Botox VS. Dysport- Which Is Right For You?
Choosing the right wrinkle relaxer can be confusing for many patients with so many options available. Two of the most popular products on the market are Botox and Dysport. Both Botox and Dysport are Botulinum toxin medications that work to block muscle contractions to reduce lines and wrinkles. In this article we’ll compare the two, to help you decide which is right for your treatment.
Table of Contents
How do Botox and Dysport Work?
Botox and Dysport are both injectable medications that work by stopping communication between the nerve and muscle. When the muscle doesn’t get the signals to contract it can’t move to create lines and wrinkles. For more information on general Botox information, read the blog below.
What are Botox and Dysport made from?
What is Botox made from?
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA injection) is a toxin created by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. This is the same toxin that causes botulism, but it has been purified and studied extensively to be used safely in medicine. Each vial of Botox also contains human albumin and sodium chloride. When injected correctly it can be used to block muscle signals to reduce lines and wrinkles.
What is Dysport made from?
Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA injection) is a toxin created by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. After being purified it is used to block signals to muscles which reduces their ability to fire. This can help eliminate lines and wrinkles. Each vial of Dysport also contains serum albumin and lactose.
Dysport and lactose intolerant allergy
Like mentioned above, Dysport contains serum albumin and lactose, so if someone has a severe lactose allergy, it is best to choose a different product to reduce the chances of a reaction.
Are Botox and Dysport the same?
Botox and Dysport are both made from Botulinum toxin type A and have the same mechanism of action to stop the muscle contractions that lead to fine lines and wrinkles. However they do have a few key differences:
- It takes 2.5-3 units of Dysport to equal 1 unit of Botox.
- Dysport contains lactose (a milk protein) as a stabilizer and can not be used by people with milk allergies or sensitivities, or people that are vegan.
How much does Botox and Dysport cost?
How much does Botox cost?
Botox usually costs $12-$14 per unit and most treatment areas require about 20 units, which is $240-280 per area. A full treatment, frown lines and forehead will be closer to the $400+ range.
How much does Dysport cost?
Dysport costs $4-$6 per unit but usually takes 2.5-3x more units to equal a Botox or Xeomin treatment. With the number of units so much higher, the cost ends up being about the same.
Is Dysport cheaper than Botox?
As above, Dysport is cheaper per unit but takes 2.5-3 units of Dysport to equal one unit of Botox. So the cost ends up being about the same. For example: if one unit of Botox costs $12 and one unit of Dysport costs $4 the cost is the same because Dysport usually requires 3 units to equal one of Botox 4×3=$12. To learn more about Botox pricing, check out this article.
What are Botox and Dysport used to treat?
What are Botox and Dysport used to treat?
Both Botox and Dysport can be used to treat the same things including:
- Crow’s feet
- Frown lines
- Bunny lines
- Lip flips
- Glabella frown lines
- Forehead lines and wrinkles
Botox and Dysport before and after images
Below are some before and after images that show some of the various areas that Botox and Dysport can treat.
Does Botox have more uses than Dysport?
Botox has more FDA approved indications than any other toxin on the market but it is very common to use each medication “off label”. This means that the clinician is experienced and knows how to use the medication in one FDA approved area (say for 11’s lines), but also knows how to apply that knowledge to safely treat another area like the crow’s feet that is not explicitly FDA approved. So theoretically all of the toxins can be used off label to treat anywhere indicated that the clinician is trained to administer the drug safely.
Is Botox or Dysport better than filler?
There is no comparison between Botox injections and filler because they treat completely different aesthetic concerns. Botox is meant for muscle movements that cause wrinkling, whereas filler is used to plump, fill, shape, and contour areas of loss volume. Even though this can be a confusing topic, it is best to learn more about injectables with a trusted provider. In the mean time, watch this video below about Botox vs. Fillers.
What are Botox and Dysport procedures like?
Both Dysport and Botox are quick outpatient procedures that will not be extremely painful. After arriving at the office the injector will walk you through the procedure and probably ask you a few questions to make sure it is safe to treat you. When performed by a highly trained professional, the injections themselves should take under 10 minutes and the experience should feel like a quick pinch. After this you’ll be free to head on your way with minimal downtime.
What are the side effects of Botox and Dysport?
Botox and dysport have the same side effects including:
- Swelling at the injection site
- Bruising
- Redness
- Itching
- In some cases patients can have an allergic reaction to the toxin
It is best to discuss these side effects with your injector prior to treatment.
Is Dysport less safe than Botox?
Due to the fact that Dysport takes more units to be effective (remember 2.5-3 units equals one of Botox) it has the highest potential to spread of any of the toxins. In some areas, like the forehead this may be desired. But it can also cause more unwanted side effects when it spreads where you don’t want it to go.
Is Dysport safe to use if you are a vegan?
No, Dysport contains lactose which is a protein from cow’s milk. This means it is not safe to inject on people with milk allergies and can not be used by vegan individuals.
What is aftercare like for Botox and Dysport?
Both Dysport and Botox require little down time after the procedure, though you will want to avoid strenuous activity for a short period of time. Though specific instructions from your injector may be slightly different, aftercare for both Botox and Dysport may include:
- Avoid touching or rubbing the injections site for 24 hours
- Consider waiting to apply makeup for 24 hours after your treatment
- To avoid spreading the toxin consider not laying down for 4 hours
- Refrain from drinking alcohol if you have any bruising
- Always apply sunscreen to protect your skin
When will the results of Botox and Dysport show?
When will the results of Botox show?
Results of your Botox injections may begin to show within a week of your injections, the final results will show in 1-2 weeks after your injections.
When will the results of Dysport show?
Dysport has been known to show quicker results than Botox, with it only taking 2-4 days to start showing results and final results within 1-2 weeks depending on the person.
Does Botox have better results than Dysport?
When injected by an experienced injector that is familiar with each medication they can both get great results. However, Dysport does run the risk of causing more unwanted side effects due to the higher risk of spreading.
Can Botox be reversed?
There is no scientific data that shows reversal of Botox injections. However, there are alterations your provider can do to help if you are unpleased with results. The good news is Botox is not permanent, and will start to wear off, and be completely gone within 4 months. To learn more about Botox reversal, read more below.
Does Botox or Dysport have longer lasting results?
In general both medications will last an average of 3 months depending on the area injected. The length of time Botox lasts for depends on your body’s ability to metabolize it, the area being treated, and the amount injected. If you are curious about making your Botox last longer, read the article below for tips and tricks.
Is Botox better than Dysport?
Botox and Dysport can both be great medications and give wonderful results. However, due to the increased risk of spreading as well as containing lactose (could trigger allergy response) it is not for everyone.
At the end of the day it is more about the injector than the product you get. With the right injector, you can get great results with any of the wrinkle relaxing medications. Learn more about our experienced providers below.
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