-surgical skin rejuvenation, other products work similarly and are FDA-approved to address age-related lines and wrinkles. You can consider trying these alternatives to Botox:

Dysport®
Xeomin®
Daxxify®
Jeuveau®

What is Botox?

Botox is a brand name for a neuromodulator that works by blocking the nerve signals to the muscle, preventing it from contracting. It results in diminished facial lines and wrinkles.

Botox has been in use for several years, and it is the most widely studied and tested neuromodulator in the market today.

What is it best for?

Botox is best for lines and wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet), forehead lines, frown lines between the eyebrows, bunny lines, and lipstick lines. Botox works best on smaller areas with expression lines that appear when you furrow your brow, smile, frown, or squint your eyes.

Botox may also be used for treating a gummy smile, softening or dimpling of the chin, or slimming the muscles of the jaw. In addition to treating cosmetic concerns, Botox may also be used to treat migraines, teeth grinding (bruxism), and excessive sweating.

Microbotox is a variation of Botox injections. This technique involves injecting Botox on a superficial level to avoid the “frozen” look that can happen with other Botox treatments. It uses a micro-cannula and a small dosage of diluted Botox to target the skin’s sweat and oil glands. Microbotox creates tighter and smoother skin with a powdered look.

Important Points:

It takes 7-9 days to show results.
Results last for 3-4 months.
Possible side effects include bruising, swelling, and redness around the injection sites.
You may have headaches and other flu-like symptoms for the first 24 hours.
Although rare and typically occur when performed by an inexperienced injector, more severe side effects include droopiness or temporary weakness in your face, dry mouth, rashes, nausea, muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, and vision problems.

What is Dysport?

Dysport® is a Botox alternative that also works by relaxing overactive muscles to prevent repetitive movements that lead to facial lines and wrinkles. With the muscles relaxed, existing lines and wrinkles improve, and skin becomes smoother. Dysport is typically the same price as Botox.

How What is it best for?

Dysport treatment is best for treating lines on the forehead, glabellar lines (frown lines or the 11s), and crow’s feet.

Dysport tends to diffuse further than Botox, making it ideal for treating larger areas with wrinkles. It also has a faster onset of results and may last longer in many patients. Results are visible in just 2-3 days. Dysport for wrinkle treatment can also potentially help patients who have a resistance to Botox.

Key Points:

Unlike Botox, Dysport can’t be used on a wide range of wrinkles.
Results last for 3-4 months.
Possible side effects include bruising, redness, and pain at the injection site.
Although rare and typically occur when performed by an inexperienced injector, more severe side effects include droopy eyelids, nausea, muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, and vision problems.

What is Xeomin?

Xeomin® is similar to Botox but is in purified form. Also referred to as “naked” Botox, Xeomin contains no other ingredients besides the main active ingredient, while Botox is composed of a complex mixture of proteins. Because of its purified formula, there is less risk for a patient to develop antibodies to the product. In addition, Xeomin does not need to be refrigerated, making the treatment slightly more comfortable since it is injected at room temperature. Fewer units may also be needed to achieve the desired result.

Xeomin and Botox still function the same way, which is to block signals from nerves to muscles, causing the muscles to relax and the lines and wrinkles to smooth out.