What’s the Difference Between Botox and Dysport?
Do you find yourself interested in ways to reduce wrinkles but aren’t sure what’s the difference between Botox and Dysport? Don’t worry you are not alone when trying to understand these two different neuromodulators.
Getting wrinkles is something we all face. We can’t stop time or reverse the aging process, but injectables can help you regain a more youthful appearance. Green Relief Health, located in Baltimore, Maryland, offers injectables to help smooth unwanted fine lines and wrinkles.
Botox is the most popular injectable, but it’s not the only one. Dysport has been gaining notoriety for its beautiful results in correcting fine lines and wrinkles. Here we explain the similarities and differences between the two so you can decide which is better for you.
Similar In Nature
While there are definite differences between Botox and Dysport, there are also many similarities. The main similarity is that they are both neuromodulators. This means that they work disrupting nerve signals to your muscles, which in turn relaxes the muscles. Both Botox and Dysport come from botulinum toxin, a neurotoxic protein that is safe when used in small amounts. Although you can use Botox and Dysport for improving various medical conditions, their most popular use is to diminish wrinkles.
The differences between the two are rooted in their trace proteins and how they’re manufactured. Let’s explore the differences below by exploring each product.
Botox Difference From Dysport
The primary ingredient for Botox is a purified form of botulinum type A. As previously mentioned, this a neurotoxin or neuromodulator that blocks the transmission of neurotransmitters associated with muscle movement.
The composition of this injection is concentrated and thicker than other similar neurotoxin injectables. Once injected, Botox remains in one area without spreading until the ingredients of the treatment are naturally metabolized by the body. This is an advantage for Botox, especially for those with more severe wrinkles.
Botox Areas of Treatment
Botox is used to treat moderate to severe wrinkles in various areas of the face. These areas include forehead wrinkle lines, lateral canthal lines otherwise known as “crow’s feet”, and glabellar lines which are commonly known as the frown lines or the “elevens”. While there are many other areas of the face that Botox can be used on, these are the most common areas of injection for patients looking to relax their wrinkles and achieve smoother skin.
When Can I Expect To See Results
When you are looking to treat your wrinkles with Botox, you might ask if results are instantaneous and seen as soon as your provider injects you, or if results might take a few days to a few weeks to see results. The answer to this question can vary, however for most patients, Botox results start to show up after about 4-5 days. It is important to note that while you will start seeing your wrinkles relax a few days after injection, you will not see the full or peak results from treatment until at least 2-3 weeks after injection. While it can be exciting to start seeing changes in your skin after your Botox injection, you should not anticipate having full results until the 2–3-week timeframe.
How Long Will Botox Last
Another common question you might be wondering is how long Botox will last in your body, or when you can expect to start to see your treatment results fade. This is variable per patient and dependent on a few factors. These factors include your gender, your intrinsic metabolic rate, how physically active you are, how long you have been receiving Botox treatments, and lastly the dose you receive during your treatment. On average, Botox will last about 3 months and patients will require retreatment around the 3-month timeframe.
It is important to find a provider who is confident in treating you and explains the expected outcome and length of duration of treatment, and to trust their guidance on dosing.
How Much Botox Do I Need?
This is a common question among patients and again, is a patient variable answer. This is not a “cookie cutter” response, and while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain units for dosing in each of the areas talked about previous in this article such as the crow’s feet, forehead, or glabellar lines, your provider will review your individual facial anatomy and muscle structure to determine your appropriate dosing.
Sometimes it might seem like the lesser dose, the better due to cost or worry about your dose being too high, however finding a trusted Botox injector is key in making sure you are receiving adequate dosing and the highest standards of care in the practice of aesthetic medicine. The recommended and approved dosing of forehead wrinkles is 20 units, for the glabellar area is also 20 units, and for the crow’s feet wrinkles a total dose of 24 units, or 12 units per side. This is a total of 62 units for the three areas. Receiving Botox treatment is a medical procedure, and it is not recommended to negotiate dosing with your provider to ensure consistent, adequate, and long-lasting results.
Dysport Difference From Botox
The primary ingredient for Dysport is another form of botulinum type A. Like Botox, Dysport is another very popular and commonly used neurotoxin that blocks the transmission of the neurotransmitters associated with muscle movement.
This injectable’s composition varies from Botox due to the size of the protein, the molecular weight of the product being smaller, and the spread or dilution of product being larger when injected into the face. When injecting neurotoxins, location and precision are critical. This makes it a particularly good option for areas such as the forehead or glabellar region where more spread is acceptable. Another factor or difference is that due to the size of the protein, your body may have a lesser chance of developing antibody resistance against the medication.
Dysport Areas of Treatment
While Dysport Is FDA approved for the frown lines, or glabellar lines in the face, it is commonly also administered in the forehead and “crow’s feet” areas to treat moderate to severe wrinkles.
Do Dysport and Botox Have the Same Length of Treatment
Now that you have read about the onset of action and duration to see peak effect from Botox injections, we will now talk about Dysport and how long you can expect to start seeing effect for this medication. Dysport can start showing signs of effects quicker than Botox, generally around 3-4 days rather than 4-5 days like Botox. However, Dysport similarly to Botox still takes about 2-3 weeks to see full or peak effect from that dosing and treatment. Another difference between Botox and Dysport is the length of duration for treatment. Dysport may last for you up to 6 months, unlike 3-4 months for Botox.
It is important to note however that the same factors that can affect the duration of your treatment with Botox occur with Dysport. Patients with high metabolic activity, who are physically active, and who have a history of requiring more frequent treatment with neurotoxins can expect to have a duration of treatment around the 3 to 4 months for Dysport as well.
Dysport Dosing
Just like the dosing of your Botox treatment, Dysport is dependent on a few variables as mentioned previously in the article, the FDA has set an approved and recommended dose of Dysport which is 50 units for the glabellar area. You might ask why the dosing is so different than the Botox dosing for this area, however the answer is in the molecular structure of both medications and how Dysport is more diluted than Botox.
It is important to find a trusted expert injector to evaluate your individual needs and anatomy to determine the best dosing for you to give you the most optimal results.
Where to Find a Botox or Dysport Provider Near Me?
You might wonder where to find a Botox or Dysport provider near you. The most important factor in deciding where to get your Botox or Dysport treatment done is establishing a relationship with an experienced provider who confidently can answer your questions and explain the procedure to you. Also, you should have the risks of treatment reviewed with you in detail and go through the informed consenting process with your provider. At Green Relief Health, your provider will do a thorough consultation, reviewing your medical history and ensuring you have no contraindications for treatment prior to initiating the procedure. We also will ask you to come back to the office 2 weeks after treatment for a follow up to ensure you are happy with your results and do not require any touch ups after treatment. Call Green Relief Health at 410-368-0420 or book here today!
