Botox and Dysport are two of the most popular injectable solutions for fine lines and facial wrinkles. They work by blocking muscular contractions, making the skin on top look smoother and younger.
Although the two injectables are used for similar reasons, they are different, and this guide will help you decide which one is better for your needs.
What is Botox?
Botox is among the most popular botulinum toxin neuromodulator available today. It was approved by the FDA in 1989, making it one of the first of its type to be approved. Botox is approved by the FDA in 2002 for aesthetic purposes when it was first utilized. It’s often used to address forehead lines, glabellar lines (frown lines), and crow’s feet.
What is Dysport?
Dysport is a botulinum toxin injection that uses abobotulinumtoxinA as its active ingredient. It was approved by the FDA in 2009 for the treatment of moderate to severe glabellar or frown lines. Dysport is typically a less concentrated and thinner formula than Botox.
Pros and Cons of Botox
Pros
- Fewer units used– Botox is more concentrated than Dysport, with one unit equaling three of Dysport. Therefore, it takes fewer Botox units to get the same results.
- Longer lasting results– Botox results can last three to four months, depending on how well you care for your skin.
- Precise targeting– The large molecular size offers Botox a higher precision degree, making it easier to target specific muscles.
- Established reputation– Botox has been around longer than Dysport and has become the face of facial injectables.
- Lower migration rates– The big molecular size in Botox makes it hard for it to spread, resulting in minimal migration.
- Can be used for headache and migraine prevention.
Cons
- Slower results– Botox has large molecules and a protein shell around the modulator, making it harder to break down. Therefore, results can be delayed, taking between ten to fourteen days for full effectiveness.
Pros and Cons of Dysport
Pros
- Faster results– Dysport has smaller molecules than Botox and has a milk protein that spreads and breaks down faster, producing quicker results. After your procedure, effects are typically seen within a few days.
- More diffusion– Dysport has higher diffusion levels than Botox, meaning it spreads to more extensive areas after injection.
Cons
- Shorter-lived results– Dysport results can last between three to four months.
- More units used– The more diluted state of Dysport means specialists will use more units.
- Higher migration levels– Dysport’s small molecular size makes it easy to spread, allowing for increased migration. Botox may be a better option if a specific area needs treatment due to the migration of Dysport.
The Price Difference
Botox costs $15 a unit, while Dysport is $5 per unit. However, the total cost depends on how many units are utilized. The number of units depend on the size of the target area, the strength of the muscles, and the patient’s goal of treatment. Since Botox is more concentrated, specialists use fewer units, so the total cost will be similar to the cost of Dysport.
Your Desired Outcome
Communicating your desired outcome to your aesthetic injector is crucial for a successful cosmetic injection experience. The spectrum of results, ranging from preventive measures to maintenance and achieving a frozen appearance with limited facial movement, requires clear articulation of individual preferences. By expressing your expectations, you enable your injector to tailor the treatment to your specific goals. If you aim for a preventive approach to address early signs of aging, conveying this intention guides the injector in choosing appropriate products and techniques. Maintenance-focused clients seeking subtle enhancements can ensure that the injector employs strategies that align with their preference for natural-looking results. On the other hand, those desiring a frozen appearance with minimized movement benefit from explicit communication to avoid any misunderstanding. Open dialogue fosters a collaborative relationship between the client and injector, ensuring that the cosmetic interventions align seamlessly with the individual’s aesthetic aspirations.
Choosing Your Injectable
Deciding between these two neuromodulator injectables depends on your desired outcomes, preferences, and advice from your aesthetic injector. Once you have a consultation at Sarasota Plastic Surgery, you’ll be able to determine which injectable is right for you.
Schedule a Consultation Today
At Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center, our highly-trained and experienced aesthetic injectors work with patients to help address a variety of cosmetic issues. To learn more about Botox and Dysport and which one is right for you, schedule a consultation today. Call our Sarasota, FL office at Sarasota Plastic Surgery (941) 203-1300 or use our online contact form.