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Are you looking for a minimally invasive procedure that can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines? More and more people are turning to injectables. Although it’s impossible to stop the aging process, Botox and Dysport injections can help reduce the appearance of aging. So, let’s go over their similarities and differences between Dysport vs Botox to find which is best for you. Listed below are the topics addressed:
- What is Botox?
- What is Dysport?
- Similarities of Botox and Dysport
- Differences between Dysport vs Botox
- How to prepare for Botox or Dysport injections
- What to expect when getting Dysport vs Botox
- Aftercare & What To Use With Injectables
- Costs of Dysport vs Botox
- What are the side effects?
- Who shouldn’t get facial injections?
What is Botox?
To understand Dysport vs Botox, we first need to understand what they are. As one of the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, Botox reduces skin wrinkles and helps preserve a youthful appearance. Botox is a trademarked formula that uses a neurotoxin, botulinum. When injected into a muscle, this toxin works to block nerve signals. Too much of the toxin can slow down body’s nerves and muscles, in a condition called botulism. It is FDA approved in small quantities and considered safe.
With small doses of botulinum toxin, Botox can temporarily restrict muscles from contracting. This lack of muscle contraction prevents new wrinkles from forming and smooths out existing wrinkles. It is commonly used for wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes.
Due to its popularity in cosmetic procedures, it is worth noting that Botox also has medical usage beyond its cosmetic benefits. It has been FDA approved for treating chronic migraines, overactive bladder, severe sweat, and a few other conditions. Â
What is Dysport?
Botox may have been the first drug to use botulinum toxin, but it is no longer the only option. Dysport also uses botulinum toxin. It works virtually the same, by restricting muscle movement. The less the muscle moves the less wrinkles appear. The main difference is that these two are manufactured by a different company. So, Dysport vs Botox is really about two different, competing companies.
Dysport is most commonly used to improve moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows. It is FDA approved to treat facial wrinkles and therapeutic use for limb spasticity. It too can be used in treating additional medical conditions besides wrinkles.
Similarities of Botox and Dysport
Both Dysport and Botox injections are minimally invasive procedures. Although they can be used for numerous medical conditions, they are commonly used for diminishing wrinkles. Both treatments will typically last three to four months and require follow-up injections.
For cosmetic usages, both have been FDA approved to treat fine lines and wrinkles. Botox being the first in the market in 2002. Dysport followed in 2009 as the second approved wrinkle treatment.
Differences between Dysport vs Botox
The biggest difference between Dysport and Botox is in their formulas. The Dysport formula is slightly different, using smaller particles and fewer protein buffers. The proteins that are added make the molecular weight lower and therefore, are better for larger areas like the forehead. For instance, Dysport is better suited for moderate to severe frown lines. While Botox is great for treating mild to moderate wrinkles like crow’s feet and laugh lines. Â
Although they both last the same amount of time, Dysport gives quicker results. In just 2-3 days you can see results compared to 5-12 with Botox. This is great if you have an event coming up and you need faster results.
Dysport can also spread easier. Due to its diluted formula, it can be injected deeper into the muscle. This is beneficial for larger areas, but not so much when treating a smaller region. For instance, professionals may suggest Botox for smaller wrinkles around the eyes. In fact, there is no harm in getting both.
Some patients have said they noticed a difference between their treatments. Others say there’s no difference between Dysport vs Botox. This may depend entirely on the person and their preferences. But, if you try one out and don’t feel entirely happy, there is no harm in trying the other. Â
How to prepare for Botox or Dysport injections
Always talk to your doctor beforehand. And once you decide you want injections, go to a licensed professional. They will not only know what is best for your skin but will also make it look natural. Don’t forget to inform your doctor of any medical history, medical conditions, or allergies. They may advise another treatment.
Make sure to avoid drinking or taking any blood thinners before your appointment. These are likely to increase your risk of bruising.
Before the actual injections, make sure your face is cleansed. And, for first time users, start off with less injections. This way you see how they set and if you form an allergy. You can always add more.
What to expect when getting Dysport vs Botox
Talk to the doctor about what you are looking to get from these injections. You may even want to bring a photo of younger you to use as a reference. Then once you’re ready, your physician will apply a numbing cream. This will help to limit the amount of discomfort. Then with a fine needle, your doctor will inject either Dysport or Botox into the desired area. These treatments can be as fast as 10 minutes.
Aftercare & What To Use With Injectables
Although this procedure has no downtime there are things you should avoid, in order to maintain the best results. Avoid rubbing or applying any pressure to the areas of injections. If you have gotten injections between the brows, avoid lying down or bending for a couple hours. Doing so could cause your injections to shift.
It is also important to avoid raising your blood pressure. Any heat can raise your blood pressure and cause bruising, so avoid going into a sauna or hot tub for a couple hours. Exercising can also increase the risk of bruising.
And most importantly, take care of your skin. Always protect your face from the sun and use clean products on your skin. Make sure to still apply sunscreen, you may have temporarily gotten rid of your wrinkles, but injections don’t protect against UV rays. Â
Dysport and Botox are not going to treat wrinkles long-term because they fade every 3-4 months. Therefore, you have to combine them with good and effective skincare. When it comes to safe products, there are many toxic ingredients in skincare products that you want to avoid. Therefore, Plant Mother’s devotion to making 100% organic and vegan skincare brand is incredible. Plant Mother uses clean botanical ingredients completely void of any pesticides or GMO fertilizers. Their retinol serum works to promote collagen growth, rejuvenate the skin cells, and help rebuild healthy skin. Thus, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Don’t forget Plant Mother’s Vitamin C serum which helps to reduce UV damage, brightens the complexion, and speeds cell regeneration. Both are great additions after injections.
Costs of Dysport vs Botox
Generally, Dysport units cost less than Botox units, but this is not necessarily an advantage. Dysport injections require more units to achieve the same effect as Botox. According doctors, a unit of Botox is typically .01 cc. And if frown lines require 25 units, at $12 per unit, that would cost $300. Even though Dysport costs $5 per unit, the dosing is different. A .01 cc is two units for Dysport. Instead of 25 units you require 50. Now $5 for 50 is $250. So, you do save some money. Although the price is likely to vary amongst medical offices and depends on the severity of the wrinkles.
Keep in mind that insurance does not cover cosmetic uses of injectables. So, look out for deals. Many do rewards for first time treatments or returning customers. There are cheaper alternatives methods you can try before going for injections.
What are the side effects?
When getting injections, you should be prepared for side effects like minor bruising, swelling, discomfort, and redness. If you experience symptoms like a rash, itching, or asthmatic symptoms you may be allergic. Contact your doctor immediately.
Who shouldn’t get facial injections?
Be sure to avoid any treatment if you have a skin infection or open wound. It’s best to wait until that’s fully taken care of beforehand. If you have a neuromuscular disorder, are pregnant, or nursing, you should reconsider, or speak to a doctor about other treatments that may be more suited. If you have had an allergic reaction to any botulinum toxin products or have an allergy to cow’s milk protein (albumin) avoid Botox and Dysport. An albumin allergy is not the same as being lactose intolerant, so no worries there. Before making any decisions always consult with a doctor.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. The publisher of this content does not take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, skincare product, or lifestyle program.
