Smoothing away forehead or eye wrinkles can be as easy as a quick injectable treatment. With many effective products to choose from, how do you know which treatment will work best for you? This blog will examine the similarities and differences between two popular wrinkle reducers, BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport®, to help you determine which injectable will help you reach your aesthetic goals.
Table of Contents
- BOTOX® Cosmetic: The Tried and True Neuromodulator
- Dysport®: Following in the Footsteps of BOTOX® Cosmetic
- How Dysport® and BOTOX® Cosmetic Work on Wrinkles
- Differences Between Dysport® vs. BOTOX® Cosmetic
- Making the Choice: Get Expert Help
BOTOX® Cosmetic: The Tried and True Neuromodulator
BOTOX® has been used as a medical treatment since 1989, when it was FDA-approved for the treatment of certain eye muscle disorders. Physicians quickly discovered the cosmetic benefits when patients receiving treatment also saw a reduction in wrinkles around the eyes, leading to FDA approval of BOTOX® Cosmetic in 2002.
Originally, BOTOX® Cosmetic was approved to treat glabellar lines (vertical lines that form between the eyebrows). After more than two decades of cosmetic use, providers have also found it to be effective on crow’s feet and horizontal forehead lines. It is even an effective preventative for future wrinkles when used correctly.
Dysport®: Following in the Footsteps of BOTOX® Cosmetic
Dysport® is a derivative of the same active ingredient as BOTOX® Cosmetic and has a similar history. In 2009, it was approved as a medical treatment for certain muscle spasm disorders and as a cosmetic treatment for glabellar lines. Today, it is used for most of the same concerns as BOTOX® Cosmetic.
How Dysport® and BOTOX® Cosmetic Work on Wrinkles
BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® are both neuromodulators that work by relaxing the facial muscles that lead to the formation of wrinkles over time. The treatments target dynamic wrinkles in the upper face that appear with certain facial expressions, such as laughing, smiling, or frowning.
Both products have a relatively rapid onset, with results becoming evident within a few days of treatment. The injectables also have similar durations and comparable costs.
Differences Between Dysport® vs. BOTOX® Cosmetic
Although BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® have many similarities, they also have some distinct differences:
Dosing Amounts
The dosing amounts for BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® are not interchangeable. It typically takes about 2–3 units of Dysport® for every single unit of BOTOX® Cosmetic. Dysport® isn’t any more expensive or less effective, however. The difference lies in how the medications are formulated. Your expert injector will know the appropriate dosage for your specific needs, no matter which treatment you choose.
Molecule Size
Dysport® contains smaller molecules than BOTOX® Cosmetic, which can impact how it diffuses. Since it tends to spread more readily than BOTOX® Cosmetic, some providers prefer Dysport® for larger treatment areas, such as the forehead. Many patients require fewer injections of Dysport® on these broader areas, which benefits patients and providers.
Onset of Results
The difference in molecule size may also affect how quickly the treatments work. Patients often find that Dysport® results begin to appear within three to five days, whereas BOTOX® Cosmetic results may take as long as a week to become fully evident. The molecule size does not seem to impact the longevity of the results, however. Both treatments last an average of three to four months.
Making the Choice: Get Expert Help
With numerous similarities and subtle differences, how do you choose between BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport®? In many cases, it may come down to what your provider recommends. Always work with an experienced injector, like Dr. Matthew Karen, who knows how to produce the best possible results from either of these injectable treatments.
If you get unsatisfactory results with either product, you can always try the other option at your next visit. For example, some patients may discover that BOTOX® Cosmetic produces better results for them than Dysport®, or vice versa.
Still Wondering About Dysport® vs. BOTOX® Cosmetic in Peachtree City?
Few treatments turn back the clock as quickly or effectively as BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport®. If you are ready to say goodbye to pesky wrinkles around your eyes or on your forehead, one of these injectables may be the perfect solution for you. Peachtree City, Fayetteville, and Newnan residents can learn more by calling our office at (678) 203-5930 or completing our online contact form.