What’s the Difference Between Botox and Dysport?

By Brian Arslanian, MD

Finding effective ways to reduce facial fine lines and wrinkles is easy nowadays. However, there are so many age-defying procedures on the market, it can be tough to figure out which one’s right for you. Facial aging is something we all have to endure, but cosmetic injectables like Botox and Dysport are two ways to keep wrinkles and fine lines at bay, and reinvigorate our complexion. In fact, neuromodulators are the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the United States, with roughly 6.7 million performed each year.(1) But what exactly is the difference between these facial rejuvenation options? What can we expect from the results in each case? And how do you know which one you should choose?

The fact is, Botox and Dysport are composed of variants of the same active ingredient: botulinumtoxinA. The neuromodulator disrupts the nerve signals between facial muscles and the brain, causing them to relax. This smooths fine lines and wrinkles for softer, more youthful-looking results. For people who don’t want costly, invasive surgery, injectables are a popular and effective choice to enhance your appearance quickly and safely. So, finding the right one to help you reach your beauty goals is important!

Brian Arslanian MD, FACS specializes in facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and breast enhancement procedures that help his patients fight signs of aging. Already a familiar face as Dr. Hotlanta on social media, Dr. Arslanian is a double board-certified Plastic Surgeon who can find the right injectable for you! Call us for a consultation to discuss your aesthetic goals at (678) 894-9200, or get in touch with us online via this quick inquiry form.

Dynamic Wrinkle Reduction

Dynamic wrinkles occur in areas of high movement and expression. The more movement there is in the area, the more lines begin to appear as we age. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane and Juvéderm, injectables like Botox and Dysport temporarily alter the nerve connection between facial musculature and the brain, which is why they’re so effective in the upper third of the face. 

Neuromodulators can be used to target common problem areas such as between the brows (glabellar lines) and alongside the outer edge of the eyes (crow’s feet), where dynamic wrinkles are more likely to appear. Glabellar lines have been approved for treatment with neuromodulators by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for many years, and the success and popularity of such treatments are backed up consistently by research. Studies have repeatedly shown that cosmetic neuromodulators are not only predictably effective to treat facial aging, but they’re also a low-risk option with high patient satisfaction levels.(2) 

Botox and Dysport: Things to Know Before You Choose

About Botox

Botox was first used in mainstream medicine in the late 1980s to treat eyelid spasms, and later, in the year 2000, migraines. It’s also an effective way to address other medical conditions such as hyperhidrosis, or abnormally excessive sweating. However, Botox is now far more likely to be used in cosmetic wrinkle reduction procedures. Let’s take a look at some quick facts about this amazing injectable!

  • Active neuromodulator: onabotulinumtoxinA
  • Manufactured by Allergan
  • FDA approval in 2002 (cosmetic use)
  • Medical and aesthetic uses
  • Visible results in 7-10 days
  • Requires fewer units for treatment
  • Results last 3-6 months

Key Areas: glabellar (forehead lines), crow’s feet, forehead lines, laughter lines

Good For: deeper wrinkles, smaller treatment areas

About Dysport

Although Dysport is a newer injectable treatment, in a relatively short period of time it has become a popular facial rejuvenation option for many people. Botox and Dysport injectables are not interchangeable, due to their slightly different concentrations of their active ingredient, and the slightly different ways they work. Compared to Botox, Dysport vials are larger, because the potency of the botulinum toxin by volume is lower than Botox.(3) As a result, Dysport may be better suited to larger areas of treatment due to its ability to disperse throughout tissues quickly.

  • Active neuromodulator: abobotulinumtoxinA
  • Manufactured by Galderma
  • FDA approval in 2009 (cosmetic use)
  • Medical and aesthetic uses
  • Visible results in 2-3 days
  • Requires more units per treatment
  • Results last 3-6 months

Key Areas: glabellar (forehead lines), crow’s feet, forehead lines, laughter lines

Good for: larger treatment areas, multiple injection points

Which Injectable is Right for Me?

Botox and Dysport both offer a comfortable, safe injection experience with low associated risks and effective long-lasting results. Although both Botox and Dysport cause muscles in the treatment area to freeze, the two formulas differ in their preparation, the way they work, their dilution, and dosing.(1)

By comparing their fact files, we can see that they are similar in many ways, however, there are some attributes that make each treatment unique. While a Dysport treatment takes less time to see visible results, its tendency to spread may not suit every patient. With Botox however, treatment can better target specific areas and may be more useful for patients with deeper lines. 

Book your personalized injectable treatment with Dr. Arslanian and see how it can benefit you. Schedule your personal consultation by calling our Brookhaven office at (678) 894-9200 or by completing our easy-to-fill-out inquiry form.

