What’s the difference between Botox and Dysport?
With a number of cosmetic wrinkle treatments out there and more coming on the market every day, it’s hard to keep them sorted. Dysport and Botox are probably the best know injectable therapies for fine lines and dynamic rhytides, but what’s the difference? Which one is better?
“It’s a question I get asked all day long,” say Dr. Miriam Hanson, dermatologist and cosmetic expert at Sanova Dermatology. “The truth is, both Botox and Dysport work through a similar mechanism and both give great results. There are some subtle differences that might make a patient choose one over the other”
On a molecular level, Dysport contains less protein bound to it compared to Botox. Some claim that because of this, Dysport causes the body to produce fewer neutralizing antibodies and therefore results in a longer lasting affect compared to Botox. Clinical studies however show conflicting results. Some studies show Dysport has a longer effect on fine lines and wrinkles, while other studies show Botox is longer lasting.
Others claim the aesthetic improvements seen with Dysport are observed sooner than Botox. Although this difference may only be a matter of a few days, if you have a special upcoming event or wedding next weekend and are on a time crunch to look fabulous, a few days could make a difference!
Many report that Dysport spreads more than Botox when injected into the skin. “This can be both a positive and a negative,” claims Dr. Hanson. For large areas such as the forehead or armpits, where spreading may be beneficial and a product that spreads more could require fewer injections and lead to fewer side effects such as swelling or bruising. For other areas such as around the eyebrows and eyes, spreading could lead to unwanted side effects, especially if the procedure is performed by a less experienced physician.
Finally, Botox and Dysport are reconstituted and dosed differently. “I often tell patients the difference is kind of like Coke and Pepsi, but that’s not exactly true. While some say one unit of Botox equals 2.5 to 3 units of Dysport, the truth is they are different products that perform differently and can be used to meet different goals.” Dermatologists that provide Botox in North Dallas, TX are experienced with using both Botox and Dysport and stress the importance of having your treatment performed by an experienced physician who is knowledgeable about the dosing and technique differences between Botox and Dysport.
Contact Us
Book your consultation today and speak with experienced physician Dr. Hanson about which injectable is right for your needs. Contact Sanova Dermatology here.
About Dr. Hanson
Dr. Miriam Hanson is a board-certified dermatologist with special interests in women’s health and aesthetic medicine. An Austin native, Dr. Hanson can often be spotted running around Town Lake on a Saturday morning, wearing lots of sunscreen…
Follow Dr. Hanson on Google+
