Dysport vs Botox: The Key Differences

Father time remains undefeated — especially when it comes to aging.

However, there are different treatments available for people who want to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles on their forehead, cheeks, and neck. Two popular options are Dysport and Botox. 

But how do you choose between the two?

In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know when it comes to Dysport vs Botox so you can make an informed decision between the two.

Keep reading to learn more.

What Are Injectables?

No matter how much you take care of your skin, it might not be enough to keep it young-looking and wrinkle-free. You might stay out of the sun, drink a lot of water, and use cosmetic products, but sometimes you need that extra touch.

A great, non-surgical option for smoothing out wrinkles is the use of injectables. These are treatment options that inject chemical substances into strategic areas of the body. In some instances, they can even add volume to the face. 

Although injectables were once considered taboo, they are widely used today. There have been almost 2.5 million injectable procedures every year since 2015.

There are two different types of injectables: soft-tissue fillers and neuromodulators. Soft-tissue fillers add volume to facial areas like the lips, chin, forehead, and cheeks. Neuromodulators decrease lines and wrinkles.

Dysport and Botox are neuromodulators that can keep wrinkles away for a few months at a time.

Dysport vs Botox: What Are They?

Dysport and Botox injectables are both treatments that reduce wrinkles and frown lines by making the muscles underneath the skin relax for a temporary amount of time. This causes the skin above it to become smoother.

Both treatments contain the same core ingredients but vary in different amounts of proteins. This means that one might work better for some, while the other might work better for others. 

Both treatments are nonsurgical and only take a few minutes to give to patients. The longest part of the procedure is the use of the anesthetic.

Let's look at both treatments deeper.

What is Botox? 

Botox contains a bacterium called clostridium botulinum. It is also known as Botulinum Type A.

It was the first FDA-approved Botulinum Type A neuromodulation and hit the markets in 1989. Since then, it has become the main brand when it comes to injectables.

It is mainly used to treat the fine lines around the eyes (crow's feet), forehead lines, and glabellar lines. This is different from Dysport, which is only used for glabellar lines.

It does this by blocking certain nerve signals that control the muscles in the face. When done correctly, the muscles in the face don't contract like they normally do. By controlling these movements, it can help smooth out skin and lower the appearance of wrinkles.

Depending on the area that is being treated, the number of Botox dosages varies. For example, glabellar lines usually receive around 20 units and crow's feet receive around 24 units.

There is usually no pain during the procedure, but patients often report having some numbness afterward. 

Botox typically costs anywhere from $300 to $600 a session.

What is Dysport?

After Botox, many other companies created injectables that could compete with the original brand. The European counterpart to Botox was Dysport. 60 countries in the world use it. It was finally FDA-approved in the United States in 2009. 

Like Botox, the active ingredient in Dysport is Botulinum Type A. It also disables the nerves in the facial area to limit muscle movement, resulting in smoother skin. 

However, Dysport is mainly used for people that have moderate to severe glabella lines.

The glabella is the area that lies in between the eyebrows and up towards the forehead. These lines change and are much more noticeable when you squint or frown. As people age, it becomes more apparent even when they relax their faces.

If you're a candidate for Dysport, your doctor will apply a mild topical anesthetic to prevent any pain during the procedure. 

There is usually no pain during the procedure, but the patient might feel mild pain after the treatment around the injection site.

Dysport typically costs around $400 a session.

Which One is More Effective, Botox or Dysport?

One benefit of both Dysport and Botox is that you'll see results from these injections within just a few days of treatment, which is quite fast compared to other surgical procedures. Neither of the treatments requires any recovery time, and patients can return home right after.

One key difference between Botox and Dysport is the concentration levels in each of the injectables. Botox is much more concentrated than Dysport at a ratio of around 3 to 1. Because of this, your doctor might use more of a product to fill one area than the other.

However, despite this difference, they are similar in price.

Botox users will see results after a couple days but might not show its full effects until 2 weeks later. These also last anywhere from a few months up to 6 months at a time.

The success rates of both are excellent when it comes to reducing signs of wrinkles. In one study, 88% of patients were extremely satisfied with the treatment results after 30 days. 

Who Are Candidates For Dysport and Botox?

Both types of injections should only be done by healthy adults over the age of 18. They will need to have moderate to severe facial lines, not mild ones. See a doctor to see if you are a good candidate. They will review your medical history to see if it's right for you.

