My personal experience with both Botox® or Dysport® and which one I prefer for my patient’s injections.
I often get asked, “Which is better: Botox® or Dysport®?”
While both are neuromodulators and can basically be used interchangeably, there are a few notable distinctions between the two. I have been confident in my choice of brand the last few years, but I wanted to provide you, my patients, a tangible example of how I came to that decision.
Before we get to that, let’s talk about what Botox® or Dysport® actually are and how they differ.
What is Botox® Cosmetic?
As the first FDA approved treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet dating back to 2006, Botox® Cosmetic is most likely the term you are most familiar with. In fact, as a whole the industry tends to refer to all neuromodulators as “botox” regardless of which brand is being used (Botox Cosmetic®, Dysport®, Xeomin® & Nuceiva®).
Botox® Cosmetic, onabotulinum toxin-A (ONA), is an injectable that blocks nerve signals reducing the facial muscle’s ability to contract, which is one of the leading causes of wrinkles. The active ingredient of Botox® Cosmetic is the naturally occurring protein derived from bacteria, Botulinum.
The full results of Botox Cosmetic® can be seen one week to 11 days post-treatment. The results are not permanent, and depending on the individual and the treatment area, can last anywhere between three to four months.
What is Dysport®?
In 2009, six years after Botox® Cosmetic was approved by the FDA, Dysport® entered the market.
Dysport®, abobotulinum toxin-A (ABO), is also a minimally invasive injection that temporarily paralyzes the muscles activity in the face. Along with preventing the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, Dysport® can soften existing fine lines.
How are Botox® and Dysport® Different?
They sound like the exact same product minus one letter, right? Though they can be used practically interchangeably, there are three notable differences between Botox® and Dysport® that should be a factor in your decision.
- Dilution & Units
To put it simply, Dysport® is more diluted than Botox® with studies reporting a 2.5:1 ratio.
Though this does not mean Botox® is more effective than Dysport® as the results of both products have comparable timelines. For comparison’s sake, a bottle of Dysport® totals 300 units, whereas a bottle of Botox® totals 100 units.
- Molecule Size & Onset
Dysport®contains a smaller number of molecules than Botox®, which allows Dysport® results to become visible faster. While the onset time frame differs slightly for each individual and area treated, typically it takes 24 hours for the early effects of Dysport® to start to appear and 72 hours for the effects of Botox® to first appear. Full results of using either brands can be seen approximately two weeks post-treatment.
- Diffusion & Results
Dysport® can spread over a wide area extremely effectively, which makes it a great option for areas such as the forehead. Botox® allows for more precision, lending it to be an ideal option for areas such as the Crow’s Feet. That being said, since Dysport® diffuses so well, it provides extremely natural results anywhere on the face when injected properly.
Botox® or Dysport®: My Preference
I took to Instagram and TikTok to share my firsthand experience testing both Botox® or Dysport® at the same time. Administrating the same number of units (adding two more on the Botox® side once results were final), I split my injections to be half Botox® (right side of my face) and the other half, Dysport® (left side of my face).
In terms of the actual treatment, there was really no difference based on brand. It wasn’t until a couple days in when I noticed the effects of the Dysport® sooner than the Botox® side (as expected). For the next two weeks I continued to monitor and document both sides and found some key differences.
View this post on Instagram
I can conclude, I still prefer Dysport® over Botox® for myself, and for my patients. As mentioned in my video, I found that the Botox® side had some pulling in the forehead that appeared unnatural (at least to the trained eye), whereas the Dysport® side beautifully diffused providing the perfect eyebrow arch. Do you see the difference?
In this blog we discussed the differences between Dysport® and Botox®; however, there are two other brands of neuromodulators on the market today. To learn about Nuceiva™, my other preferred brand of neuromodulator, click here.
When it comes down to choosing the right neuromodulator brand and cosmetic injector for you, I recommend taking the time to do your own research, looking at patient transformations, and asking questions. The right brand of neuromodulator for a patient will come down to all the factors mentioned above, along with an individual’s facial structure and muscle strength. Allow your injector to use their expertise to choose, but feel free to ask questions to educate yourself! Click here for Your Guide to Finding the Right Cosmetic Injector.
To book your Dysport® or Nuceiva™ treatment at any of my four locations (Chilliwack, Langley, Parksville and Nanaimo), click here.
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