Botox vs. Dysport: Which Neurotoxin is Right for You?
When it comes to neurotoxins, Botox® and Dysport® are two of the most popular brands that our patients have to choose from when they visit our Forest Lake, MN Medical Spa & Laser Center. Many people consider using one or the other when they want to achieve a more youthful appearance. The good news is that both neurotoxins will give you similar results in terms of reducing the appearance of existing wrinkles as well as preventing new ones from forming. However, there are some key differences between Botox and Dysport, which should be taken into consideration before you choose one or the other.
Aging certainly has some benefits. We often gain more respect, become more confident in ourselves, and we even get a bit wiser with every passing year – hopefully. One side effect of aging, though, which we can all agree is a downfall, are those pesky wrinkles. It's a good thing we've got injectables to smooth out those fine lines that time creates on our faces!
Why Do Wrinkles Form?
To understand how neurotoxins work, it’s important to understand how those wrinkles formed in the first place. Whether you're struggling with crow’s feet, laugh lines, bunny lines, or even forehead wrinkles, each area presents with wrinkles for two reasons: Diminishing collagen and elasticity, and repeated facial expressions.
As we age, our skin doesn't seem to bounce back as quickly as when we were dewy, starry-eyed pre-teens. You may have started noticing this issue when acne scarring and other marks from old blemishes started to take an eternity to go away. That's because your skin's elasticity diminishes when the body starts producing less collagen over time.
The same concept applies to the formation of wrinkles. Years and years of repeating the same bright smiles, awkward squints, and pouty frowns, and they eventually leave their permanent mark.
How Do Neurotoxins Work?
Now that you know the inevitable cause of wrinkles and fine lines, let's get to the good news. How do neurotoxins help get rid of them? When the neurotoxin formula is injected, it effectively blocks nerve signals that make the facial muscle contract and form a crease. This relaxes the facial expressions and ultimately smooths out existing creases while preventing new ones from forming. Both neurotoxins produce age-defying results that last about four months before repeated treatments are needed.
What’s the Difference Between Botox and Dysport?
The first thing you need to know about Botox and Dysport is that they are both equally effective, according to a recent study, and both are considered safe to use for cosmetic treatments. Botox was approved by the FDA back in 2001 to treat wrinkles, while Dysport earned its FDA approval more recently in 2009. Both neurotoxins have the same active ingredient, Botulinum toxin A and both arrive as a powder that is mixed with Normal Saline by the provider prior to the appointment to create the injectable liquid we are all familiar with. The differences lie in their molecular structure and how they diffuse into the body after treatment.
Dysport has a smaller molecular structure, leading to its ability to diffuse across a broader area, whereas Botox tends to be best suited for smaller areas like fine lines. Given its ability to diffuse well, Dysport results will appear rather quickly after treatment. On the other hand, Botox does not break down as quickly since its Molecules are more robust. While Botox works best in smaller areas, the results usually last longer.
Which Areas Can Be Treated with Botox vs. Dysport?
Placement is key when determining which neurotoxin is best for your beauty needs. Botox tends to work more efficiently than Dysport in smaller wrinkle areas, like the crow’s feet around the eyes and bunny lines around the bridge of the nose. On the other hand, Dysport injections are superior when it comes to confronting deeper wrinkles across a broader area, such as forehead wrinkles and lines between the eyebrows.
While Botox injections tend to last longer, they are not ideal to treat all areas of the face. Dysport offers fast-acting and natural-looking results, however, there are some areas of the face that may need the hardier results Botox can provide.
In summary, both toxins are superior in their own way. Make sure to discuss the benefits of both Botox and Dysport with your Injector prior to your appointment for optimal results!
What is the Cost Difference Between Botox and Dysport?
The cost for both Dysport and Botox is dependent on how many units are needed per session. Botox has a larger molecule size, meaning fewer units are typically used during treatment. Dysport has a smaller molecule size which allows it to dissipate across a broader area, however, this may mean that more units are needed per session. Dysport tends to cost slightly less than Botox, however, given that Dysport needs more injections per session, the two treatments are very similar in cost after all is said and done.
What’s The Best Neurotoxin for Me?
On one hand, you have Botox. While results take longer to kick in, they might be longer-lasting, plus, you will need fewer injections during your treatment. Then there is Dysport offering quick, natural results that patients love. Some will be more comfortable using Botox since it is a household name and has been around longer. Meanwhile, Dysport is the #1 injectable offered at Timeless Elements Med Spa & Laser Center and our clients absolutely love it. Personal opinion is important when making your decision, but a professional opinion will ultimately yield the best results for your beauty goals!
Timeless Elements Med Spa offers free consultations just for this purpose. We will take a look at your trouble spots and determine if Botox or Dysport is best suited for your needs. Our highly trained and experienced injectors will ensure you receive the best results and you can rest assured you will leave your appointment wearing your best skin!
How Can Timeless Elements Help Fight Your Wrinkles?
If you’re ready to jump into the age-defying results that both Botox and Dysport can provide, you’ve come to the right place! Timeless Elements not only offers both neurotoxin treatments, but all of our injections are performed by highly trained, certified, and licensed medical professionals.
Don’t wait any longer! Call us today for a free consultation: (651) 464-6444