Choosing Between Botox and Dysport: A Comprehensive Guide
Botox and Dysport injections are two popular treatments that can help diminish the appearance of wrinkles and give you a more youthful glow. But what is the difference between Botox and Dysport, and how do you know which one is right for you?
Here, we’re explaining the differences between Botox and Dysport, including their chemical composition, effectiveness, cost, dosing, onset of action, and duration of results. We’ll also discuss who makes a good candidate for each treatment, how to select which procedure is right for you, and how to combine them with other treatments.
What is Botox?
Botox is a popular injectable treatment used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck area. It’s made from a type of toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which is responsible for botulism. When injected into facial muscles, Botox blocks nerve signals that cause muscle contractions and temporarily freezes movement in the area. This helps relax wrinkles and fine lines, resulting in smoother skin and fewer signs of aging.
Botox can also be used to treat excessive sweating, migraines, overactive bladder, and some eye conditions. The effects are temporary but can last up to four months or longer with repeated treatments.
What is Dysport?
Dysport is another popular injectable treatment that’s often compared to Botox. Like Botox, it’s made from a type of botulinum toxin and is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. However, it works slightly differently than Botox in that it spreads further across the skin surface when injected, allowing for more natural-looking results in larger areas. Dysport can be used on the same areas as Botox—the face, neck, and forehead—but is most commonly used to treat glabellar lines, or 11 lines, and wrinkles on the forehead.
The Composition Difference Between Botox and Dysport
Both Botox and Dysport are made of the same active ingredient – Botulinum Type A – which works by blocking the release of a neurotransmitter that causes the muscles to contract. The differences, however, lie in their potency and their targeted areas.
Botox is about three times more concentrated than Dysport and is therefore used to target smaller areas, such as Crow’s feet and smile lines. Dysport, on the other hand, spreads faster and quicker than Botox, making it ideal for forehead lines and glabellar lines.
Botox is more expensive per unit than Dysport, but typically injectors need to use more Dysport to get the ideal results, making the total price between the two comparable.
Are the Procedures Any Different?
Whether you’re receiving Botox or Dysport, the procedure will be exactly the same. You’ll start by having an initial consultation with your provider at Chin Up! Aesthetics to determine which areas of your face and neck you’d like to improve. From there, you’ll schedule your appointment and receive the injections you and your provider discussed. The appointment will take 10-15 minutes regardless of whether you choose Botox or Dysport, making it a perfect lunchtime procedure!
What About Effectiveness and Results?
When deciding between Botox and Dysport, it’s important to understand the differences in their effectiveness. While both are widely-used injections to reduce wrinkles, they differ in terms of their formulation and potency. Dysport is more diluted than Botox which allows it to spread quicker and further. Botox, on the other hand, is more concentrated and is best used for small areas of wrinkles, such as Crow’s feet.
It’s also important to note that results can vary from person to person depending on individual factors such as age, lifestyle habits, and skin type. Results can typically be seen within 3-4 days with both Botox and Dysport, and last up to four months. Of course, individual results will vary. If you exercise often, for example, you may notice the results do not last the full four months.
When it comes to wrinkle reduction, both Botox and Dysport can be effective treatments when administered properly by an experienced provider.
Botox vs. Dysport: Differences in Terms of Cost
The price of Botox and Dysport treatments can vary depending on your provider, location, and the number of areas being treated. Generally speaking, Botox tends to be more expensive than Dysport as it is a more concentrated form of botulinum toxin. On average, one unit of Botox at Chin Up! Aesthetics costs $10.50 – $12.50, with Dysport being comparable based on the amount of botulinum toxin received. Prices may differ from one provider to another, so it’s important to consult your provider for an accurate estimate before making a decision.
Risks and Side Effects
Botox and Dysport both have zero downtime, so you can get back to your day as soon as you leave your appointment. It is recommended that you do not lay down or exercise for four hours following your treatment and avoid sun exposure for two weeks.
Side effects may include redness, swelling, pain, or bruising at the injection site. These should resolve on their own within one week. Overall, Botox and Dysport are considered safe and effective treatments with minimal, if any, side effects.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Which?
Botox and Dysport work equally, but one may work better for you than the other. Your provider will be able to help determine which one is the best for you, and you are also free to switch up which treatment you want each time you go. You may find that Dysport works best for the forehead, but Botox is better at combating smile lines and Crow’s feet.
However, it’s important to note that both Botox and Dysport should not be used during pregnancy or while nursing. If you’re taking certain medications, such as antibiotics or blood thinners, your doctor may advise against getting treated with either product. You should also avoid Botox or Dysport treatments if you have a skin infection or a neuromuscular condition.
Botox vs. Dysport: A Summary Chart
| Botox | Dysport | |
| Composition | Concentrated botulinum toxin | Diluted botulinum toxin |
| Best treats | Fine lines and wrinkles in small areas | Fine lines and wrinkles in large areas |
| Effectiveness | Results may be seen within 3-5 days; max 2 weeks | Results may be seen within 3-5 days; max 2 weeks |
| Results | 3-4 months | 3-4 months |
| Cost | $10.50-$12.50 per unit | Less per unit, but need more units (final cost is equivalent to Botox) |
| Downtime | None | None |
Choosing Between Botox and Dysport for Yourself
Choosing between Botox and Dysport can be an intimidating task. After all, they are both powerful anti-aging treatments that can offer you remarkable results. The good news is, with a little research and guidance from a qualified healthcare provider, you can make an educated decision on which one is best for your desired outcome.
The providers at Chin Up! Aesthetics are here to help you every step of the way! They can answer any questions you have and help determine which neurotoxin is best for you!
Can You Combine Botox and Dysport with Other Treatments?
Yes! Botox and Dysport can be used in combination with other treatments to achieve your desired outcome. If you’re wanting a chemical peel, microneedling, or Photofacial (IPL) laser, your provider may recommend doing that first, followed by Botox or Dysport treatment. If you’re looking to combine Botox or Dysport with dermal fillers, your injector may recommend Botox and Dysport first, followed by dermal fillers. The neurotoxins will help relax your muscles prior to injecting dermal fillers.
Take a look at our Botox and Dysport FAQs for answers to other commonly-asked questions.
Here’s more information on getting Botox and dermal fillers at the same time >>
At Chin Up! Aesthetics, we offer Botox and Dysport treatments, as well as other aesthetic procedures including dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, and chemical peels. Our experienced team will help you decide which treatment option would best suit your individual needs so that you can achieve beautiful, youthful-looking skin! Schedule your free consultation here!
