This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Consult a qualified dermatologist to determine the best treatment for you.
Every person, especially women, naturally desires to look young and beautiful at every stage of life. However, as the years pass, the effects of aging start to become visible. These effects appear differently in different people. Some may not show clear signs, while others notice lines on their forehead, smile, or around their eyes, which can detract from their beauty.
While the aging process cannot be stopped as it is natural, medical advancements have introduced ways to reduce these effects. These methods can minimize unwanted wrinkles, enhance facial beauty, and restore youthful skin.
Among these are dermal fillers and neuromodulators, improving skin without surgery. Two key neuromodulators, Botox and Dysport, are widely recognized for reducing the signs of aging effectively. Both are injectables, safe and non-invasive, and also approved by the FDA. In this article, we will discuss the difference between Dysport vs Botox, making your decision: Is Botox or Dysport better?
What is Botox?
Botox is a purified form of botulinum type A protein extracted from bacteria. It is an FDA-approved cosmetic medicine that helps reduce facial wrinkles. It is injected under the skin to treat the facial muscles, like frown lines, glabellar lines, and crow’s feet. It works by blocking the nerve signals and relaxing the muscles where injected. Botox addresses medical conditions like excessive sweating, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, and migraines.
What is Dysport?
Like Botox, Dysport is also an injectable medicine that is made of botulinum toxin type A. It was approved by the FDA in 2009 for treating moderate to severe glabellar and forehead lines. It relaxes the facial muscles by blocking nerve impulses and reducing the muscle contraction. So, it helps you gain a smooth and youthful appearance. It is thin and less concentrated than Botox. Both work using the same procedure, but Dysport shows faster results due to its diluted nature and easy spread to injected areas.
Dysport vs Botox: Key Differences
Dysport and Botox effectively reduce facial wrinkles and give you a smooth, natural look. However, their formulations make them slightly different from each other. Both contain botulinum type A, but they have different nontoxic protein compositions. Dysport is more diluted than Botox, and it takes less time to show results. The similarities and differences between Dysport vs Botox are explained here, which will help you make the right choice.
Procedure:
Dysport and Botox are both non-surgical treatments for facial wrinkles. The procedure is performed in a doctor’s office, where a licensed provider injects the medication into the targeted area. The entire process takes about half an hour. After the treatment, no recovery time is required. Results appear within a few days and last for several months. The number of treatments needed depends on the treated area and the duration of the results.
Formulation:
The main differences between Dysport and Botox are their molecular size, composition formula, and potency.
Botox Formulation (OnabotulinumtoxinA)
- Active Ingredient: Botulinum Toxin Type A
- Inactive Ingredients: Human Albumin (0.5 mg), Sodium Chloride (0.9 mg)
Botox has a larger molecule size. Botox is more concentrated; fewer units are required, and it is injected in more localized areas.
Dysport Formulation (AbobotulinumtoxinA)
- Active Ingredient: Botulinum Toxin Type A
- Inactive Ingredients: Human Albumin (0.125 mg), Lactose (2.5 mg)
Dysport molecules are smaller and easily spread. Compared to Botox, Dysport requires more units due to its dilution.
Botox vs Dysport units:
Botox is more concentrated, so fewer units are required, typically around 20-40 units per session. Dysport is more diluted and spreads over a larger area, requiring more units per session, usually around 50-100 units.
Botox 1 unit = 2-3 units of Dysport
Areas to be treated:
When comparing Botox vs Dysport, both are approved by the FDA for treating facial muscles. Dysport specifically targets the glabellar lines, also referred to as 11 lines or frown lines, located between the eyebrows. But it is also effective for off-label treatment of crow’s feet and forehead lines. In contrast, Botox has a broader range, as it targets forehead lines, lines between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet. It makes Botox more popular for those looking to treat multiple areas.
Onset Duration:
The performance time is the same for Botox and Dysport. The therapy is done in less than 30 minutes. The results become visible within a few days. Botox results appear in 3–7 days after treatment, and Dysport shows results between 1-3 days. Dysport acts faster because of its diluted composition.
Results and maintenance:
The results of Botox are temporary and last for 3-6 months. Once time passes, the effects start to go away. You need more treatments to maintain your beauty. Dysport results are also temporary and last for 3-4 months, in some people, up to 5 months. Many people choose to repeat the treatments to maintain the best look. Results show variation based on different factors like area treated and metabolism.
