When you look in the mirror, are your wrinkles the first thing you notice? While the development of wrinkles and fine lines are a normal part of aging, you don’t have to settle for skin that makes you look older than you feel.
At Dermatology Institute and Laser Center, Dr. Ros and our world-class team expertly use a variety of cosmetic treatments to rejuvenate skin and restore a youthful appearance. Among some of the most popular? Injectable neuromodulators like Botox and Dysport.
If you’ve heard of both of these treatments but aren’t exactly certain what differentiates them from one another or which one might be the right fit for your particular circumstances, you’re not alone. At Dermatology Institute and Laser Center, we frequently receive inquiries about Botox vs. Dysport, which is why we’ve provided an in-depth overview of the similarities and differences between them below.
Still have questions about Botox and Dysport after reading this post? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ros to discuss your cosmetic goals and receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Botox and Dysport are both popular, safe, and effective injectable neuromodulators used cosmetically to reduce the appearance of dynamic facial wrinkles.
- While both treatments are derived from botulinum toxin and have similar uses, there are subtle differences between them, including:
- Their active ingredients have a slightly different formulation and protein structure.
- Botox is FDA-approved for the treatment of frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and crow’s feet while Dysport is FDA-approved for the treatment of glabellar lines.
- Dysport is slightly quicker-acting than Botox, but Botox lasts slightly longer in the body.
- Dysport spreads more and is often used to target larger areas, while Botox is generally preferred for smaller, more precise treatments.
- Some patients may experience better results and/or decreased side effects with one treatment option over the other.
- Dr. Ros and the experienced team at Dermatology Institute and Laser Center will use their expertise to help you determine the right treatment option for your needs and cosmetic goals.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a popular injectable neuromodulator that is derived from the naturally occurring neurotoxin botulinum toxin type A. Medically, it can be used to treat conditions ranging from migraine headaches to excessive sweating. Cosmetically, Botox is FDA-approved for the treatment of frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and crow’s feet. However, it is also commonly used off-label to address wrinkles in other parts of the face and/or re-shape the upper lip.
Botox works by blocking nerve signals and causing temporary paralysis in targeted muscles. When the muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that form due to repeated muscle contractions) are targeted, the skin above them relaxes, smoothing wrinkles and restoring a more youthful appearance. When administered by a skilled cosmetic artist like Dr. Ros, Botox can be used to achieve natural-looking results that truly turn back the clock.
How Long Botox Lasts
Every patient is unique and the length of time a Botox treatment lasts is determined by a variety of factors, including:
- Treatment dose
- Location and purpose of treatment
- Number of Botox treatments previously undergone
- Body chemistry of the patient
- Lifestyle of the patient
- Patient’s reaction to the drug
Generally speaking, Botox results last between 3 to 6 months before another treatment is required. Speak with Dr. Ros for a more accurate estimate based on the specifics of your case.
What Is Dysport?
Like Botox, Dysport is a popular injectable neuromodulator that is derived from the naturally occurring neurotoxin botulinum toxin type A. Medically, it can be used to treat conditions including cervical dystonia (neck spasms) and spasticity (muscle spasms and stiffness). Cosmetically, Dysport is FDA-approved for the treatment of glabellar lines—the deep, vertical lines that appear between the eyebrows, also commonly known as worry lines or elevens. It may also be used off-label to address dynamic wrinkles in other parts of the face.
Dysport works similarly to Botox by interrupting nerve signals and temporarily paralyzing targeted muscles. It can effectively reduce and soften facial wrinkles, leading to a smoother complexion that takes years off your appearance.
How Long Dysport Lasts
Dysport typically lasts between 4 to 6 months before its effects begin to wear off and another treatment is required. As with Botox, many factors can influence Dysport’s lifespan in the body including treatment dose, treatment goals, and the body chemistry and lifestyle of the patient.
The Differences Between Dysport And Botox
While Botox and Dysport have many similarities, they are not identical. Several subtle differences exist between them, including the following:
Formulation
Botox and Dysport both contain botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, as their active ingredient. That being said, their formulations are slightly different:
- Botox is derived from onabotulinumtoxinA.
- Dysport is derived from abobotulinumtoxinA.
Also worth noting is that the drugs’ dosages are somewhat different. A single unit of Botox is usually similar to 2 to 3 units of Dysport in terms of muscle relaxation outcomes. In addition, Dysport’s molecular structure is smaller than Botox’s, allowing it to work faster and diffuse further within the body (see more on this below).
Treatment Areas
Cosmetically, Botox is FDA-approved for the treatment of glabellar lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet, while Dysport is only approved for the treatment of glabellar lines. Botox may therefore be considered the more versatile treatment option between the two, but both drugs are also commonly used off-label to treat a variety of dynamic wrinkles in different areas of the face.
Because Dysport diffuses (spreads) further than Botox, it is often the preferred choice for larger treatment areas. Botox, on the other hand, is ideal for precise targeting, and in particular, is the better option for crow’s feet and other treatments near the eye, where the spreading of the neurotoxin could be detrimental.
Results Timeline
Treatment results are often noticeably slightly faster with Dysport than Botox. The exact length of time either treatment takes to work and/or lasts is influenced by various factors including the dose of the drug, the treatment area, and the body chemistry and lifestyle of the patient.
In general, patients may begin to notice results within 2 to 3 days after Dysport treatment and 3 to 5 days after Botox treatment. Final results will usually be achieved within 10 to 14 days for both drugs and last between 4 to 6 months for Dysport and 3 to 6 months for Botox, depending on the specifics of the procedure.
Side Effects
The potential side effects of Botox and Dysport are virtually identical and include the following:
- Common Side Effects – Redness/swelling/minor bruising at injection site
- Rare But Serious Side Effects – Droopy eyelids, drooping facial muscles, muscle weakness, vision problems, difficulty breathing/swallowing, loss of bladder control
Some patients find that they experience less severe side effects with Botox or Dysport. Discuss any side effects you’ve previously experienced with Dr. Ros to determine the best treatment option moving forward.
Cost
Pricing of both drugs can be influenced by factors including location and dosage. Speak directly with Dr. Ros for an accurate price estimate for your treatment.
Which Treatment Is More Effective?
Botox and Dysport are both safe and very effective treatments for reducing the appearance of dynamic facial wrinkles. Dr. Ros and the highly qualified team at Dermatology Institute and Laser Center will assist you in determining which option may be best based on your particular situation and cosmetic goals.
Which Treatment Is Right For You?
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors including:
- The treatment area
- Your cosmetic goals
- Your medical history
- Your personal preferences
In some cases, Botox and Dysport may both be used in different treatment areas. Ready to learn more? Book a consultation at Dermatology Institute and Laser Center today.
Recovery And Aftercare
After undergoing Botox or Dysport treatment, most patients can return immediately to their regular daily routine. Many patients find it helpful to ice the injection site following treatment in order to minimize symptoms such as redness, swelling, and/or mild bruising. It is also recommended to:
- Avoid rubbing the treated area
- Avoid intense exercise for 24 hours
- Avoid lying down for at least 4 hours
Dr. Ros will provide you with a more detailed list of recovery care instructions at the time of your treatment appointment.
Schedule A Consultation Today
Reduce wrinkles and naturally recapture your youthful appearance with Botox and/or Dysport treatments at Dermatology Institute and Laser Center. Seeking Botox in Rockaway, NJ or Dysport in NJ? We can help. Contact our Clifton or Rockaway location today to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward the flawless skin you desire. We look forward to working with you!
