Botox vs. Dysport
Over time, the skin loses its elasticity, and wrinkles begin to form. Skincare products and other practices can only do so much to restore the skin’s smoothness. That’s where Botox and Dysport come in.
More and more people are interested in slowing and preventing the signs of aging with injectables. But which solution is right for you? We are breaking down these popular options and the key differences between the two to help you make the best decision.
Learn more about how Botox and Dysport compare to one another.
What Is the Key Difference Between Botox and Dysport?
Botox and Dysport are two types of wrinkle relaxers. Both use neurotoxins to block signals to the brain that drive muscle movement. When these chemicals are introduced to muscles, the muscle cannot move naturally in a manner that could result in wrinkles over time.
Both options are used to achieve similar results, but their chemical structures are a key difference between the two.
The Dysport molecule is a little smaller and has a different protein attached to it than Botox. Its chemical makeup makes Dysport faster acting, and it can also cause a spreading effect for potentially less precise results.
What Is Botox?
Botox is made from a neurotoxin called onabotulinumtoxinA. While results vary depending on the patient, Botox can take anywhere from seven to 30 days after treatment to achieve full results.
What Is Botox Used For?
Botox is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for different uses, ranging from chronic migraines to cervical dystonia. The most common cosmetic uses for Botox include relaxing the following:
- Glabellar lines: The vertical lines that form between the brows.
- Forehead lines: The horizontal and vertical lines that form along the forehead from making various facial expressions, especially raising the eyebrows.
- Crow’s feet: The small lines that form on the outer edge of the eye, often caused by smiling or squinting.
What Is Dysport?
Dysport is made from a different neurotoxin called abobotulinumtoxinA. While it works like Botox, it typically requires fewer units to achieve similar results.
What Is Dysport Used For?
Unlike the diverse uses of Botox, Dysport injectables are approved for facial wrinkles, cervical dystonia, and upper and lower limb spasticity — abnormal muscle tightness. One of the benefits of Dysport is its fast-acting nature, and patients can typically see full results in just two to three days.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing Botox or Dysport
Be sure to consider the following factors when deciding if Botox or Dysport is right for you:
- Budget: Your budget is important to keep in mind when choosing between these two options. Dysport has a lower price point than Botox, though it usually requires more units to achieve the same results.
- Longevity: You’ll also want to consider how long the results will last after treatment. Botox typically delivers longer-lasting effects, though results from either option are temporary.
- Uses: The area you want to target is a major factor to consider when choosing between Dysport and Botox. Remember that Dysport is approved for treating facial lines, while Botox is approved to help with migraine as well as wrinkles.
- Desired effect: Because Dysport molecules are smaller, the injections can often result in a more natural, softer look than Botox, which tends to deliver more precise and localized outcomes.
- Treatment history: Another important factor to consider is your treatment history. Depending on your previous results, you may want to stick with what you’re used to or switch things up.
Consulting with a professional will help you make the best and most-informed decision for you.
Morgan Melvin, MSN, FNP-C
Morgan Melvin, MSN, FNP-C is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner and is an injector at the Las Vegas Face Forward Aesthetics location. Originally from southern Ohio, Morgan obtained her Master of Science in Nursing degree from Mount Carmel College of Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mount Carmel, and a Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences from Wright State University. Prior to working at FFA, Morgan was an ER/trauma nurse at Mount Carmel Health System. She then perused travel nursing in 2020 and worked in the ER at The University Medical Center of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, then in the ER at The Ohio State University James Cancer Center in Columbus Ohio. Morgan strives to provide her patients with genuine compassion and respect while helping them achieve the best version of themselves through safe and effective aesthetic treatment. In Morgan’s free time, she enjoys hiking, working out, and discovering new restaurants and coffee shops in Vegas.