One of the universal truths is that no matter who you are or where you come from, you are going to age. It is inevitable. No one is special enough to avoid it in any way and it is a completely natural process.
No matter our climate or environment, over time, our skin loses its youthful elasticity thanks to reduced production of collagen and elastin and the result is fine lines and wrinkles, most notably on the face.
All our common facial expressions that involve persistent muscle contractions and relaxations such as frowning, squinting, smiling, and laughing, will result in crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines. Sadly, they show up sooner than you might like. Our collective desire to delay the visible signs of aging has created a massive beauty industry including a whole host of cosmetic treatments.
Choices in cosmetic procedures are surgical and non-surgical with new options being added all the time.
Since botulinum toxin was first introduced, dermal fillers have also come along. Both of these treatments have experienced a huge boom in popularity. Botox injections, dermal fillers, and competitors/equivalents like Juvederm and Dysport injections are more affordable and more accessible than ever.
If you are worried about severe wrinkles or sagging/droopy eyelids and want to do something more impactful than visiting a dermatologist for simple skin care tips, then you might find that you get the desired results from cosmetic injections.
Let’s take a look at both Dysport and Botox cosmetic neurotoxins/neuromodulators, from what they both are to their main differences.
What Is Botox?
Botox was the first FDA-approved neuromodulator in the industry when it came to market in 1989, which is why it is probably the most well-known name in the field.
Botox is produced from a bacterium called clostridium botulinum. Is it also known as Botulinum Toxin Type A, and in controlled doses can effectively reduce and even remove wrinkles and fine lines on the face and neck area.
When administered by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, Botox is a very safe and effective anti-aging treatment.
Botox works by blocking the nerve signals from the brain to the facial muscles (or any other site injected) which means the muscles are not able to contract and relax as freely as normal. The reduced muscular movement results in smoother and younger-looking skin with no appearance of wrinkles.
Botox can be used for a range of medical conditions as well such as migraines, muscle spasms, and excessive sweating.
What Is Dysport?
The term Botox has come to be used generically (in the same way as hoover/vacuum or kleenex/tissue) but Botox is a brand name (trademarked by American pharmaceutical company Allergan Inc.) Ever since its introduction and success, rival companies have been producing their dermal fillers.
These alternate brands of Botox, or neurotoxins, include brand names like Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, and most recently Daxxify.
Considered by many to be the leading European counterpart, Dysport is an FDA-approved neuromodulator available in more than 60 countries. It is equally effective in treating wrinkles, fine lines, and a handful of other medical uses similar to Botox.
Just like Botox, Dysport’s active ingredient is Botulinum Toxin Type A. It works in the exact same way, blocking nerve signals at the injection site and limiting the range of muscle movement, resulting in smoother skin.
The selling point of Dysport is that it has more active toxin than Botox, and can be primarily used to target severe forehead lines and glabella/glabellar lines (also known as frown lines).
A board-certified healthcare professional will almost certainly have access to both Botox and Dysport, and can even use both products on different parts of your face if needed.
What Is The Difference Between Botox And Dysport?
Prima facie, Botox, and Dysport are both neurotoxins, both contain the same active ingredient, and they both work by blocking nerve signals to muscles to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. There are, however, some distinctions that might make you want to choose one over the other.
Concentration
Probably the biggest difference between the two is the level of concentration of active ingredients in the product.
Dysport has more active botulinum toxin per unit, however, it is dosed differently than Botox. Depending on the rate of dilution, 1 unit of Botox is dosed sas 3 units of Dysport. However, this does not mean that you are receiving more Dysport. Often, the same amount of Dysport injections is needed compared to units of Botox depending on the injection site and the depth and extent of the wrinkles being treated.
This might lead to the assumption that Dysport is a more expensive treatment because more units are needed. This isn’t the case because Dysport the price per unit is set to adjust for the different dosing techniques. Ultimately, the cost tends to be about the same for either treatment: the total for a higher number of units of Dysport at a lower price is roughly equivalent to the fewer units of Botox at a higher price.
Behavior (Rate of Dispersion)
Botox and Dysport differ in their rate of dispersion in the skin after being injected. The molecular behavior of Dysport means it diffuses and spreads much faster, especially when applied to a larger surface area on the face.
This behavior makes the effects of Dysport greater on a larger surface treatment area like the forehead. It acts very quickly and spreads very evenly.
The effects of Botox are more suitable and successful for crow’s feet, lip lines, and finer facial wrinkles. It has a high concentration that is very slow moving which makes it ideal for smaller areas and more delicate facial muscles. In experienced hands, both products can be used successfully to treat all of the same areas.
As previously mentioned, Botox and Dysport can be administered in the same session if the whole face is being treated.
Results and Side Effects
Candidates for Botox or Dysport have the same qualifications. You will be over 18 years old, your skin will generally be in good condition and still have moderate elasticity, and you should be in good physical health and not pregnant or nursing.
Meeting these criteria does not guarantee any specific results and the wrinkle treatments will be personalized to each individual. Your cosmetic surgeon will advise on how many units of each wrinkle reducer are required and also how often the treatment will need to be repeated because neither Botox or Dysport offers the permanent removal of wrinkles.
Both options share similar risks of side effects. They include reactions like swelling, redness, and tenderness at the injection site, but for both options, these side effects are usually very minimal and can be treated and eased with over-the-counter painkillers.
Book A Consultation Today
If you are looking to slow down the signs of aging by addressing your fine lines and wrinkles with wrinkle relaxers, book a consultation with Z Center for Cosmetic Health. The clinic is fully licensed and under the supervision of Dr. Michael Zadeh, a board-certified general surgeon.