Candidates for Botox Treatment

Most people who want a cost-effective, hassle-free way to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles will be able to do so with Botox or Dysport. They’re also becoming increasingly popular with our younger patients as a preventive measure for early signs of aging! You may not be able to undergo facial rejuvenation with neuromodulators if you fall into any of the categories listed below.

  • You are pregnant or nursing
  • You are allergic to any of the ingredients
  • You have keloid scars in the area of treatment
  • You have a neuromuscular disorder

To find out the treatment that’s best for you, schedule a personal consultation with us to discuss your treatment options!

Personal Consultation

Dr. Arslanian can provide the expert advice you need to select the most effective facial rejuvenation treatment! At your individual consultation you can show him the areas of your face you want to improve with an injectable treatment. He will carefully examine your facial tissue quality and note the severity of the wrinkles you want to treat. He will then create a personalized treatment plan for your unique circumstances!

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

Some facial signs of aging, such as those in the upper face, are best treated with neuromodulators, however, they may not be the best injectable for every condition. At your consultation, Dr. Arslanian may tell you about the other minimally-invasive options you have to revitalize your complexion!

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Dr. Arslanian offers Restylane and Juvéderm at his Brookhaven location. These dermal fillers can be injected into many regions of the face to reshape and volumize tissue, and while high percentages of crosslinked hyaluronic acid stimulates the healthy production of collagen.(4) Common areas for HA filler use include:

  • Cheek Augmentation (Juvéderm Voluma XC)
  • Marionette Lines and Nasolabial Folds (Juvéderm Vollure XC, Restylane Refyne)
  • Vertical Lip Lines (Juvéderm Volbella XC, Restylane Silk)
  • Lip Augmentation (Juvéderm Volbella XC, Restylane Kysse)
  • Deep Lines and Wrinkles (Juvéderm Ultra XC, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Lyft)

Kybella

Kybella is an injectable treatment for submental fullness, otherwise known as a double chin. Injections target excess fat via their active ingredient; deoxycholic acid. This molecule, already present in the body, breaks down and absorbs fat cells.  In doing so, a course of Kybella treatments can refine your face and neck silhouette and reduce the appearance of submental fat.

Cost of Injectables in Atlanta, GA

As every patients’ needs differ, the cost of your injectable procedure will vary according to your aesthetic goals. To check our current price per vial, and the cost of your unique treatment plan, please speak to Dr. Arslanian at your personal consultation. Financing for treatment may be available to qualified candidates.

Read Dr. Arslanian’s informative blog and be sure to find Dr. Hotlanta on social media for news about the latest cosmetic treatments available in Atlanta!

FAQ

Are all neuromodulator injections made of the same ingredients?

All neuromodulator injectables contain botulinum toxin type A, but brands such as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin differ in their formulation, dilution, and dosing. Botox is composed of onabotulinumtoxinA, Dysport is composed of abobotulinumtoxinA, and Xeomin is composed of incobotulinumtoxinA.

Do Botox and Dysport work in the same way?

Yes and no! Both Botox and Dysport disrupt neuromuscular signals which freezes target muscles and smooths wrinkles, however you may see noticeable results faster with Dysport. Dysport usually takes between 2-3 days to take effect, while Botox achieves the same results in 7-10 days. Both neuromodulators’ results last between 3-6 months.

How do I know whether to get Botox or dermal fillers?

A good general guide for first-time patients is that neuromodulators like Botox are usually more effective for dynamic wrinkles in the upper face, while dermal fillers are great for boosting volume and plumping tissue in the lower two-thirds. However, every patient is different, so it’s always best to check with your provider to see what they recommend for your circumstances!

References

  1. Montes, J. R., Wilson, A. J., Chang, B. L., & Percec, I. (2016). Technical Considerations for Filler and Neuromodulator Refinements. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 4(12 Suppl), e1178. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000001178 
  2. Small, R. (2014). Botulinum toxin injection for facial wrinkles. American Family Physician, 90(3), 168–175. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25077722-botulinum-toxin-injection-for-facial-wrinkles/ 
  3. Field, M., Splevins, A., Picaut, P., van der Schans, M., Langenberg, J., Noort, D., & Foster, K. (2018). AbobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport®), OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox®), and IncobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin®) Neurotoxin Content and Potential Implications for Duration of Response in Patients. Toxins, 10(12), 535. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins10120535 
  4. Fan, Y., Choi, T.-H., Chung, J.-H., Jeon, Y.-K., & Kim, S. (2019). Hyaluronic acid-cross-linked filler stimulates collagen type 1 and elastic fiber synthesis in skin through the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in a nude mouse model. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 72(8), 1355–1362. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2019.03.032 

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