The most obvious hallmark of aging is the slow development of wrinkles on the face, which occur as a natural result of aging when the production of skin-supporting proteins like collagen and elastin decline. But just because we expect wrinkles doesn’t mean we have to make peace with them or be happy about their appearance! The answer to your wrinkle woes might be Botox or Dysport. At ProMD Health in Baltimore, MD, we are prepared to answer all of your questions about our treatments, including explaining the difference between Botox and Dysport.
What’s the Difference Between Botox and Dysport?
Even if you’re new to cosmetic treatments, you’ve probably heard enough in passing to understand that both Botox and Dysport are anti-aging treatments intended to relax the appearance of wrinkles on the face. But it often seems like these treatments are treated interchangeably, so what’s the difference between them?
The main differences can be found in the composition of the injections, the areas of treatment, and how long each treatment lasts. But there are many other differences that you may want to consider before seeking treatment, including:
Botox
Formula and Composition
The main ingredient for Botox is a purified form of botulinum type A, which is a neurotoxin the blocks the transmission of neurotransmitters associated with muscle movement. When injected into the skin, Botox relaxes the facial muscles to prevent them from moving and smooths out the appearance of wrinkles, which can also help prevent the worsening of wrinkles.
The composition of this injection is concentrated and thicker than other similar neurotoxin injectables. Once injected, Botox remains in one area without spreading until the ingredients of the treatment are naturally metabolized by the body. This is an advantage for Botox, especially for those with more severe wrinkles.
Areas of Treatment
Botox is traditionally used to smooth both horizontal forehead lines and glabellar lines, the verticle lines that form between the eyebrows. However, Botox can also be used to treat crow’s feet and marionette lines, which are wrinkles around the mouth. Recently, Botox is also being used on lips for lip flips, which is when the injection is used to relax the muscle above the upper lip to make the lip appear fuller. Other areas of treatment for Botox include:
- Bunny lines
- Nasolabial folds
- Lip lines
- Jaw
- Platysma bands
- Hyperhydrosis
How Soon Can You See Results?
Results for Botox generally take about 5 to 7 days to appear, although for some people results make take up to 3 to 4 weeks to become obvious. Results include smoothing of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles at the injection sites.
How Long It Lasts
Botox has some of the longest-lasting results of all injectable treatments, particularly among neurotoxins. On average, this treatment lasts for 3 to 4 months, and sometimes up to 6 months or more depending on how many units were involved in your treatment and how well you respond to the formula.
Safety
Botox has long been deemed a safe cosmetic treatment for the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and is a trusted household name for anti-aging treatments. Botox has also been cleared by the FDA for the treatment of other conditions, such as migraines. The safety of this treatment is due to the purified formula, which significantly decreases the chance of unintended side effects.
Cost
One of the key differences between these neurotoxins is the cost. Compared unit to unit, Botox injections are slightly more expensive, although because the formula is so concentrated, you may require fewer units to address your appearance-related concerns.
Who Its For
Botox is intended for patients who have moderate to severe wrinkles on the face as well as patients who have wrinkles caused by tense muscles on other areas, such as the neck or the area between the breasts and underarms.
Dysport
Formula and Composition
Dysport also uses a form of botulinum type A and performs the same function of reducing the movement of muscles in the face. However, the difference in the formulas is clear: this injection uses diluted botulinum, meaning that the overall effects of the injection are more subtle, even if the treatment itself is more versatile.
The composition of this treatment is key. Unlike Botox, this injection has a thinner, more malleable texture that makes it easy for the injection to spread beneath the skin and cover a wider surface area. What this means for patients is that the thinner composition of this injection produces a more natural-looking result overall.
Areas of Treatment
Like Botox, the primary areas of treatment for this injectable are glabellar lines between the brows and the forehead. However, this treatment is also frequently used in other areas, such as:
- Under-eye
- Nasolabial folds
- Bunny lines
- Crow’s feet
- Gingival display
- Lip lines
How Soon Can You See Results?
Typically, patients can see results from this treatment within 3 to 5 days after their appointment. The effects of treatment will be subtle at first and reach full results within 1 to 2 weeks.
How Long It Lasts
The results for this treatment last an average of 3 to 4 months. Results may last longer when used with other injectable or cosmetic treatments, or if your appearance-related concerns are more moderate than severe.
Safety
Like other neurotoxin injectables, this treatment is considered safe to use on most adult patients. This is partly because the diluted form of botulinum type A has a very low risk of unintended side effects or toxicity. This treatment, although newer than Botox, has passed several FDA clinical trials.
