If you are considering investing in neuromodulators, there are many options available. Two of the most popular are Dysport and Botox. Each of these products can be beneficial for the right patient when used by an experienced injector. However, if you don’t have all of the information that you need, it can be confusing to know which product may be better for you.
At Revive Wellness Group, we offer both Botox and Dysport injections as well as other cosmetic treatments. We can help you understand the difference between the two products so you have a better idea of which may be recommended for you.
What Is a Neuromodulator?Â
In aesthetics, a neuromodulator is a messenger that can interrupt a transmission that is sent between a nerve and a muscle. Usually, when something makes you laugh or frown, nerves tell your muscles to move. When these muscles move, they can cause the skin on your face to fold. When people are young, their skin can go back to being smooth after making a facial expression.
However, once the skin folds enough times in the same location, the lines in the skin can begin to be more permanent. Eventually, deep lines and wrinkles can form. The most common areas for these wrinkles to appear are the forehead, at the corners of the eyes, in between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), and on the nose (bunny lines).
Neuromodulators seek to alter the way the muscles in the face move so that these lines are no longer created when you make facial expressions. After being injected into a muscle, neuromodulators will begin to disrupt signals and cause these muscles to relax. Once the muscle stops contracting, the lines on the face can begin to relax.
Neuromodulators are not a permanent solution. Once they are injected, the toxin will be able to work for several months before the effects wear off. However, it is considered safe to have regular treatments of these products. Treatment recommendations will vary depending on which product you choose.
Are Botox and Dysport the Same Product?Â
Botox and Dysport both have the same active ingredient (botulinum toxin A) and both work to relax muscles in the face. However, they are not the same product and are not interchangeable. The formulations of the two products are different so they may be indicated for different uses.
Dysport vs Botox
How Potent Is Each Product?
Botox has a much more potent formulation than Dysport. To be precise, it is approximately 3 times more potent than Dysport. This means that each product can be used to treat different areas and different concerns. Dysport also contains much smaller particles. Because of this different formulation, Dysport tends to spread out more through the treatment area than Botox. This can make Dysport injections more beneficial in larger areas. Botox, with its more potent formulation, may be better for smaller areas that need a more precise treatment.
What Areas Can Be Treated?
Botox is FDA-approved for treating three separate areas. Approved uses include glabellar lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. These areas can be treated at the same time using Botox. Botox treatments are generally thought to be the better option for targeted areas such as crow’s feet and lip lines since Botox does not spread as far as Botox.
Dysport is FDA-approved for use on moderate to severe frown lines. It can also be effective for treating forehead lines or for achieving a more subtle look. While many of these areas are FDA approved, both products can be used off-label to treat other lines and wrinkles. You should always choose a reputable injector and speak to your doctor before seeking treatments.
How Fast Do Results Take?
Because of its smaller particles and less potent formulation, most people find that Dysport works faster than Botox. Initial results can begin to be seen with Dysport in around 24 hours. If you have Botox injections, you may have to wait up to 3 days to begin seeing results.
How Long Do Results Last?Â
Patients who receive Botox injections can typically expect their results to last between 3 and 4 months. After this time, the areas may need to be reinjected. After regular injections, some people find that they can go as long as six months before needing repeat treatments.
Dysport can last up to 5 months before additional treatments are needed. Two to three treatments per year are often sufficient to maintain the results.
How Much Do Treatments Cost?
Botox costs more per unit than Dysport. However, since more units of Dysport are typically needed to treat the same area because of its formulation, treatments often end up being fairly comparable. If affordability is important to you, Dysport may still have the overall cheaper price tag depending on your treatment area and how many units of product are needed.
Which Product Is Right For You?Â
When deciding which product is right for you, the first step is always to schedule a consultation. At Revive Wellness Group, we specialize in helping our patients find the products and treatments that are right for each patient. When you come into our clinic, we will talk to you about your concerns and have you make a variety of facial expressions to see how your muscles behave underneath the skin. Then we will recommend which product is best for you. If you are interested in learning more about our cosmetic injectables such as Botox and Dysport, we would love to hear from you. Contact us by phone or by filling out an online form.