by Dr. Joseph Grzeskiewicz

There was a time when BOTOX® Cosmetic was the only botulinum toxin product, but no longer. BOTOX® came on the market in the 1980s. Since then, it has been injected into literally millions of patients. Over time, we have come to use the name “Botox” to refer to any botulinum toxin treatment, much like we speak of “Kleenex” for facial tissues or “Xerox” for copies.

Now two comparable products are available in the United States for the treatment of facial wrinkles: Dysport® and the newest product release Xeomin®. All three products are not dermal fillers, like Juvéderm® or Restylane®. They are neurotoxins.

Actual LJCSC Patient

When it comes to relaxing wrinkles in the face, Botox® Cosmetic has long had the corner on the market. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), Botox is the number one cosmetic procedure for women and men.  In April, 2009, the FDA gave the go ahead for Dysport, a product similar to Botox. Although new to the U.S., Dysport has been used overseas for many years.