Dysport vs Botox—which is better? Which lasts longer? These are just some of the questions clients regularly ask about our mobile Dysport injection service. Dysport and Botox are commonly used to diminish the look of wrinkles and fine lines on the forehead and face. Despite their medical applications, they are most popular as injectable cosmetic treatments. They are both types of neurotoxins that inhibit muscle contraction. While there are several similarities between Dysport and Botox, there are also distinctions. For more information on the differences between Dysport and Botox, please continue reading.
What is Botox?
The neuromodulator Botox is produced from the clostridium botulinum bacterium. It is also known as Botulinum Type A and can be used to reduce or remove fine lines and wrinkles when administered in controlled amounts. Botox injections block the nerve signals from the muscles in the face to the brain, but if given improperly, the toxin can be quite hazardous and cause botulism symptoms. When used properly, Botox is both safe and effective, especially in the hands of a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
Botox injections soften wrinkles by blocking muscle contraction in the face, which is the result of a lack of nerve signals. The first FDA-regulated Botulinum Type A neuromodulator, Botox, came to the market in 1989, prior to approval for cosmetic use in 2002. Botox has since become the most popular injectables brand worldwide. It has also been used to treat a variety of medical conditions.
What is Dysport?
Cosmetic companies have released injectables to compete with Botox since its inception. Botox was introduced over 20 years ago, and Dysport was its European equivalent, serving over 60 countries worldwide. The FDA approved Dysport for cosmetic use in the United States in 2009. It has since been used to eliminate wrinkles and fine lines, and it has been shown to be an effective, non-invasive treatment. Both Botox and Dysport were used for medical purposes before they were approved for cosmetic use.
Botulinum Type A is the active ingredient in Dysport. Once injected, Dysport disables the nerves around the injection site, restricting muscle movement, relaxing the skin, and reducing wrinkles. The product is primarily used to smooth out wrinkles on the forehead and glabellar lines, the most common of which are frown lines or 11 lines. Both Dysport and Botox are accessible to your certified injector, who may use them on various regions of your face.
Botox vs Dysport
On the surface, Botox and Dysport seem to be equally effective at reducing wrinkles. They both contain the same active ingredient (Botulinum Type A) and accomplish the same thing. A dermatologist, however, may prefer one over the other for a variety of reasons.
Each product has a different level of concentration. Because Dysport is much more diluted than Botox, it is almost a 3-to-1 split. You might require more injection material to fill one area than another, depending on the location. It’s simple to believe that Dysport would be much more expensive than Botox, but this is not the case. The unit price is substantially lower than Botox’s. Because the number of injections will be higher, the cost per procedure is about the same as with Botox.
In contrast to other injectables, Dysport has unique molecular behavior and diffusion characteristics. Because it spreads quickly over a large surface area with just a few injections, the differences come down to how your injector applies the injectable.
Who Should Get Botox? Who Should Get Dysport?
Your injector will ask you some questions and examine your medical history to determine whether you are a good candidate for either injection. You should not receive injections if you:
- Have a dairy allergy
- Are currently pregnant
- Have skin sensitivity
- Have a skin disorder
- Are over the age of 65
- Are currently on certain medications
Certain medications can interact with the injection’s ingredients, including blood thinners and muscle relaxants. Anticholinergic drugs used for Parkinson’s disease, among other things, may also interact with the injections. Before you discontinue any current medications you’re taking, consult with your doctor.
Which One Lasts Longer?
The duration of Dysport and Botox injections is anywhere from three to six months, depending on the patient. The molecules in Dysport are smaller than those in Botox. Because of this, Dysport results are visible within three to five days after administration, whereas Botox takes seven to fourteen days to produce a complete effect. Although Dysport produces effects more rapidly than Botox, it is significant to remember that it covers a wider area but has the same longevity after injection.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Typically, you will begin to see results from Botox injections within a week, but the full results might take up to one month. Some Botox injections last up to six months.
How Long Does Dysport Last?
It can take up to a couple of days for Dysport to begin working. You will need maintenance injections to maintain the desired results. Results can last for up to five months.
Which is More Effective?
They are both equally effective and last around the same length of time, depending on the area treated. According to a 2019 study, 88 percent of patients experienced exceptional results after 30 days from using injectables. The results are long-lasting with Dysport, which lasts for up to four months after a single injection. Botox is a safe, efficient procedure that can last for as long as six months, depending on the location of the injection.
Are There Differences in Treatment?
Both Botox and Dysport treatments are the same. The injector will inject directly beneath the skin and each treatment lasts around the same amount of time. When considering Botox and Dysport, you might find that Dysport is cheaper than Botox with each lasting for approximately four months. Some individuals believe that Dysport lasts longer than Botox as well, but it is dependent on the individual and the rate in which their body breaks it down. The formula for each injection is slightly different since they contain different proteins. The formula for Dysport is thought to spread further after injection.
How Many Units are Needed?
The two injectables are also distinct in terms of their unit measurements. A lower dose of Dysport is produced when compared to Botox, which means that more units must be injected to achieve the same results. For this reason, one unit of Botox goes a long way in terms of dosage, whereas Dysport is usually less expensive per unit. Although Dysport is cheaper per unit, the two injectables are comparable in price when it comes to treatment. Both Dysport and Botox are comprised of distinct chemistries to accomplish the same goal: reducing wrinkles and lines for a more youthful and relaxed look.
Side Effects of Dysport vs Botox
Severe side effects of Dysport or Botox are uncommon, but minor side effects are possible. Usually, these side effects resolve without further complications. Before you receive any treatment, talk to your injector about all possible side effects and risks so that you are aware of what to expect.
Side Effects of Botox
Botox is considered completely safe and carries minimal risk of side effects. However, when experienced, side effects may include the following:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Redness
- Headache
- Numbness at the injection site
Side Effects of Dysport
Similar to Botox, Dysport rarely causes side effects and, if it does, they are minimal. Possible side effects of Dysport injections include:
- Swelling
- Minor pain at the injection site
- Rash
- Irritation
- Headache
Mobile Dysport Treatment in Asheville, NC
Now that you know the key differences of Dysport vs Botox, you can make an informed decision about which injectable is right for you! At ReNew Asheville, our certified specialists treat fine lines and wrinkles through our mobile Dysport injection service. You no longer need to book appointments months in advance to restore your youthful glow, we will come to you!
To learn more about Dysport injection or any of the many services and treatments we offer, contact the professionals at ReNew Asheville today. We are here to help you not only feel your best, but look your best!