When it comes to cosmetic injectables, there’s no denying that Botox® has been king of the market for some time. In fact, so much so that it’s achieved that enviable status of being a brand name turned generic name – i.e., the most common term people use when referring to injectable wrinkle relaxant treatments.
However, while Botox may be the most famous botulinum toxin injection, it’s far from the only one. And one of its counterparts in particular – Dysport® – has been steadily gaining popularity for years, to the point that it’s now almost as readily available as Botox, and is undoubtedly the second-most popular, and well-known, option in the market.
So what exactly is Dysport? And more to the point, what is the difference between Botox and Dysport, is either one of them better than the other, and can you safely use them both?
If you’re curious about the differences between these two hugely popular injectables, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to find out everything you want to know about Dysport vs Botox.
What is Dysport?
Like Botox, Dysport is a cosmetic injectable used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face.
Also like Botox, it’s a type of neurotoxin (also known as a neuromodulator) primarily made from botulinum toxin type A. It works by temporarily freezing and blocking muscle contractions, which softens the appearance of existing wrinkles and prevents the deepening or formation of new ones.
Essentially, Dysport is another brand name for the same type of treatment as Botox. They are both devised using the same core ingredient, and while there are a few differences between the two – which we’ll go into below – they are largely very similar treatments.
What’s the difference between Botox and Dysport?
Botox and Dysport are ultimately very similar.
The benefits of Botox and Dysport are almost identical, particularly in terms of their effectiveness at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and both of them being fast, convenient, non-invasive, safe, and affordable treatments with noticeable results.
The main differences between Botox and Dysport come down to the structure of the formulations themselves. Both contain the same primary ingredient of botulinum toxin, but they each contain different protein blends, which affect things such as their diffusion and efficacy, costs, and dosages.
For the most part, this means that the biggest differences come down to technical points rather than noticeable differences from a consumer perspective.
That said, there are are few nuances that may make one more appealing than the other.
Dysport vs Botox similarities
- They both have the same primary active ingredient: botulinum toxin type A.
- They are both used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face, which are caused by the muscle movement that comes from facial expressions.
- They both work in the same way: targeted injections to temporarily paralyze and/or weaken the strength of muscle contractions, thereby reducing both the appearance of existing wrinkles and the formation of new static wrinkles (i.e. wrinkles that remain even when you’re not moving your face).
- They are both equally fast, pain-free, non-invasive, and safe treatments.
- They have the same (minimal) potential side effects, the most common of which are temporary bruising, mild pain, and redness at the injection site.
- The pre- and post-treatment care for both Dysport and Botox is the same. (Not sure what this involves? Check out this blog post on how to prepare for Botox or Dysport, and this one for how to care for your skin after your injectables.)
- Results from Dysport and Botox last a similar amount of time, with three to four months being the norm.
Dysport vs Botox differences
- Dysport tends to have a faster onset, showing results in 24-48 hours, compared to Botox which may take 3–7 days.
- Dysport is slightly more diluted than Botox, with a lower molecular weight. This means that Dysport can diffuse to a larger area when it’s injected, whereas Botox remains much closer to the injection site. As a result, Dysport is often considered to be beneficial in treating larger areas such as the forehead.
- Due to its higher level of diffusion, some people also feel they experience a less “frozen” aesthetic with Dysport than they might from Botox.
- Both brands are highly effective at minimizing and preventing wrinkles and fine lines in multiple sites across the face. However, Dysport is known to be particularly effective for treating moderate to severe glabella lines – the “II” lines between the eyebrows – and is FDA-approved specifically for this purpose. Botox is FDA-approved for a wider range of applications, including forehead lines, crow’s feet, and also the glabella lines.
- Dysport is cheaper per unit than Botox. However, due to the different formations, a higher number of units are needed per injection site with Dysport. This means that the total treatment cost of Dysport vs Botox usually balances out and is more or less equal.
Is Dysport better than Botox, or vice versa?
Given their similarities from the end-user and end-result perspective, neither Dysport nor Botox can be said to be better than the other.
Both are FDA-approved, safe, and highly effective.
However, there are subtle differences in the properties of both Botox and Dysport, which may mean your practitioner recommends one over the other for your personalized treatment plan.
It’s also sometimes the case that one will be more effective for an individual than another, so some people may claim that e.g. Dysport is better than Botox due to their personal experience – but bear in mind that won’t necessarily mean the same for you.
Another instance where one can be perceived as “better” is after continued usage of one particular neuromodulator. Some patients find they start to see reduced results over time, in which case switching to a different brand can be beneficial.
But generally speaking, you can expect excellent results from both Dysport and Botox, when performed by an experienced professional, and the choice often comes down to personal preference. It’s a lot like Pepsi and Coca-Cola – different brands, subtle differences, but overall they’re very similar.
Can you mix Botox and Dysport?
It’s not recommended to mix Botox and Dysport within the same muscle group in the same session, but there is no problem using them in different muscle groups.
For example, some patients prefer Dysport on the forehead, and Botox in between the eyebrows and around the eyes, and there is no problem using the two different neurotoxins within the same session in this instance.
There is also no issue alternating between the two brands from one session to the next, if you want to see if you notice any difference and preference for one over the other.
How can I choose between Dysport and Botox?
The best way to choose between Dysport vs Botox, as with our advice on choosing any kind of cosmetic treatment, is to speak to an expert.
A qualified professional will be able to give you advice and recommendations based on your unique skin condition, your skin concerns, and your desired outcomes.
Get expert Dysport vs Botox advice at BodyTonic Cleveland
If you live or work in the Cleveland area and are interested in trying cosmetic injectables for the first time, are curious about trying a different brand of neuromodulator to normal, or are already a regular Dysport or Botox user and are looking for a new, top-quality, and highly convenient place to get your injections done, come and see us at BodyTonic Med Spa, in Westgate, Cleveland.
Botox and Dysport are two of our most popular treatments here at BodyTonic, and our expert team will be able to give you tailored recommendations and advice during an in-depth consultation.
Our consultations are completely free and with no obligation. So book your free consult today, and come and find out why Botox and Dysport are two of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world!
