Botox versus Dysport may not be an epic rivalry, but for people looking to get rid of wrinkles, it’s a pretty important question. While both treatments work to relax and reduce the muscle movement that creates wrinkles, they are chemically different. Like most treatments and medications, people have different experiences with them as well.
So how do you choose between Botox and Dysport when you want to smooth out lines and wrinkles? Our very own Dr. Kim Harris, ND, discusses this topic with patients every day and has some insight to share to those weighing their options.
How are Botox and Dysport different?
Botox and Dysport are both neurotoxins that work by relaxing muscles and reducing their ability to move. This softens out existing wrinkles and helps reduce wrinkles in general by limiting the repetitive muscle movements that create them. The way they do this is similar, but they have some key chemical differences.
Botox uses a neurotoxin called onobotulinumtoxinA and Dysport uses a neurotoxin called abobotulinumtoxinA. Dysport uses much smaller molecules and has a protein added to it. The differences in Dysport typically mean the effects kick in quite a bit quicker than Botox.
Are Botox and Dysport administered the same way?
I administer both Botox and Dysport in exactly the same way. I cleanse the area, assess the muscles that need to be treated and dose appropriately. I use a very small needle to inject the product and use a distraction technique to make it as painless as possible.
Does Botox and Dysport have the same aftercare and potential side effects?
Both products carry the same risk of side effects- mainly bruising, bleeding, swelling, pain at the injection site, and the possibility that it will spread from where it is placed. Aftercare for both products is no laying down for 4 hours afterwards, no heavy exercise for 24 hours and no massaging the injected area for the rest of the day.
Do Botox and Dysport treat different types of wrinkles?
Both products are FDA approved to treat fine lines and wrinkles in the upper half of the face. Dysport is only FDA approved to treat lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) while Botox is FDA approved to treat forehead lines, crow’s feet and glabellar lines. But I use Dysport in all the same areas as Botox with great results.
Do they last the same amount of time?
For most of my patients, I see Dysport last closer to 4 months while Botox is lasting around 3 months. However this can vary from patient to patient.
Which is more effective?
I think as far as efficacy goes, they both can achieve the same look but for me Dysport is a better choice for more patients because they see results faster. In fact, most patients see results within 48 hours verses 5-7 days with Botox. Dysport lasts longer in most patients as well. I regularly recommend Dysport over Botox when patients don’t have a strong preference.
Can you use both Botox and Dysport at the same time?
Yes, you can treat different areas with each product. I have done this in the past but I prefer to keep all treatment areas the same product for consistency.
How should someone decide between Botox and Dysport?
Ask your provider! This is a personal choice for patients, but I do strongly encourage patients to try both. Most of my patients that have made the switch from Botox to Dysport are very happy. Or if you have an event coming up in a few days and want results more quickly, Dysport is the clear choice!
Final words of advice for those trying to decide between the two.
Overall Dysport is the winner between these 2 products in my opinion. They are both great, Dysport just wins out for me over Botox most of the time. It is what I have used personally for several years now with great results and have never had an unhappy customer.
If you are in or near Prescott, Arizona and have questions about using Botox or Dysport, we’d love to hear from you. Our friendly team of aesthetic professionals will be happy to answer your questions so you can make an informed decision.