What is the difference between Botox and Botox Cosmetic?

Question

A doctor told me that he gets charged a certain amount for Botox per unit by allergan and a different amount for Botox Cosmetic. I was very confused because I thought it was the same. I'm looking to have Botox done on my jaw to help with TMJ. What is the difference between the two and which one should I get?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Botox Cosmetic is FDA approved for fine lines and wrinkles, whereas Botox can be used to treat medical conditions. Both contain botulinum toxin. Botox to the masseter gives a temporary relief by relaxing the clenching muscles that cause TMJ pain and cosmetically can shape the jawline. If this doesn't help the TMJ pain, a maxillofacial surgeon would be best for internal muscle treatment.  Best, Dr. Emer

Eric Seiger, DO · Answer

Botox is FDA approved for some medicinal purposes while Botox Cosmetic is not. This is because Botox has been found to treat certain muscle spasm disorders. However, they both have the same ingredient botulinum toxin, and are essentially the same.

Janet Turkle, MD · Answer

I think your doctor may be referring to the treatment cost versus the per unit cost. The two terms are used to describe the same product but he may have a fee schedule based upon the treatment type. Ask for clarification. Good luck.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

There is no difference except the label.  It is the exact same medication.  Allergan charges differently depending on the quantity you order.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for question. First, Both Botox and Botox Cosmetic contain botulinum toxin. The only difference between the two are the conditions that are approved for by the FDA. Botox Cosmetic is approved to treat the face such as the frown lines. Botox is approved to treat spastic disorders. I recommend discussing this with your injector. Best of Luck!

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Botox and Botox Cosmetic are the exact same medication from the company Allergan. The name on the label is different. The generic name for both these drugs is onabotulinumtoxin A.Best,Dr. Chaboki

Estee Williams, MD · Answer

Botox is an injectable muscle relaxer used for many medical problems.  When used to treat wrinkles on the face, it is referred to as Botox Cosmetic.  For other purposes, for example, to treat migraine headaches, it is just "Botox."  Having treated patients for both medical and cosmetic concerns, including migraines, I can tell you that it is one and the same! Be well!

Samuel Hetz, MSc, MD · Answer

Botox and Botox Cosmetic are the identical medications, except with different labels and different indications (medical vs. cosmetic). All the best.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Very simple...it's all in the label.  They both contain Botulinum toxin to paralyze the target area, but Botx Cosmetic is FDA approved to treat the frwn lines while Botox is used for a multiple of other medical conditions.

Damon B. Chandler, MD · Answer

None -- there is no difference whatsoever in these two names -- the product is 100% identical. Botox Cosmetic and Botox Medical are simply two different labels the manufacturer provides on the bottle.  Chemically speaking, they are 100% the identical product.

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What is the difference between Botox and Botox Cosmetic?

Answers (20)

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