Dysport and Botox® are two neurotoxin injectable brands that are popular for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. While these two treatments are very similar, there are some key differences between the two. But what are these differences and which injectable is right for your aesthetic goals? We’ll answer these questions and more in today’s blog.
What is Dysport?
Dysport is an injectable neuromuscular blocker that is FDA-approved for medical and cosmetic purposes. Dysport has the primary active ingredient botulinum toxin A, a neurotoxin derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It’s the only botulinum toxin treatment approved for treating spasticity in upper and lower limbs. For cosmetic purposes, it is approved for treating glabellar lines, also known as frown lines.
Dysport works by relaxing or freezing the muscles, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines when administered for cosmetic purposes. Dysport may be administered to other treatment areas, but this would be considered off-label use.
What is Botox?
Botox® is the most well-known and popular injectable neuromuscular blocker brand name medication. It has been used for cosmetic purposes for many years and has been approved even longer for certain medical conditions. It was FDA-approved in 2002 for reducing the appearance of forehead lines, glabellar lines and crow’s feet. It is also administered for certain medication conditions like TMJ disorder, migraines and more.
Like Dysport, Botox® uses the botulinum toxin A neurotoxin as the primary active ingredient. Botox’s longevity and proven safety and efficacy make it a go-to choice for many cosmetic providers and their patients.
How do they differ?
Dysport and Botox® are very similar, but their main differences are their formulation, approved uses and their dispersion area after injection.
The formulation of both Dysport and Botox® utilizes botulinum toxin A, but there are different trace proteins used in each.
For cosmetic purposes, Botox® is FDA-approved for reducing the appearance of forehead lines, glabellar lines and crow’s feet1. Meanwhile, Dysport is only FDA-approved for glabellar lines2. With that being said, Dysport is often administered off-label for other treatment areas. They also differ in their medical uses, with Dysport being approved for treating spasticity in the upper and lower limbs.
Dysport is also known to spread over a broader area after injection3. Dysport is also known to have a quicker onset of action4, with results appearing within a few days, whereas Botox® may take up to a week.
There may also be a price difference. Dysport can be cheaper per unit, but it takes more units for effective treatment. So, the cost may end up being similar. But this varies by provider.
What are the benefits of each?
Both Botox® and Dysport offer similar benefits. Both treatments have been proven to be safe and effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They are also both administered for certain medical conditions.
They are also both known to be convenient and minimally invasive procedures. Botox® and Dysport treatments often take less than 30 minutes, and you can typically resume your daily activities immediately after treatment.
Dysport may offer the additional benefit of a quicker onset of action. While this can vary by individual, some people report the visible effects of Dysport appearing in less than a few days.
Possible side effects
Both Dysport and Botox® are generally safe, but they do have a risk of side effects. Side effects are typically mild and temporary and may include:
- Swelling, bruising and redness at the injection site
- Pain at the injection site
- Headache
- Flu-like symptoms
- Aesthetic concerns like drooping eyelid
If side effects persist or worsen, make sure to speak with a doctor. Both Dysport and Botox® also have a risk for more serious side effects. Serious side effects may include muscle weakness, vision problems, loss of bladder control, breathing problems, trouble talking or swallowing and allergic reactions.
How to choose the right injectable for you
Dysport and Botox® are both effective cosmetic treatments, and your choice of treatment may depend on your personal preferences and the desired area of treatment.
If you want to treat areas other than the glabellar region, your injector may recommend Botox® since it's approved to treat forehead lines and crow’s feet too. But, you may also want to consider Dysport if you’ve had Botox® treatment before and haven’t been satisfied with the results.
Another reason you might choose Dysport is its onset of action. Some people like how Dysport’s results often show up sooner. Alternatively, some people prefer Botox® due to its long history in the cosmetic industry and popularity as a treatment option. Budget may also factor into your decision, but the cost of treatment varies by provider.
Ultimately, the decision between Dysport and Botox® is up to you and your provider. Make sure to discuss your goals and talk about which option is best for you.
What to expect for fine lines and wrinkles treatment
Dysport and Botox® treatments are convenient and straightforward. Your appointment typically begins with a consultation where you discuss your aesthetic goals and concerns with a provider. From there, they will develop a treatment strategy tailored to your needs.
The procedure itself is typically quick and relatively pain-free. Most individuals report only minor discomfort, like a slight pinching feeling. Treatment is usually done in less than 30 minutes, and you can return to your normal activities almost immediately after. Your provider will give you post-care instructions to follow. Following these instructions will help minimize complications and optimize results.
You may experience some mild and temporary side effects after treatment. Make sure to report side effects if they persist or worsen. Also, make sure to report any serious side effects.
Based on your choice of treatment, you can expect results to show up fairly soon after treatment. Dysport has been reported to be faster, with results sometimes appearing in less than a few days. Botox® results begin appearing in about a week, with full results showing in about two weeks. Both treatments are temporary, so it’s best to schedule regular appointments if you want to maintain results over time.
Dysport vs. Botox Results
Dysport and Botox® treatments achieve comparable cosmetic results. Both are effective for treating fine lines and wrinkles. Depending on individual factors like your metabolism, results may last for up to four months, sometimes shorter and sometimes longer.
Compare Botox providers in NYC
Living in New York City means that you have plenty of options for Botox or Dysport providers. This can be great, as there are many quality options in the city. The downside is that this can make it difficult to narrow down your options, especially since there’s not a great way to compare them. That’s where Certainly comes in. Certainly makes it easy to compare providers in your area. Simply search for providers in NYC to find options near you. You can then compare these options, look at estimated prices and book your appointment directly from the platform. It’s that easy!
Get Upfront Costs with Certainly Health
Lack of price transparency is another downside of finding a provider. It’s not uncommon to go through the trouble of booking a cosmetic care consultation, only to be shocked by the price of treatment.
Certainly helps you avoid this problem too. You can compare estimated prices across providers, so you can find an injector that best fits your budget. Ready to get started? Find your provider on the Certainly platform today!
Sources:
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/103000s5232lbl.pdf
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/125274s107lbl.pdf
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dysport-vs-botox/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7819591/
