Botox and Dysport are FDA-approved drugs used in cosmetic treatment to enhance beauty. The FDA approval of Botox happened in 2002, and they approved Dysport in 2009. Since then, the use of injectables has become increasingly popular in the United States.
According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), plastic surgeons performed 1,903,660 injectable cosmetic procedures in the United States in 2017. That number accounts for 22.2% of all injectable procedures performed worldwide.
Experts use both Botox and Dysport treatments to reduce the appearance of fine lines such as crow’s feet, forehead lines, frown lines, and more. Though both drugs come with potential side effects, these procedures have been thoroughly researched and performed on millions of people worldwide.
If using Botox or Dysport to restore your youthful appearance interests you, continue reading to find the similarities and differences between the two. We will also explain how to determine the best option for you.
What is Botox?
Botox is a non-surgical procedure used to freeze the facial muscles. A certified professional performs a Botox treatment by administering multiple injections around the face to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
The injection contains a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum. The botulinum toxin blocks nerve signals sent to the brain that move facial muscles. Because the injection works by treating the facial nerves, it looks more natural than other fillers.
Experts prescribe botulinum toxin injections in small amounts. A forehead treatment, for example, requires an average of 10 to 30 units of Botox to be injected. These injections contain carefully measured doses of the neurotoxin.
Botox can have serious side effects; however, these typically only occur when an inexperienced doctor performs the injection. A trusted injection specialist knows how to effectively use Botox to reduce the appearance of fine lines safely. It’s important to do your research and look at before and after pictures before choosing a clinic.
Although Botox injections are primarily used to reduce the appearance of fine lines, they can also be used for medical conditions. Those who experience muscle spasms from a neurological disorder can benefit from Botox. In such disorders, the stimulation of a nerve causes muscle spasms.
Injections stop the brain from sending imbalanced signals to facial nerve endings. The spasms stop because the nerves can no longer communicate with the brain. A Botox procedure thus provides relief from spasms and the associated pain.
What is Dysport?
Dysport injections have the same composition as Botox at a lower concentration. Due to the molecular composition of Dysport, the injection spreads quickly. Like Botox, Dysport smooths wrinkles and reduces fine lines without surgery.
While the FDA has approved both Botox and Dysport for all areas of the face, Dysport injections are often used to reduce the appearance of glabellar lines. These lines are the vertical lines between the eyebrows that appear when someone frowns.
Although Dysport can be used anywhere on the face, it is most commonly used between the eyebrows due to the loss of collagen. Collagen is a protein that contributes to skin elasticity, which enhances youthful appearance.
Loss of this protein is most noticeable on the neck, forehead, and between the brows. Prominent wrinkles in these areas are more significant and thus require more botulinum toxin.
Dysport is an affordable option because it spreads quicker than Botox and will treat the entire desired area. Dr. Salas often chooses to prescribe Dysport for advanced aging or more developed lines, though he also uses it for other wrinkles.
Botox vs. Dysport: The Main Differences
Because Dysport has a much lower concentration of neurotoxin than Botox, a doctor can safely inject more Dysport into the face. Both procedures only last for a few minutes and don’t require significant recovery time despite increased injections.
Botox is most commonly used for fine lines, such as crow’s feet, smile and lip lines, less-developed wrinkles, etc. Dysport is a more common injection for forehead lines, glabellar lines, and other larger areas of the face.
Regarding cost, Botox is more expensive per unit. However, because Dysport has a lower concentration, a doctor must inject more units of Dysport into the face. Thus, the cost of the two procedures is practically the same.
The procedure itself is also the same. First, your injection specialist marks the places on your skin where they plan to insert the injections. The doctor will then apply a numbing agent and perform the injections in the target areas.
After receiving the injections, your doctor will do a safety check. When Dr. Salas is sure that your face has taken the injections, you’re free to go!
Is Dysport or Botox More Effective?
Botox and Dysport are both effective cosmetic treatments for wrinkles.
Do Dysport and Botox have Similar Side Effects?
Common side effects of Botox and Dysport can include:
- Pain at the injection site
- Droopy eyelids
- Swelling
- Headache
These minor side effects will most likely go away after a couple of days. Serious side effects can occur if you have a case of botulinum toxicity, which includes muscle weakness, vision problems, and trouble swallowing or speaking.
Is Dysport or Botox More Popular?
Both Botox and Dysport are popular treatment options. After booking your Salas consultation, your cosmetic injection specialist will assess your wrinkles and health to personalize your injection plan. Sometimes, a specialist decides it’s best to combine the two.
Does Dysport or Botox Last Longer?
Dysport is also known to take effect in approximately 24 hours, while Botox can take up to 72 hours. However, this will depend on each individual’s reaction to the drug.
The diffusion of Botox into the face takes longer than Dysport, but the results also last longer. The duration of Botox usually is 4-6 months, while Dysport often lasts 3-4 months. Both require repeated treatments to maintain the results.
The best way to tell if you need to re-visit the clinic is when you begin to see muscle movement in your face again. This means that your body has partially absorbed the particles of the Botox injections.
Though the appearance of your fine lines drastically reduces, facial muscle movement can cause wrinkles to re-form. You will need new injections to ensure that the wrinkles do not worsen.
For optimal results, experts at Salas recommend getting injections 3-4 times a year. Repeated treatment helps your facial nerves remain in a state of paralysis so that your skin cannot crease and exacerbate your wrinkles.
Can You Combine Botox and Dysport With Other Treatments?
Botox and Dysport are safely used with other treatments. Your dermatologist will determine if you need additional treatments during your free Salas consultation. This depends on the state of your skin and the development of wrinkles.
Doctors often combine Botox and Dysport with dermal fillers such as Restylane or Juvéderm. This is known as a “liquid facelift.” Because these procedures do not require major surgery, they are a popular and viable option for enhancing a youthful appearance and natural beauty.
Some people also decide to combine Botox or Dysport with chemical peels and HydraFacials. A chemical peel will damage the first layer of the skin, and the old skin is then removed to reveal softer and more youthful skin.
HydraFacials, such as our Shine Bright or 10 Karat Diamond Facial, are non-invasive treatments. They work to exfoliate, extract, infuse, and hydrate the skin. A HydraFacial removes dead skin cells and leaves you glowing.
There are many great facial treatments to choose from after injections. However, your dermatologist will ultimately determine what procedures you ought to receive. Your Botox or Dysport must also be successful before the doctor prescribes further treatments.
Which Option is Best for You, Dysport or Botox?
Ultimately, Dr. Salas will assess whether Dysport or Botox is better for you, and he may decide to combine the two. If your wrinkle treatments at home are not working, injections are an excellent option for you.
Your wrinkles must be in treatable positions such as around the eyes, lips, or forehead. The best candidates for either treatment are between the ages of 35-65 and in good health. Those under 30 will receive a “prejuvenation” treatment, which is the perfect way to freeze your natural beauty at a young age.
Request A Free Consultation With Dr. Salas
Getting Botox or Dysport injections is easy, and all you need to do is book a consultation with an injection specialist to determine your personalized treatment. The great news is that if you are unsure whether to get Botox or Dysport injections, the professionals at Salas Plastic Surgery can help you decide. Call us at 305-928-7757 today to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients in Miami, Florida, and the surrounding areas.
