When it comes to getting rid of visible wrinkles and fine lines for smoother, more youthful-looking skin, neuromodulator injectables are often the go-to solution. Yet, with so many different options to choose from today, knowing if Botox or Dysport is right for you can be a difficult decision. While weighing the pros and cons of Dysport vs. Botox, the decision should come down to the results you are looking for and personal preference to make the right choice for your needs. Here, we compare the two popular treatments head-to-head so you can better understand how each works and which one is right for you.
How Botox Works
Botox is an injectable neurotoxin that blocks muscle contractions, temporarily relaxing the muscles under your skin. Botox is a quick, easy, affordable, and noninvasive way to treat bothersome lines and wrinkles like those that appear on the forehead, around the eyes, between the eyebrows, and even on the neck. While Botox is most popular for its cosmetic benefits, it can also be used for medical indications like treating chronic migraines, excessive sweating, and certain muscle disorders.
Botox works by blocking the communication between the nerves and muscles, halting the nerves responsible for muscle contractions. As the muscles are temporarily weakened and unable to contract properly, the wrinkles and lines on the skin become smoothed out, giving way to a more refreshed appearance. After a few months, the effects of Botox start to wear off, and the communication between the nerves and muscles is reinstated, which is why your wrinkles start to reappear.
The Benefits of Botox Injections
There are several benefits of routine Botox injections, many of which are cosmetic (but there are also medical benefits). Some of the more appreciated benefits of the treatment include:
A reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
Preventing new wrinkles from forming
Quick and painless
No downtime or recovery
The results are not permanent if you do not like them
The effects, which are natural-looking, last three to four months
Can improve self-confidence
How Dysport Works
Dysport, like Botox, is also an injectable neurotoxin that minimizes wrinkles and lines. Similar to Botox, it also stops nerve communication and activity from reaching the muscles responsible for causing movement, creating wrinkles. By halting these muscles from moving and limiting facial expressions, Dysport works to smooth out wrinkles, creating a smoother effect and softer-looking skin. It, too, is effective at reducing or erasing expression-related wrinkles on the forehead, around the mouth, or elsewhere on the face.
The Benefits of Dysport Injections
While most people choose to get Dysport injections to get rid of wrinkles and lines that may age them, there are other benefits to the treatment, including:
Relaxes muscle activity for skin-smoothing effects
It is a versatile treatment that can be used both on-label and off-label
Sets in a little faster than Botox
It is more diffuse, making it optimal for treating larger areas like the forehead
Gives a smooth, natural appearance to the skin
Lasts about three to four months
It can be used preventatively to prevent wrinkle formation
It is quick, easy, and downtime-free
How Botox and Dysport Compare
Botox and Dysport are very similar since they are both derived from botulinum toxin and used for medical and cosmetic purposes. Dysport and Botox are noninvasive treatments that temporarily relax facial muscles from contracting, ultimately smoothing the appearance of wrinkles on the skin. However, what makes Botox vs. Dysport different is their trace proteins and how they’re manufactured.
Another difference between Dysport and Botox is the areas of the face where they are approved for use. Dysport is primarily used to correct glabellar lines between your eyebrows. In contrast, Botox has more approved uses and can be used on-label to treat many different types of wrinkles, including crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, and laugh lines.
Some people notice quicker results when injected with Dysport and see a visible reduction in their wrinkles only a few days after treatment. With Botox, the results usually take about seven to 10 days to settle in. The full results of both injectables can be seen after about two weeks, and the results of both last around three to four months.
The dosing of Dysport vs. Botox is also different. Botox and Dysport are not dosed the same, meaning that one unit of Botox is not exactly equivalent to one unit of Dysport. That also doesn’t mean that one works better than the other, but typically, more Dysport is needed to achieve the same effect as Botox.
The Results of Each
Botox and Dysport provide results that last about three to four months, although some people see results that last longer or shorter depending on how they metabolize the injectable. Once the results begin to wear away and your skin returns to baseline, the muscles will slowly regain their function, and the lines might re-emerge. To keep your skin looking its best, repeat treatments are recommended.
Both Dysport and Botox provide a temporary fix, though most patients love the natural-looking results and are so happy with them that repeat treatments are worth it to stay wrinkle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Botox compare to Dysport in terms of longevity of results?
Dysport and Botox can last three to four months, if not longer. The molecules in Dysport are smaller than those in Botox, which is why the results of Dysport can be seen just a few days after treatment, as opposed to about one week later with Botox. Although the effects of Dysport have a quicker onset than Botox, it does diffuse to cover a larger area, but both provide results for about the same amount of time.
What are the typical areas treated with Botox injections?
The forehead is a common Botox injection site, as are horizontal wrinkles along the brow line, between the eyebrows, and the neck. Many popular injection sites are off-label, meaning they do not hold FDA approval yet are still popular and effective.
Are there any risks or side effects specific to Botox treatments?
Most people tolerate Botox well, but like all elective aesthetic treatments, there is the risk of potential side effects such as minor pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site, mild redness, a headache, or flu-like symptoms. Other side effects can include drooping eyelids, crooked eyebrows, a crooked smile, drooling, watery or dry eyes, or an infection at the injection site.
How can I ensure the best results from Botox injections?
Always follow all your injector's pre and post-instructions. It’s best to take care of your skin, get minimal sun exposure, avoid touching or rubbing the injection site after treatment, and not lay down or exercise for six to eight hours after your appointment.
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