Dysport and Botox are two kinds of nonsurgical skincare treatments that use the botulinum toxin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the forehead and other parts of the face. While Dysport and Botox are used for the same purpose and work by similar means, they have important differences too.
How Dysport and Botox Work
Dysport and Botox are both types of dermal fillers. A dermal filler is an injection, typically into the areas around the eyes, nose, and mouth, intended to smooth out lines and wrinkles while restoring volume. For both Dysport and Botox, the substance injected is the botulinum toxin.
The botulinum toxin is a kind of neurotoxin. While neurotoxins are dangerous in large amounts, aesthetic treatments like Botox and Dysport use only minute, safe amounts of botulinum. Neurotoxins block nerve signals to muscles, which prevents the muscles from moving. Until the effects wear off, the appearance of lines and wrinkles is reduced.
Dysport and Botox treatments each take only a few minutes and entail no recovery time. A doctor applies an anesthetic and then makes the injection. Risks for both treatments are low and are generally limited to minor side effects, which can include swelling, redness, bruising, and pain at the site of the injection, plus headaches.
Patients considering either treatment should consult with their doctor before undergoing a procedure. Botox and Dysport are not for everyone. Pregnant women and anyone with milk allergies cannot safely get either treatment. People taking certain medications for muscle spasms, blood thinners, and muscle relaxers are also not candidates for Dysport or Botox.
Differences Between Dysport and Botox
Despite their close similarities, there are differences between Botox and Dysport worth knowing about. Though Dysport and Botox use the same main ingredient (botulinum), the proteins contained in the formulation are not the same for the two treatments. The type of botulinum toxin used is different too, as well as the dosage.
Another important difference is the areas for which the two treatments have been approved. Dysport has been approved for only glabellar lines. The glabella is the area between the eyebrows. Botox has been approved to treat glabellar lines as well. However, Botox has also been approved to treat lines around the eyes (i.e., crow’s feet) and on the forehead.
Some studies have indicated that there are differences in how effective each treatment is, though further research is still needed. The research indicates that Dysport’s effects may last longer before wearing off. Dysport may also take effect quicker (in a few days, as opposed to a week or more) and cause less pain upon initial injection.
Both Dysport and Botox are effective cosmetic treatments for facial lines and wrinkles. Each has its respective strengths. Dysport may be more effective in some ways. However, unlike Dysport, Botox is approved for treating the forehead and around the eyes. Which treatment option is right for a patient will depend on individual circumstances and preferences. Patients may wish to try both at different times to see which is more effective for them.
