When it comes to anti-wrinkle treatments, Botox is the number one choice. Botox was the first treatment of its kind to hit the market and has maintained the top spot, although alternatives like Dysport are now available. But what is the difference between Dysport vs Botox?
Botox
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is an injectable neurotoxin made from botulinum toxin type A. It is designed to treat moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. These are dynamic wrinkles that develop because of the repetitive movement of the facial muscles related to expressions such as frowning, smiling, and squinting.
Botox can be combined with other treatments such as AquaGold for optimal skin rejuvenation results. AquaGold is a microchannel technology treatment that can infuse Botox into the top layers of the skin for more effective skin rejuvenation.
Dysport
Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) gained FDA approval in 2009, joining Botox as the second anti-wrinkle treatment made from botulinum toxin type A. Dysport also treats dynamic wrinkles, specifically, moderate to severe frown lines.
How Dysport And Botox Work
Dysport and Botox are muscle relaxers, which means they prevent the contraction of the muscles. They block the release of signals from the nerves that cause the muscles to contract. As the muscles can’t cause any wrinkles for a while, the overlying skin becomes smooth, and the wrinkles are less noticeable.
Treatments with Dysport and Botox are generally well-tolerated and require virtually no downtime. The effects are temporary and usually last about the same time, 3-4 months.
Dysport and Botox have both undergone significant clinical trials and have excellent safety records.
Dysport Vs Botox: What’s The Difference
If you are thinking by now that Dysport and Botox sound exactly alike, you may be surprised to learn that they do differ in key areas.
- Molecular Structure
Although Dysport and Botox contain the same active ingredient, they are manufactured differently. While both products have the same molecule size at the core, the protective proteins that surround the core have different weights. The molecular weight of Dysport tends to vary, while Botox has a consistent weight.
- Diffusion
The difference in the molecular weight means that Dysport is likely to diffuse more than Botox. Since Dysport spreads easily when injected, it is beneficial when treating wrinkles in a large surface area like the forehead. Because Botox has a lower diffusion rate, it is better suited to smaller treatment zones like the area between the brows (frown lines).
- Onset
The results of Dysport are evident within 24-48 hours of treatment, but Botox results can take up to 72 hours to show.
Are You A Good Candidate For Dysport Or Botox?
If you would like to eliminate frown lines, forehead lines, and other dynamic wrinkles, you may be a good candidate for Dysport or Botox. They can both reduce your wrinkles and make you look younger and fresher. However, you cannot use these products if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Which Is The Right Option For You?
Botox and Dysport can both smooth moderate to severe wrinkles, and it’s possible to get natural-looking results with both injectables. However, in order to determine which neurotoxin would be the right option for you, it’s best to consult with a skilled, experienced provider.
An experienced injector can help you select the product that will give you the results you desire. However, achieving great results has more to do with the injector you choose than with the product you get.
Now that you know the similarities and differences between Dysport and Botox, you can discuss these with your cosmetic specialist and determine which product would be more effective for you.