Most doctors will recommend that the injectables be used for people that are between the ages of 35 and 65. Patients should have moderate to severe facial wrinkles that have already tried dermatologist-recommended skin care.

The wrinkles should also be in facial locations that Botox and Dysport can help, like the forehead, chin, eyes, cheeks, and lips. Candidates should also be in relatively good health without other skin conditions. 

Some people that will not be able to get either Botox or Dysport are people who:

• Have a milk or egg allergy
• Are pregnant
• Have a skin disorder
• Have a history of botulinum toxin sensitivity
• Are over the age of 65
• Take certain medications

There are many different types of medications that might interact with the injections, including muscle relaxers, blood thinners, and anticholinergics used for Parkinson's disease. 

Check with your doctor to make sure you aren't using any medications that might interact with the injections.

Are There Any Differences in the Procedures?

The procedures for both Botox and Dysport are almost identical.

To begin the injectable process, you'll first meet with your providr to get an initial consultation. They'll check your medical history and assess the wrinkles you currently have on your face. 

After that, they'll come up with a strategy to fix the lines. Sometimes, this consists of both Botox and Dysport in the same session.

The procedure for both injectables is non-invasive and usually takes less than a half hour. Some patients might even get their injectable procedure during their lunch break at work. Compared to other surgical procedures, these injectables have a very short recovery time and a high success rate. 

Before the procedure, your doctor will mark the injection sites. Next, they'll apply topical agents to numb the areas and prevent any pain during the procedure. Then they'll inject either Botox or Dysport at the marked sites.

Dysport injections sometimes need to go a bit deeper than Botox. This is because they cover wider areas that they need to treat, like the forehead. After the simple procedure, the doctor will double-check to make sure nothing is out of the ordinary, and then you're free to return to your day.

They will give you simple instructions post-treatment, like:

• Do not drink alcohol for 48 hours
• Do not lie down for 4 hours after the procedure
• Avoid sun exposure for 24 hours
• Avoid exercise for 24 hours
• Do not massage the face at the injection areas as this can spread the chemicals to other parts of the face

After a few days to a week, you'll start to notice improvements in the tightness of your skin!

What Are the Side Effects?

Like any medical procedure, there is a chance of side effects when getting Dysport or Botox for wrinkles. Most of the time, they are mild, but severe side effects have been reported.

Most of these usually resolve themselves but talk to a doctor so that you know what to expect. 

Some side effects of Dysport include:

• Headaches
• Rash or irritation
• Swelling around the eyelids
• Minor pain at the injection site

Most of these symptoms resolve on their own after a few days, but more serious side effects may include sinusitis, nausea, or upper respiratory infection.

Some common side effects of Botox include:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Redness
• Numbness
• Headache
• Slight pain

These will also usually go away within a week.

Both Dysport and Botox can cause botulinum toxicity. Although it is extremely rare, it is a serious complication. This happens when the injection spreads to other parts of the body.

Clinical Applications for Botox and Dysport

Botox and Dysport aren't only used to treat wrinkles and lines on the face. They can be used for different medical applications as well.

Botox is used for conditions like:

• Gastroparesis
• Overactive bladder
• Foot pain
• Migraines
• Depression
• Facial muscle spasms
• Strabismus (crossed eyes)
• Temporomandibular joint disorder and grinding

Dysport is used for:

• Cervical dystonia (abnormal head and neck pain)
• Spasticity 

See your doctor to see if you qualify for treatment for any of these conditions.

Can Dysport and Botox Be Combined With Other Treatments?

Patients often ask if they can combine these injectables with other treatments.

For example, you can also get an injectable filler, which is used to add volume and plump up the skin. Fillers like Restylane and Juvederm contain hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally formed compound that is already found in the skin. 

When combined with Dysport or Botox, it is often referred to as a "liquid facelift." This is becoming an increasingly popular option because there is no major surgery required.

Other requested treatments might include chemical peels, lasers, or hydra facials. Although people might want to get these treatments done quickly, it varies from case to case if it can be done at the same time.

Most likely, your doctor will be cautious and perform one at a time.

Schedule Your Treatment Today

That's everything you need to know about Dysport vs Botox. Both injectables are quite similar but have subtle differences that make one more suitable than the other, depending on your situation.

It's important to choose a doctor you trust if you decide to get an injectable. Request an appointment with Aura Dental Spa today to smooth out your wrinkles!