Through the years, you grow wiser. Unfortunately, you also develop fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Botox and Dysport are the two most well-known wrinkle relaxers, but which is the better option for you? This post focuses on Botox/Dysport.
We will discuss their differences or similarities in composition, effects, efficacy, potential side effects, and other pertinent factors.
Why Bother Familiarizing Yourself with Botox/Dysport?
Botox and Dysport are both injectable muscle and wrinkle relaxers; it can be difficult to determine which one is more beneficial for you. Both drugs are effective for treating wrinkles and are approved by the FDA. However, their differences will make the difference between an effective treatment and a mediocre result.
With that said, here are the differences between Botox and Dysport.
Differences in Composition
The most significant distinction between the two substances is their composition. The difference in the amount of neurotoxin they use makes them more effective than the other in specific cases.
Though both brands of wrinkle relaxers use the same neurotoxin, Botulinum type A, they don’t use the same amount of the toxin. Dysport is more diluted; it uses less of the substance than Botox. Dysport’s concentration level is almost a third of what Botox boasts.
The difference in their botulinum type A concentration makes Botox and Dysport behave differently in their molecular behavior and diffusion. Let’s discuss this further in detail.
Differences in Molecular Behavior and Diffusion
Due to its lower concentration of botulinum type A, Dysport tends to spread faster, especially over a wider surface area. On the other hand, Botox moves a lot slower than Dysport and does not cover a wide area.
Differences in Effects
Since Dysport can cover a wider area much faster than Botox, it is more effective for forehead lines, specifically glabellar and 11 lines. Meanwhile, professional injectors sometimes prefer to use Botox on lip lines, crow’s feet, and other more delicate wrinkles and lines. Botox has a higher concentration and moves slowly, perfect for smaller areas of concern.
Differences in How They Feel Post Injection
Both treatments are practically painless but for the needle’s sting upon injection. Some injectors give you the option of numbing agents to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Though the duration of the procedures is both painless, you may suffer slight pain in the treated region post-treatment.
Another difference between Dysport and Botox is that Botox may also cause numbness at the treatment site after the procedure.
Differences in Numbers of Treatment Needed
Botox/Dysport requires only one treatment to achieve desired results. However, the neurotoxin will wear off, and you will need injections again to maintain the desired results. Each session lasts less than an hour for both Botox and Dysport.
Differences in the Longevity of Effects
Generally, the effects of both Botox and Dysport will last for three to four months. However, some patients see the results of Botox wear off sooner while others see them fade later.
Due to the faster-acting composition of Dysport, you can expect its results to manifest themselves within a couple of days after the injections. On the other hand, the effects of Botox will show sometime between one week to one month.
Differences in Potential Side Effects
Botox and Dysport have different potential side effects. Though both procedures are generally considered safe and severe adverse effects are rare, minor side effects are typical. The side effects associated with Botox include:
- Redness
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Slight pain at the injection site
- Numbness
- Headache
The side effects of Dysport include:
- Slight pain at the injection site
- Rashes
- Irritation
- Headaches
- Swelling
The side effects will dissipate within seven days of the treatment.
The more serious adverse effect of either Botox or Dysport is botulinum toxicity. Botulinum toxicity is a severe complication that can cause the following symptoms:
- Difficulty swallowing or eating
- Droopy eyelids
- Muscle spasms
- Facial muscle weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty speaking
Botulinum toxicity happens when the botulinum type A content of the product spreads to another part of the body. Seek emergency medical aid immediately if you suspect botulinum toxicity from a Botox/Dysport injection.
Contraindications
Botox and Dysport share the same contraindications. They are as follows:
- Pregnancy
- Need to take medication for muscle spasms
- Milk allergy
- History of botulinum toxicity
- Skin disorders
- Over 65 years old
- Thick skin (as determined by a professional)
- Certain medications
Several medications can affect the efficacy of the toxin in the skin. Blood thinners and muscle relaxers can interact with the injection ingredients and cause complications. Speak with a professional about your medications to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for Botox/Dysport.
Who are Good Candidates for Botox/Dysport?
Experts agree that adults between the ages of 35 and 65 are the best candidates for Botox/Dysport. Other than that, here are the other factors:
- Mild to severe wrinkles or fine lines that dermatologist-recommended skincare treatments can’t eradicate
- The wrinkles should be in regions where Botox and Dysport are useful – areas like around the eyes, lips, cheeks, forehead, or chin.
- The client must be in relatively good health, without any pre-existing skin condition.
Which is Better for You, Botox or Dysport?
Botox is more effective for fine lines in smaller areas, such as crow’s feet, around the lips, or around the eyes. On the other hand, Dysport is more effective for wider areas like the forehead.
Dysport spreads faster and takes effect sooner than Botox. So if you’re in a hurry, Dysport may be the better option for you.
The effects of both Botox and Dysport will last for three to four months. However, some patients report that the results of Botox can fade either sooner or later than three to four months. Regardless of which treatment you opt for, you will need maintenance treatments to keep the desired results every few months.
Choose Professionals
Kora Aesthetics offers both Botox and Dysport in Scottsdale, Arizona. We house professionals experienced in injecting Botox/Dysport. To schedule an appointment, phone us at (480) 630-7566, email info@koraaesthetics.com, or fill out the form on our Contact Us page. You can locate us at 7077 E: Bell Road, Suite 200, Suite 404, Scottsdale, AZ 58254.
