Botox vs. Dysport

Everything You Need to Know When It Comes to Choosing Your Neurotoxin

In the world of wrinkle-relaxing treatments, Botox and Dysport reign supreme as two of the most sought-after neuromodulators. They’re the most popular choices when it comes to treating fine lines, wrinkles, and preventing further signs of aging, but the question our patients ask most often: what’s the difference between them? Which one should I choose? Let’s break down the similarities and differences, and explore why some people may prefer one over the other!

Understanding Botox and Dysport

Both Botox and Dysport are brand names for botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin that temporarily paralyzes the muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles—aka the lines that form when we smile, frown, raise our eyebrows, and squint. When injected into the muscles, they work by blocking nerve signals to the targeted muscles, resulting in diminished lines and a smoother appearance.

Similarities

Mechanism of Action: Both Botox and Dysport work by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contractions. This leads to relaxation of the targeted muscles, effectively reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Treatment Areas: Both Botox and Dysport are commonly used to treat similar facial areas, including:

Forehead lines

Crow’s feet (the lines around the eyes)

Glabellar lines (the frown lines between the eyebrows)

Temporary Results: The effects of both treatments are temporary, typically lasting three to four months. After that, muscle activity gradually returns, which is why we recommend patients come in every 90-120 days to be retreated for optimal results! The goal is to prevent the muscle from ever returning to baseline so the static lines do not return, and new wrinkles cannot form.

Safety and Efficacy: Botox and Dysport have a long track record of safety and efficacy. They are both FDA-approved and have been extensively studied for cosmetic use.

    Differences

    Formulation: While both contain botulinum toxin type A, Dysport differs by a single protein, which can affect how it spreads in the muscle. Dysport tends to diffuse more than Botox, which can be beneficial for larger treatment areas but may require a more precise injection technique.

    Onset of Action: Many users report that Dysport has a faster onset of action, aka it starts working faster. Patients see results within about 2-5 days, while Botox typically takes about three to seven days. This can make Dysport a preferred choice for those looking for quicker results.

    Cost: While prices can vary depending on location and practitioner, we make it simple and charge $13/unit for both neurotoxins.

    Dosage and Units: The units of measurement differ between the two products. Dysport requires a higher unit count for similar results compared to Botox. This can lead to some confusion when discussing treatment costs. Let me simplify: 1 Botox unit = 3 Dysport units, BUT we calculate the cost using Botox units only. If Sally gets 150 units of Dysport, that would be equivalent to 50 units of Botox. Whether she is treated with Botox or Dysport, we calculate the cost as: 50 x $13/unit = $650.

      Why Some People Prefer One Over the Other

      1. Personal Experience: We see that past experiences are often the driving factor when it comes to this preference. Some patients find they respond better to one product over the other in terms of results, duration, or side effects.
      2. Injector’s Preference: Providers often have their own preferences based on their experience with each product. A skilled injector may recommend one over the other based on their technique and understanding of how each formulation interacts with muscle dynamics. At santāl skin, we prefer Botox overall due to its rewards for patients, but trust in the efficacy and safety of either Botox or Dysport!

      Conclusion

      We like to compare choosing between Botox and Dysport to choosing between Coke and Pepsi. It ultimately comes down to your personal preferences! Both options are effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, but understanding the nuances can help you make an informed decision. For further understanding about what to expect during your first Botox/Dysport appointment, click here!

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