Dysport and Botox are injectable treatments that can temporarily reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. Both contain botulinum toxin and work by relaxing the underlying muscles to smooth out skin.
While Dysport and Botox share similarities, there are some key differences:
- The formulations have slightly different proteins and molecular structures. This may affect how quickly results appear and how long they last.
- Treatment plans can vary in the number of injection sites and units administered. This depends on the areas treated and the desired outcome.
When choosing between Dysport and Botox, consult with an experienced provider. Read on to learn all about these popular injectables and see which may be better for treating your wrinkles.
All about Injectables
Dysport and Botox injections work by temporarily relaxing facial muscles to smooth wrinkles. They both contain purified botulinum toxin and are administered via injections at a doctor’s office.
The procedure takes only minutes, with results appearing within days. Patients can resume normal activities immediately after.
What is Botox
Botox is the brand name for onabotulinumtoxinA. It’s FDA-approved to treat glabellar frown lines between the eyebrows as well as horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet around the eyes.
These are all considered dynamic wrinkles that become visible during facial expressions. Botox relaxes the underlying muscles to smooth these lines. Treatment takes only 10-20 minutes and requires minimal downtime. Patients may see results in as little as 2-3 days, which peak around one month post-treatment.
What is Dysport
Dysport, also called abobotulinumtoxinA, is another type of neurotoxin. It has a similar effect of temporarily relaxing muscles for the treatment of pronounced frown lines in the glabellar area, as well as horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet.
These dynamic wrinkles appear from muscle movements. A few tiny injections of Dysport can smooth out these creases for up to 5 months. Like Botox, the procedure only takes minutes, and results can become visible within days.
Botox vs. Dysport: What Sets Them Apart
| Aspect | Botox | Dysport |
| Active Ingredient | Botulinum toxin type A | Botulinum toxin type A |
| Initial Onset of Action | Typically, within 24-72 hours | Often faster, within 24-48 hours |
| Duration of Effect | Approximately 3-6 months | Approximately 3-6 months |
| Dilution | Less diluted, more concentrated formula | More diluted, which can affect spreading |
| Spreading | Tends to stay more localized at the injection site | Can spread to a wider area, affecting larger regions |
| Unit Dosage | Different unit dosing than Dysport | Units are not interchangeable with Botox |
| Uses | Broad range of therapeutic and cosmetic uses | More limited to cosmetic uses |
| Cost | Generally, cost-per-unit, pricing varies | Generally, cost-per-unit, pricing varies |
| Ideal for | Treating fine lines and wrinkles | Treating fine lines and wrinkles |
| Procedure | Non-invasive | Non-invasive |
| Areas treated | Facial wrinkles, forehead lines, crow’s feet (around the eyes), and frown lines, and more. | Facial wrinkles, forehead lines, crow’s feet (around the eyes), and frown lines, and more. |
| Who Should Avoid | People with Allergies Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women Individuals with Neuromuscular Disorders Who Have Had Adverse Reactions Previously | People with Allergies Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women Individuals with Neuromuscular Disorders Who Have Had Adverse Reactions Previously |
Qualifying for Dysport and Botox: Are You a Good Candidate
Good candidates for Dysport or Botox injections are healthy adults over 18 years old who have moderate to severe dynamic wrinkles. Younger patients may benefit as well.
Ideal candidates should not have any muscle or neurological disorders and should avoid treatment if pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant soon.
Certain medications like blood thinners may also impact eligibility. Share your full medical history with your provider to determine if these injectables are right for you.
Botox and Dysport: Who Is Not a Suitable Candidate
The following individuals should not receive Botox or Dysport treatments:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Those taking muscle relaxants or medications for myasthenia gravis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- People with Eaton-Lambert Syndrome or motor neuron disease
- Those with infections near the proposed injection sites
- Individuals under 18 years old
- People with severe allergies to the ingredients in Botox or Dysport
Target Areas for Botox and Dysport Treatments
Botox and Dysport can treat wrinkles in various areas of the upper face.
Common treatment areas for Botox:
- Glabellar lines between the eyebrows
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
Dysport mostly targets:
- Glabellar frown lines between the brows
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
Breaking Down the Costs: Botox Versus Dysport
The costs of Botox and Dysport are the same at Green Relief Health. The factor that affects your overall cost is the amount of areas treated.
However, it is important to know that units are not equivalent or interchangeable between products. The dilution of Dysport is different than Botox units, which means the provider will have a slightly different measurement between the two products. This will not affect your price at Green Relief Health. Most patients require repeat sessions every 3-6 months to maintain improvements.
When comparing overall costs, there isn’t a price difference between choosing Botox or Dysport at Green Relief Health. Pricing varies more noticeably between different provider’s offices based on factors like geographic location and professional fees.
Less costly options may cut corners, so quality should be considered as well. Get cost estimates in advance so you can budget accordingly. Many offices like ours also offer package deals for repeat Dysport and Botox patients.
