For years, Botox was the end-all-be-all of minimally invasive, anti-aging cosmetic procedures. In fact, Botox has pretty much gone the way of other brand-name-turned-household-terms (such as Coke, Xerox, and Kleenex), causing some to use the word “Botox” to mean any anti-aging injectable.
That’s understandable, considering both how well Botox works to eliminate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and that it had an exclusive US cosmetic market from 2002 and 2009.
In 2009, a similar product called Dysport became FDA-approved. Just like Botox, the Dysport formula uses botulinum toxin type A to relax the muscles that cause wrinkles. Even though Dysport has now been on the market for 7 years, many people still refer to any botulinum toxin type A procedure as “Botox.”
In fact, when reporting on statistics provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), even news media outlets report the rise in “Botox injections.” This, despite the fact that the actual ASPS statistics they’re citing are for cosmetic procedures involving “Botulinum Type A” injections, including both Botox and Dysport.
The two formulas are not exactly the same, but they’re similar enough that many doctors suggest that comparing the two is like comparing apples to apples. But if you’re trying to decide which is best for you, you’ll want more specifics about how they compare. Take a look below at some of the similarities and differences between Botox and Dypsort.
Botox Vs. Dysport
Cosmetic use
Both Botox and Dysport are used to relax muscles to reduce facial wrinkles.
Safety
Both Botox and Dysport are safe for all skin types.
Molecular weight
The main differences between Botox and Dysport stems from their differences in molecular weight. Although both have the same 150 kDa molecule size at their core, the weight of the protective proteins that surround the core are different. Botox maintains a consistent 750 kDa, while the molecular weight of Dysport varies from 350 kDA to 750 kDa. This results in a lower likelihood of diffusion for Botox, and a higher likelihood of diffusion for Dysport.
Units per treatment
Because the Dysport formula is more diluted than the Botox formula, the number of units required to achieve similar results is generally higher for Dysport.
Best treatment area
The lower diffusion rate of Botox makes it best for smaller treatment areas (such as a single rogue wrinkle) and areas with thicker muscles (such as around the mouth and between the eyebrows). The higher diffusion rate of Dysport, on the other hand, is best for larger areas (the forehead) and areas with thinner muscles (crow’s feet).
Onset
Dysport results are visible within 2 to 5 days, and Botox has a slightly slower onset of 5 to 7 days.
Longevity
Both Botox and Dysport require repeated injection touch-ups to maintain results, and although some claims have been made that one or the other lasts longer, the longevity of both is typically between 3 and 6 months.
Do you have a favorite?
At Viva Wellness in San Diego, some of our patients swear by Botox, others swear by Dysport, and then there are those who swear by both. We are happy to provide our patients with their preference if they have one, and to help them choose if they don’t.
One of the great things about both Dysport and Botox is that once you choose, you’re not committed for life. Because they both fade and require touch-ups after a few months, you’re free to try them one at a time – or mix and match if that’s what you what want to do.
At Viva Wellness, we’re dedicated to helping you enhance and restore your natural beauty. And whichever way you decide to go, we know you’ll love your results. Give us a call to schedule an appointment or a consultation today.
