Dysport vs. Botox: What’s the Difference?

Botox and Dysport are injectable treatments that are typically used to smooth wrinkles caused by repeated facial movements. Both known as neurotoxin treatments, they are very similar in what they do and what they’re made of.

But they do have some differences that may make one better for you than the other. To better understand the difference, let’s take a look at each treatment.

Botox 101

Botox is a popular cosmetic treatment approved by the FDA to treat glabellar lines (the lines between the eyebrows), forehead lines, and crow’s feet.

It is an injectable neurotoxin treatment that relaxes facial muscles and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. It can also treat excessive sweating, migraines, and overactive bladder.

Dysport 101

Dysport is a newer treatment option than Botox and is FDA-approved only for moderate to severe glabellar lines.

How Botox and Dysport Differ

While very similar, Botox and Dysport do have some distinct differences including where they are often injected, their level of concentration, and the side effects they can produce.

Where It’s Injected

The main difference between Botox and Dysport are injected in similar areas.

Level of Concentration

The dosage of Dysport and Botox are different so the units are not equal. Your provider knows the equivalent dosage for each.

How They Spread

Dysport is known to spread more than Botox which can make it better for larger areas. You also may need fewer injections because of how much it can spread.

Your doctor may use both Botox and Dysport together to treat different areas because of this difference in spread.

Side Effects

Dysport and Botox can also lead to similar side effects.

The side effects of Dysport and Botox can include pain, swelling, bruising, headache, flu-like symptoms, and watery or dry eyes.

Either way, the side effects are usually temporary.

How Long Results Last

The effectiveness and duration of these injectable treatments vary based on the type and dosage. That being said, Dysport tends to produce results in a few days and can last up to 3-4 months while Botox can take slightly longer to show results and also lasts 3-4 months. The duration of effectiveness is also dose-dependent.

You can go back for another treatment session of either injectable every three months or more.

Schedule A Consultation

Which treatment is right for you depends on your desired results and goals During your consultation at Erwin Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologist Dr. Erwin will discuss your options and together you can determine which one will best suit your needs.

To schedule a consultation today, call our El Campo, TX office.