The aging process, although dreaded, is something we all go through. The decision to let our wrinkles line our faces with pride, or take the necessary steps to go about removing them, is a personal one. If you do decide to seek methods to lessen the appearance of your wrinkles, you may find yourself at a crossroads: Dysport vs Botox. First you should know that there are a few fundamental similarities between Dysport and Botox. Dysport and Botox are both neurotoxins injected into the skin in order to minimize the appearance of wrinkles-this works by relaxing the muscles in the targeted areas in such a way that they do not contract. Both are popular options that many adore for various reasons, but it makes sense to do your research and find our which will be more suited to your specific needs when it comes to your skin.
Differences between Botox and Dysport
A difference between Botox and Dysport can be first seen very quickly after the injection, in that Dysport can have immediate effects, whereas Botox generally takes up to two weeks for full effects to be seen in most patients. Alternatively, Dysport may not last as long as Botox does, although this area is still under constant debate and study. Botox has also been around for much longer in the United States, with Dysport being introduced to the market in 2009-although it was available in Europe prior to that. However, there is no denying that Botox is more of a household name than Dysport with nearly everyone having heard of them, which gives them a competitive edge.
Another difference is that Botox has more FDA approved uses than Dysport does. Botox is approved to not only treat treat moderate to severe frown lines and lines around the eyes, but also to treat a myriad of other issues: bladder dysfunction, chronic migraine, spasticity in adults, upper and lower limb spasticity in adolescents and children aged 2 and older, hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating, blepharospasm and strabismus, and cervical dystonia. Alternately, dysport is only FDA approved for a fraction of those-namely, cervical dystonia, spasticity in adults, upper and lower limb spasticity in adolescents and children aged 2 and older, and treatment of glabellar lines.
Botox vs Dysport Units
The amount of Botox or Dysport you will receive during treatment is another key difference between them. Since Dysport is more diluted, you will need and receive more dosage units during treatment. Also, the two work differently once they are injected as well. Dysport tends to spread out to larger areas once it is injected into the skin. Botox, on the other hand, tends to stick near to the site it is initially injected to, and does not spread out. Both Botox and Dysport are intended to be for single-use only, meaning they are only to be used for one person, and any extra should be thrown away if not used.
Botox vs Dysport Cost
What you will pay for your Botox or Dysport treatment depends on where on your body the treatment will occur. This is because you will need more units injected if the area of the skin being treated is on the larger side, and you may be charged per injection. Botox, on average, is a little more expensive than Dysport, with costs averaging $550 a session for Botox and $450 a session for Dysport. These prices also may vary depending on what state you live in, with states in high demand for the treatments and with higher costs of living, such as California or New York, being known to charge more. It is also important to keep in mind that since these treatments are strictly cosmetic, insurance will not cover any part of the costs. However, some clinics may offer discounted rates on both Botox or Dysport if you become a member.
Botox vs Dysport Injections
The method used with Botox and Dysport injections also tends to vary. Dysport has a feathering effect feature in its application, which means that the effects taper off as they move away from the center of the injection site. With this effect, Dysport offers more of a “natural look” for patients by having more softened edges on the treated areas. These softened edges make it so that there is less of a stark contrast between treated skin and untreated skin. Whereas with Botox, the contrast may be much more noticeable, and can cause patients to look unnatural or overly worked on in some cases and instances.
Is Dysport Better than Botox?
Deciding a winner between the Dysport vs Botox debate could boil down to your individual needs and desires. For instance, as mentioned previously, while Dysport is only approved for the treatment of glabellar lines-that is, the lines in between the eyebrows and that extend upward toward the forehead; Botox is approved for treatment of these lines, plus for treatment of frown lines and lines around the eyes, or “crows feet” as they are often referred to. On top of that, Dysport is only recommended for patients who have moderate or severe cases of these glabellar lines.
However, Dysport is also loved by many for the quick results it offers. Also, many prefer it because of the way it spreads across large surfaces, such as the forehead, as previously noted. People also may opt for Dysport because on average, it is the cheaper option of the two. Although the difference in price isn’t that substantial, the savings can tend to add up quickly if one is receiving multiple units, or going back in to the clinic for touch-ups regularly. In short, there is no clear winner in the Dysport vs Botox debate. While there are clear differences between the two, as discussed, the choice of which to have done on yourself is a personal one that hinges on a few factors-namely, what areas you want worked on and how wide or small these areas are, the price point you desire, and the ultimate look you want to achieve with your treatment. With a skilled and knowledgeable injector at a trusted and reputable clinic, you are likely to get beautiful results with either Dysport or Botox.