Choosing between Xeomin and Dysport? Beyond effectiveness , price is a major factor – but comparing them isn’t as simple as checking the “cost per unit.” Here’s the key detail: Dysport typically requires significantly more units than Xeomin to treat the same area – often around 1:2.5 to 1:3 ratio. That means if a treatment needs 20 units of Xeomin, you might need 50-60 units of Dysport.
Units vs. Total CostStop comparing
Xeomin and Dysport by “cost per unit.” It’s like judging phone plans by monthly fees while ignoring data limits. Here’s why: Dysport consistently requires 2.5–3× MORE units than Xeomin for identical results. For example:
- Treating forehead lines typically takes 20 units of Xeomin
- The same result often requires 50–60 units of Dysport.
If Clinic A charges12/Xeomin unit and4/Dysport unit:
► 20 Xeomin units =240 vs. 55 Dysport units =220.
Suddenly the “cheaper” Dysport only saves $20—not the 66% discount the per-unit prices suggest. Always calculate TOTAL cost per treatment.
The Core Problem: Units ≠ Strength
Xeomin and Dysport aren’t measured on the same scale. 1 Xeomin unit has comparable effects to 2.5–3 Dysport units. Clinics advertising “$3 Dysport units!” rarely highlight this.
Real Clinic Pricing Trap
Clinic X: Dysport 3.50/unit11/unit
Clinic Y: Xeomin
Without context: Dysport seems way cheaper.
Reality check:
- Clinic X treats your frown lines with 40 Dysport units ($140)
- Clinic Y treats the same area with 16 Xeomin units (
176)36 difference—not $200+.
►
Action Plan: Get These Two Numbers
During your consultation, insist on:
- ”What’s the estimated TOTAL cost for [my specific areas] using Xeomin?”
(Example quote: “Forehead + frown lines: $380 with Xeomin”) - ”Same question for Dysport?”
(Example quote: “Forehead + frown lines: $360 with Dysport”)
Area Pricing: The Simpler Solution
Many top clinics now use flat fees per zone (e.g. “299 forehead"), avoiding unit confusion. Ask:310
"Do you offer flat-rate pricing for Xeomin or Dysport treatments?"
If yes, compare:
► Xeomin forehead flat fee:
► Dysport forehead flat fee: $295.
Finding the Right Provider
An expert using 18 precise units often beats a novice using 25 units for the same result. Here’s why it matters:
- A provider with 5+ years of toxin experience typically uses 10–20% fewer units (Sources: 2020 Aesthetic Surgery Journal study).
- They charge
15–25 more per session on average, but poor technique risks75–150 touch-ups within weeks.
Example: Your forehead costs270 with an expert’s 20 units of Xeomin (13.5/unit) vs.275 with a new injector’s 25 units (11/unit) + a90 correction. The "cheaper" option just cost95 extra.
Provider Types & Typical Pricing
Board-certified dermatologists/plastic surgeons charge most (450–700 per 3 areas), but often yield longest-lasting results. Experienced RNs/PA injectors offer the best value (300–500 for 3 areas), balancing skill and cost.
Pricing Models Decoded
Per unit: Common but opaque (e.g., 14/Xeomin unit). You pay for exact usage – good if you need minimal units.295 forehead”). Usually cheaper if you need 20+ units per zone.
Per area: Transparent flat fees (e.g., "
Package deals: Save 5–15%. Examples:
► 3 areas Xeomin: 880 (40 savings)
► Dysport loyalty: 4th treatment 25% off
How to Vet Providers
- Verify credentials: State medical board website > search license number.
- Ask during consultation:
“What’s your estimated unit range for my forehead+frown lines with Xeomin?” (Listen for specificity: “Typically 24–28 units” > “Around 20–40”).
“Do you offer flat fees for these areas?”
“Any Dysport/Xeomin promotions this quarter?” - Request evidence: “Show me 3 before/afters of patients with my skin type/goals.”
Budget Hack: Time Your Booking
Clinics offer 15–25% discounts during slow periods:
► January (post-holiday)
► July/August (pre-fall rush)
► Black Friday (Nov)
Paying 50 extra for an expert injector often saves 100+ long-term through precision, durability, and avoiding redos. Always get:
- Credentials proof
- Transparent pricing model
- Treatment-specific unit estimate
“Cheap toxins are expensive if you need them every 10 weeks.”
— Dr. Lisa Lin, Derm (12 yrs injector)
Making Your Results Las
Want to slash your annual Xeomin/Dysport costs by 20–30%? Focus on longevity. The average duration is 3–4 months, but strategic habits can push this to 4.5–5 months – meaning 1-2 fewer treatments yearly. Example: Paying 375 per session quarterly = 1,500/year. Extending results to 4-month cycles = 1,125/year (375 savings).
Your Longevity Playbook
1. Sun Protection = Non-Negotiable
- UV radiation degrades collagen and reactivates squinting muscles faster.
- Data point: Daily SPF 30+ users saw effects last 18% longer than sporadic users (2020 JCD study).
- Action: Apply mineral SPF 50 to face/neck daily. Reapply every 2 hours outdoors.
2. Strategic Movement Control
- Avoid intense facial expressions (e.g., exaggerated frowning/smiling) for first 14 days post-treatment when toxin binding stabilizes.
- Limit workouts that cause excessive facial strain (heavy weightlifting, HIIT) for 72 hours post-injection.
3. Smart Maintenance Timing
- Book touch-ups at ≈10–20% movement return (e.g., faint forehead lines reappear).
- Why it saves money: A “refresh” often uses 25% fewer units than starting over.
- Example: Full forehead treatment: 20 units (
280). Maintenance at 3.5 months: 15 units (210).
- Example: Full forehead treatment: 20 units (
Supplements Worth Considering
- Zytase enzyme: Small 2021 study showed 23% longer results when taken 5 days pre/post injection (Ask your provider first!).
- Daily collagen peptides: While not toxin-specific, boosts skin hydration for smoother appearance between treatments.
Avoid These Duration Killers
- ✘ Heat exposure (saunas, hot yoga) for 72 hours post-injection → increases inflammation.
- ✘ Facial massages/facials for 2 weeks → disrupts toxin placement.
- ✘ Nicotine/alcohol binges → dehydrates skin, accelerates metabolism.
Your annual toxin budget depends more on behavior than biology. Prioritize:
- Daily SPF religiously
- Schedule touch-ups at first sign of movement
- Avoid heat/strain post-procedure
“My diligent SPF users get 5 months per session. Others? Barely 3.”
— Dr. Sarah Aiken, Cosmetic Dermatologist (14 yrs experience)