Cost:
The pricing of Botox and Dysport depends on the location, the area to treat, the treatments required, and the experienced healthcare provider. Botox price is charged per unit. Its cost ranges from $10 to $25 in the USA. The overall cost ranges from $400 to $800 a session. Similarly, Dysport cost per unit is $4 to $6 and $450 a session, depending on the location and dosage.
Side effects:
Botox and Dysport are safe if administered by a qualified and experienced professional. However, they may have minimal side effects if spread beyond the desired area. Both cause the same side effects, such as:
- Itching
- Swelling
- Pain on the injection site
- Bruising
- Redness
- Drooping eyelids.
These effects are temporary and last for a few hours or days. Some serious side effects, like muscle weakness or vision disturbances, can occur if therapy is not done properly. If you experience such a problem, it is essential to talk to your doctor.
Which is Better for You? Dysport vs Botox
Choosing between Dysport and Botox depends on your treatment goals and needs. Dysport is best for treating larger areas, like the forehead, and wants quick outcomes. Botox is selected for precise correction, like crow’s feet and fine lines. it diffuses to a localized area. Botox is best for those who are looking for long-lasting results, as it lasts up to 6 months in some cases.
Pros and Cons of Dysport vs Botox
Dysport
Pros
- Fast Results: Dysport acts quickly; outcomes become visible within 2-3 days.
- Effective for Large Areas: It spreads more easily, so fewer injections are required to treat the broader areas like the forehead.
- Cost-Effective: The per-unit price is less than Botox.
Cons
- Limited FDA Approval: The FDA has approved Dysport for glabellar lines only, which makes its application restricted.
- Shorter Duration: Dysport is effective, but its results vary individually. In some people, it may last up to 5 months less than Botox.
- Precision Concerns: Its dispersion can make it effective for treating larger areas; therefore, for best outcomes, a highly qualified professional is needed.
Botox
Pros
- Versatile Uses: The FDA approved its use for multiple areas, including crow’s feet, forehead lines, and glabellar lines.
- Long-Lasting Effects: Its effects last between 4-6 months.
- Precision in Application: Thanks to its larger molecular size, Botox offers more precise targeting, ideal for specific facial areas.
Cons
- Slower Onset: Full results appear within 14 days.
- Higher Per Unit Cost: Botox’s per-unit price is high, but few units are required, so the average price is not so expensive as compared to Botox.
- Limited Spread: Botox is diffused to localized areas, so few injections are required.
Prevention and Aftercare Tips
There are some key factors to follow after both treatments, including:
- Don’t consume alcohol and blood thinners for 48 hours.
- Avoid massaging the injection site to prevent the spread of Botox or Dysport.
- Don’t engage in exercise or other demanding activities for 24 hours.
- Don’t go into direct sun exposure for at least 24 hours.
- Avoid lying down for 4-6 hours after treatment.
Real Experiences: What Users Say About Botox vs Dysport
Basketballandbooks1
I love Dysport. After several years, I felt like Botox wasn’t working as well for me. It was wearing off very quickly. For me, Dysport seems to last much longer. From my understanding, one isn’t better than the other. They are just different brands, and it really boils down to personal preference.
Fennecphlox
I have had Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin. I like Dysport best – you see the effects quickly (3 days!) and for me, it lasts longer and I haven’t built a tolerance.
TaylorSwift_is_a_cat
I got Botox once and it had no effect, didn’t work at all. I found out later that my provider had substituted Dysport without telling me. Not sure why, but Dysport didn’t work at all.
Resource: https://www.reddit.com/
Conclusion: Botox vs Dysport?
Is Dysport better than Botox? Selecting between Dysport and Botox depends on your personal needs and objectives. Both are effective in treating facial wrinkles and are FDA-approved for the safe use of cosmetic and medical use. They are beneficial to restoring your natural beauty. But before deciding on a treatment, you are recommended to consult your healthcare professionals. They will discuss your goals with you, explain the benefits and side effects of the therapy, and guide you on which treatment is best for you. This way, you can easily decide whether Botox or Dysport is the better option for you. Whether you go with Botox or Dysport, you can enjoy a more youthful look and feel more confident.
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