Comparing Dysport vs. Botox: Uses, Benefits, Drawbacks, and More
Botox and Dysport are both neuromodulators that act as chemical messengers in the nervous system, using botulinum toxin type A to relax the facial muscles and dramatically decrease the look and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
These two botulinum toxin injections were the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedures performed in 2023, making up 9.5 million procedures alone.
Definitions
You may be familiar with the names Botox and Dysport but aren’t clear what they do or what their main differences are. Let’s discuss their key functions.
What is Dysport?
Dysport is an injectable neuromodulator composed of botulinum toxin that is FDA-approved for treating moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows.
What is Botox?
Similar to Dysport, Botox is also a neuromodulator composed of botulinum toxin that is FDA-approved for treating a wider area of the face and even includes other medical uses.
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Common Uses
Although Botox and Dysport are very similar in their effects, they vary in what they treat.
Dysport
Dysport is most commonly used to target wrinkles, as it temporarily decreases muscle movement in the targeted area to soften the appearance of glabellar lines (the vertical wrinkles that are prominent in between the eyebrows). It is also sometimes used for medical purposes, such as involuntary muscle contractions in the neck or for some muscle stiffness and spasms.
Botox
While Botox is also used to improve the look of wrinkles, it’s FDA-approved to treat frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead lines, and various medical conditions, such as excessive sweating or chronic migraines.
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How They Work
Both Botox and Dysport are neurotoxins that work by targeting communication between nerves and muscles in the face, to relax muscles and soften the appearance of facial wrinkles.
Dysport
First, a healthcare professional will inject a tiny amount of Dysport into the target muscles. The units of Dysport will depend on what your cosmetic goals are. The active ingredient, botulinum toxin type A, blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that communicates to muscles to contract, thus softening and relaxing the muscles. Typically, it takes 2-3 days to see noticeable improvement, with the full effects taking effect in less than 1-2 weeks. Generally, the effects of Dysport last 3-4 months.
Botox
Botox injections have an almost identical process as Dysport, except it can be applied to more areas in the face. A healthcare professional will inject a small amount of Botox into the target muscles (crow’s feet, forehead lines, or frown line area) with its active ingredient: botulinum toxin type A. This blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract, which results in relaxed and softened muscles. It takes about 2-3 days to see noticeable improvement, with the effects of Botox showing fully in 1-2 weeks. It will last about 4-6 months before the effects begin to wear off, so it’s important to keep up with your Botox treatments to keep the desired results.
- Related article: What is Botox Made Of?
Pros and Cons
As with any cosmetic treatment, there are pros and cons. Understand each so you can assess which procedure is right for you.
Dysport
Pros
- May have faster visible results than Botox
- Due to its smaller molecules, it may spread to a larger area than Botox
Cons
- Potential side effects include injection site pain, redness, and temporary headaches
Botox
Pros
- Has been approved by the FDA for cosmetic use since 2002
- Approved for a wider area in the face compared to Dysport
Cons
- May take a bit more time to take full effect (1-2 weeks)
- Potential side effects include injection site pain, bruising, redness, and temporary headaches
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Schedule a Botox or Dysport Consultation Today
If you’re ready to consult with our team of experts about getting Botox or Dysport treatments, our medical team here at Skin Savvy Aesthetics in Scottsdale, Arizona, is ready to help you achieve your goals. We provide consultations to discuss your medical history and your aesthetic desires to help you achieve the results you’re looking for. Book your consultation today