All four are FDA-approved botulinum toxin type A products. The differences are subtle but real — they affect onset speed, diffusion area, and longevity. The right choice depends on the area being treated and your past experience.
This guide covers each brand, when each is preferred, and the practical implications for treatment planning.
Botox (Allergan)
The original. Onset: 3–7 days. Full effect: 14 days. Duration: 3–4 months. Most predictable, most studied. The default choice when you don't have a specific reason to choose another.
Botox is the global gold standard with the longest safety history. Most clinical trials use Botox as the comparison product.
Dysport (Galderma)
Onset: 2–3 days (faster). Diffuses more (good for large areas like the forehead, less precise for fine areas). Duration: similar to Botox.
Dysport's faster onset matters for patients with time-sensitive events. The diffusion characteristic makes it useful for treating broad muscle groups but riskier for precise areas around the eyes.
Xeomin (Merz)
Naked toxin (no protein complex), theoretically lower antibody risk for patients who become resistant to Botox over time. Onset: 5–7 days. Duration: ~3 months.
Xeomin is the right choice for patients who've been on Botox for years and notice diminishing effect — a sign of antibody buildup against the protein complex.
Jeuveau (Evolus)
Marketed as the "newtox." Pure aesthetic indication (not approved for medical uses like migraine). Onset and duration similar to Botox. Often slightly cheaper in the US.
Jeuveau's value proposition is price competition with Botox. Clinical effect is essentially equivalent for aesthetic indications.
Which to ask for
- First time: Botox
- Want fast onset (event in 4 days): Dysport
- Resistant to Botox: Xeomin
- Cost-sensitive in the US: Jeuveau
- Treating broad forehead: Dysport
- Treating crow's feet (precise): Botox or Xeomin
At Elyzea, we use FDA-equivalent Botox globally available. Full-face: S/800 (~US$229). Detailed toxin guide.
Conversion factors
Different brands use different unit systems. Approximate conversions:
- 1 unit Botox ≈ 1 unit Xeomin ≈ 1 unit Jeuveau
- 1 unit Botox ≈ 2.5-3 units Dysport (Speywood units)
Don't compare per-unit prices across brands without converting.
Side effects (similar across brands)
- Mild bruising at injection sites (5-15 % of patients)
- Transient headache day-of
- Eyelid drooping if injected too close to levator (rare)
- Asymmetric expression (correctible at 2-week follow-up)
Allergic reactions extremely rare. Long-term safety profile excellent across brands.
Frequently asked questions
Will I notice the difference between brands?
Most patients can't distinguish properly-dosed brands. The differences are subtle.
What about Daxxify (longer-lasting toxin)?
Newer FDA-approved option (2023) marketed as 6+ month duration. Available in some US clinics; not yet widely in Lima. Independent evidence on duration is mixed.
Can I switch brands?
Yes. Switching is common, especially for resistant patients moving to Xeomin.
How is brand chosen at Elyzea?
Consultation discusses your goals + treatment area + history. Most reputable global toxin brands available.
Are these the same as bargain online injectables?
No. Buying toxin from non-medical sources is dangerous. Always work with a licensed clinic.
What about masseter Botox for jaw clenching?
Same toxin, different injection site (masseter muscle). Reduces jaw clenching and slims square jaws.
Can I get toxin during chemotherapy?
Generally no. Postpone until after treatment.
Botox standards at Elyzea
Botox injection (botulinum toxin type A — branded products include the one widely searched as "Botox," plus Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau) is delivered at Elyzea by Dra. Geldres herself, a board-certified plastic surgeon. The dosing is calibrated to your specific muscle activity and goals — natural-looking softening of dynamic lines without the "frozen" appearance that comes from over-dosing or poorly placed injections. The brand of toxin is named at consultation, the unit count is transparent, and a 2-week follow-up confirms the intended effect. Cost varies by total units; quoted at consultation. The standard maintenance schedule is every 3–4 months, often paired with HIFU annually for combined dynamic + structural improvement.
Why Elyzea is different in Lima
Elyzea runs on manufacturer-genuine equipment — not the lookalike clones common across the regional market — with every protocol designed and supervised by a board-certified plastic surgeon. See how a visit works.
What the free virtual consultation covers
Before any travel, a free virtual consultation reviews your goals, candidacy and exact pricing — so you fly with a confirmed plan, not a sales pitch. Book it and plan your visit here.
Bottom line
Botox is the safe default. Dysport for speed. Xeomin for resistance. Jeuveau for price. The differences are subtle for most patients. At Elyzea, brand selection is part of the consultation conversation. Lima full-face flat-rate at ~US$229 captures the savings regardless of brand.