This was a paper of out Philadelphia in the May 2015 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, “A Quantitative Analysis of Different Botulinum Toxin Formulations: A Randomized, Double Blind, Prospective Clinical Trial of Comparative Dynamic Strain Reduction.”
Purpose: FDA approved Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin relied on static photos to document efficacy. This group wanted to measure the quantitative dynamic outcomes, using digital image correlation. They looked at 4 and 14 days after treatment.
Study: 73 patients. They excluded anyone who had used botox before or had any facial surgery. They were randomized to 20 units of Botox, 60 units of Dysport, or 20 units of Xeomin.
Results:
- At day 4, all groups had significant reduction of glabellar strain
- 17.9% reduction for Xeomin
- 39% reduction for Dysport
- 42% reduction for Botox
- at 14 days
- 51% for Xeomin
- 70% for Dysport
- 72% for Botox
- There was no correlation between patient age, Glogau or Fitzpatrick scales and strain reduction
So?
Using digital image correlation they state they could more precisely quantify measurement changes in the dynamic muscle movement.
At the current dosing guidelines, they do not think all the toxins are equal. They found Botox and Dysport to reduce muscle movement more, and do so faster.
I appreciate this study was a prospective, randomized study. I like that they were trying to apply a scientific measurable metric to evaluate how much the Botox works, not the “the photo looks prettier” metric.
I am just reporting a study here, but I thought it interesting, so I want to share. I do not have any personal knowledge of Xeomin, as I have not used it in my practice, and I do tend to favor Botox as I believe fresh botox is the best, I like their Brilliant Distinction reward program (though dysport is starting a program), and I like the smaller 50 unit vials so I can have fresh Botox for any patient anytime.