Botox® vs. Dysport®: What’s the Difference?

Expression lines are proof of laughter, smiles, and raised eyebrows, trademarks of a life well-lived. However, if you have a few that bother you, neuromodulators can smooth them away. These injectable treatments restore your relaxed appearance, so you look like yourself but more refreshed.  

What are Neuromodulators?

Neuromodulators are a family of injectables that can significantly improve expression lines and wrinkles. They work by preventing facial nerves from telling the muscles to contract, allowing the muscles and overlying skin to relax.  

Over time, repeated facial expressions cause your facial muscles to settle into positions that cause forehead wrinkles, smile lines, crow’s feet, and more. These lines mean you’ve portrayed your emotions, but you might feel like they make you look older. Both Botox® and Dysport® contain botulinum toxin A to relax your underlying facial muscles and allow your skin to regain its smoothness.

Because they both use botulinum toxin A to accomplish this, Botox® and Dysport® are equally effective at treating wrinkles. However, there are a few differences between them. 

What is the Difference Between Botox® and Dysport®?

Botox® and Dysport® are two safe and effective neuromodulators we offer at Coolspa. Your other options include Xeomin®, Jeuveau®, and the newest neuromodulator on the market, Daxxify™. 

There are some differences between Botox® and Dysport® that you may want to consider.  While their formulations both use the active ingredient botulinum toxin, they contain different proteins from one another. The protein molecule used in Dysport® is smaller, and this has some effects on its performance. 

For example, Dysport often begins working faster than Botox® and diffuses more from the injection site, meaning less product goes further than the same amount of Botox® would. 

Dysport® may also last slightly longer than Botox® for some people. Both brands of neuromodulators are extremely effective at treating and preventing wrinkles at their source and smoothing your skin. However, you may find that one works better for you than the other. After repeated treatments with one neuromodulator, some people find that they build resistance to the formula. In these cases, switching to another brand may improve results.

During your consultation, your provider will advise you on which product is best for you. Both Botox® and Dysport® are effective in fighting wrinkles and fine lines to help you look rejuvenated. 

What Can Botox® and Dysport® Treat?

Botox® and Dysport® treat fine lines and wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movements from facial expressions. These include:

• Glabellar lines 
• Smile lines
• Forehead lines 
• Crow’s feet
• Scowl lines 

Neuromodulators can also be used to lift the appearance of the brow, minimize a gummy smile, and lift vertical neck bands.

Is There Any Downtime With Botox® or Dysport®?

Both treatments are administered with a few quick injections and have no true downtime. We do advise avoiding rigorous exercise following treatment, for the remainder of the day. There is a low risk of experiencing mild irritation, redness, or sensitivity in the treated area. These side effects should subside within a few days if they do occur.

Am I a Candidate for Botox® or Dysport®?

Most people are good candidates for Botox® and Dysport®! Patients who are pregnant should avoid this treatment, and Dysport® is not recommended for people with milk allergies.