Botulinum Toxin Therapy: Risks and Side Effects
Both Botox and Dysport utilize highly purified botulinum toxin to smooth facial wrinkles. When properly administered by an experienced specialist, serious complications are very rare. However, like most cosmetic treatments, some minor temporary side effects can occur.
Common side effects include things like
- Minimal pain, localized redness, or bruising around the injection areas.
- Muscle weakness near treated areas
- Drooping eyelids (ptosis) or brow heaviness, which will be resolved with time
- Headaches
Proper technique by a qualified injector minimizes risks considerably. Consult with your provider regarding all potential adverse reactions and contact them with any worrisome reactions. Most were resolved without issue within several days.
Botox vs. Dysport: Comparing Their Lasting Effects
There isn’t strong evidence showing either Botox or Dysport as being more effective at treating wrinkles long-term. Results from both can start to appear within 5-7 days and peak around one month post-injection.
On average, Botox and Dysport seem to last approximately 3-4 months for most people. Again, responses can vary quite a bit individually, so it’s impossible to predict exact longevity. Those seeking the longest-lasting effect between treatments may choose either.
Botox vs. Dysport: Which Yields Better Results
There’s little consensus on whether Botox or Dysport produces better-smoothing results, as effectiveness is very patient-dependent.
Due to Dysport’s faster diffusion rate, some perceive its wrinkle-relaxing effects to appear more rapidly.
When selecting the best product, providers consider the amount of toxin needed, treatment areas, lifestyle factors, anatomy, and metabolic rate. Schedule consultations to review your goals. In experienced hands, properly dosed Botox and Dysport yield great results.
Botox Results
With Botox treatments, patients report seeing initial improvements in as little as 5-7 days, which peak around one month post-injection. Muscle relaxation smooths dynamic wrinkles that form during facial expressions.
Botox works well for temporary enhancement of frown lines between brows, horizontal forehead creases, and crow’s feet around the eyes. Effects typically persist for about 3-4 months, but some observe longer-lasting results up to 6 months.
Many patients opt for maintenance sessions every three to four months to prevent creases from returning. Individual longevity depends on many factors. Discuss optimal treatment frequency with your provider.
Dysport Results
Dysport can produce visible smoothing of frown lines between the brows within 5-7 days after properly administered injections. Crease relaxation continues to improve over the next couple of weeks, with final results around one month.
Dysport may act slightly faster than Botox for most patients. Effects typically wear off between 3-4 months, although results can vary.
Your practitioner will advise on how soon to schedule follow-up appointments to optimize outcomes. Some Dysport patients only require touch-ups every 4-5 months to keep frown lines, crow’s feet, and horizontal forehead lines at bay.
Choosing Between Botox and Dysport: Finding the Best Fit for You
When trying to decide on Botox vs Dysport wrinkle treatments, consult an experienced medical aesthetics practitioner. They can evaluate your facial anatomy, muscle strength, metabolic rate, and objectives to determine which neuromodulator may work best.
Botox may last a little longer, so it’s a good choice if you want to maximize the time between appointments. Dysport diffusion may act marginally faster if you’re seeking immediate visible changes.
Both effectively smooth dynamic wrinkles if properly dosed. The cost per treatment is comparable. Neither should be used if pregnant or nursing. Carefully review potential side effects and arrange follow-ups to monitor initial response.
Combination therapy utilizes both formulas synergistically for enhanced results. Schedule consultations to develop an individualized wrinkle reduction plan you feel confident about. With a quality provider guiding injections, Botox and Dysport are great options.
Choosing the Best Botox and Dysport Provider: What to Look For
Carefully research potential Botox and Dysport specialists for the best and safest results. Board-certified providers have extensive medical training to properly administer these injectables.
Verify qualifications like medical licenses, certifications, specialty training, and years of utilizing Dysport or Botox specifically.
Experienced injectors like Dr. Lauren Nawrocki at Green Relief Health understand facial anatomy to strategize the most successful treatment plans.
They employ meticulous injection techniques, minimizing the risk of complications like asymmetry or drooping. Quality before-and-after images can demonstrate their aesthetic vision.
Legitimate professionals offer consultations to thoroughly evaluate patients’ needs and educate them on reasonable expectations before proceeding. Established clinics explain costs upfront and use approved neurotoxin sources, not black-market products. Choosing an elite specialist for your Dysport or Botox treatments promotes stunning yet natural-looking results.
Wrapping Up
Dysport and Botox are popular for effectively reducing wrinkles through injected muscle relaxation. Both demonstrate impressive smoothing effects on dynamic facial creases.
Dysport and Botox treat frown lines between brows, forehead lines, and crow’s feet wrinkles.
Though comparative research is somewhat limited, Botox may yield slightly longer-lasting results for some patients, but Dysport may act marginally faster initially. Thorough provider consultations help determine optimal product selection and dosing strategies.
By rigorously vetting the best specialists like Dr. Lauren Nawrocki at Green Relief Health, patients can safely achieve their aesthetic goals through these nonsurgical injectables.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12482167/
https://www.fda.gov/media/77359/download