Cost
One key difference about this treatment is that this injectable is about half the price – or less – of Botox by the unit. What this means in practical terms is that your treatment may be more affordable if you are using this product, particularly if you do not have to have more units to handle more severe appearance-related concerns.
Who Its For
Like Botox, this treatment is intended for patients who have moderate to severe fine lines and wrinkles, particularly on the upper face region. However, this treatment is also compatible with patients who have minor fine lines and wrinkles, as the formula spreads more evenly for milder concerns.
Which Neurotoxin Is Better?
Many patients struggle with making the decision between these two neurotoxin injectables. Some want to know if one injectable is better than the other – and the truth is that they both have their advantages and disadvantages. Determining which treatment is better for you will depend on your specific needs, such as the severity of your anti-aging concerns and the areas that require treatment. We can help you decide which treatment is best for you according to your unique needs and goals.
Can You Use Both Treatments?
While it’s not advisable to use both treatments at the same time, you can alternate treatments between these two neurotoxin injectables. In fact, alternating treatments might be better in the long run.
The main ingredient in these treatments, botulinum type A, has a high probability of creating tolerance in your body the longer it is used. What this means is that frequent, repeated treatments of the same concentration of botulinum type A can make treatments less effective over an extended period of time. In order to prolong the effectiveness of these treatments, some experts recommend alternating between different neurotoxin injectables to limit the amount of tolerance your body can build.
Can You Use This Treatment With Others?
Yes! Both of these neurotoxins can be used in conjunction with several other cosmetic treatments, dermal fillers in particular. Many patients opt to combine both fillers and neurotoxins to have a more comprehensive, rejuvenating result from treatment. Patients can also combine these treatments with facials, chemical peels, and laser skin resurfacing.
The key to combining treatments with neurotoxin injections is both purpose and timing. Each of your cosmetic treatments should fulfill a different purpose; for example, while neurotoxins smooth wrinkles, laser resurfacing or facials address superficial skin concerns, such as dark spots or sun damage. The timing of these treatments is also important, as you will want to wait 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after neurotoxin injections to have other treatments.
If you are interested in using either of these treatments in tandem with other cosmetic treatments, please let us know so we can help you create a treatment plan.
What Can You Expect From Treatment?
Consultation
Your initial appointment at our clinic will be a consultation, where we will discuss your appearance-related concerns, examine potential areas of treatment, go over your treatment options, and talk about reasonable expectations from treatment. Your consultation may also involve gathering pertinent information, such as previous cosmetic treatments you have had.
Your consultation will also likely involve an allergy test to determine if you are a good treatment for these neurotoxin injections.
Pre-Care Treatment Instructions
Before your treatment appointment, we will provide you with instructions to help you prepare for treatment. These pre-care instructions should be followed for 3 to 7 days before treatment and will include:
- Avoid blood-thinning medications
- Do not take certain herbal supplements
- Avoid anti-aging skincare products, particularly Retinols
- Do not wax, bleach, or tweeze treatment area
- Do not drink alcohol
We ask that patients arrive at the treatment appointment with a clean face, meaning do not wear make-up, moisturizers, or lotions. You will not need to arrange for transportation after this appointment.
Treatment Step One: Clean and Numb
We will sterilize your face to create a clean canvas and apply a topical numbing cream for your comfort several minutes before your treatment begins.
Treatment Step Two: Injections
One of our skilled technicians will make several injections into your targeted areas of treatment. You may require more or fewer units than planned based on the severity of your concerns. This portion of the treatment will take less than 30 minutes.
Post-Care Treatment Instructions
After your appointment, we will provide you with post-care instructions to help guide you through recovery. These post-care instructions should be followed for 1 to 3 days and may include:
- Perform facial exercises
- Do not rub or scrub your face
- Avoid extreme heat, sweating, and direct sunlight
- Do not lie down or exercise for at least 3 hours
The majority of patients are fully recovered within 24 hours and may return back to normal daily activities, including work.
Who Are Good Candidates?
Anyone who has moderate to severe signs of aging, particularly fine lines and wrinkles, is likely a good candidate for these treatments. If you are not pregnant and not allergic to the active ingredients in this treatment, then you are qualified for these injections.
Ease Your Aging Woes With Botox and Dysport Today!
Just because natural aging has given you wrinkles doesn’t mean you have to live with them! It’s time to make a proactive effort about your appearance with efficient and reliable anti-aging treatments, such as Botox and Dysport. Contact the experts at ProMD Health in Baltimore, MD to schedule your initial consultation! We look forward to helping you make the best-informed decision about your future treatments so you can reach your aesthetic goals.
