Dysport And Botox: What's The Difference?
Over the last 20 years, Botox has become a household name for beauty buffs everywhere. It dominated the wrinkle-fighting injection market for years and years - until 2009 when the FDA approved Dysport (previously known as Reloxin).
Both products share the same mission: to combat signs of aging that present in the form of crow's feet, frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and more. By gently relaxing active facial muscles, fine lines that fall under Botox and Dysport's spell begin to fade away.
So, what distinguishes one from the other? Read on to learn more about the differences between the two treatments, and make an informed decision when the time comes.
When Will I See Results?
Botox is known to have an onset period of between 4 to 7 days, whereas Dysport is faster-acting: 2 to 5 days is the norm. So if you have a last-minute work event or a wedding to attend, Dysport's accelerated timeline might work best for you.
This difference is due to Botox having larger molecules. Dysport's smaller molecule composition is said to provide the added bonus of reducing the formation of antibodies. These antibodies would begin to break down the formula on a long enough timeline, diminishing its effectiveness. Those who have built up a "tolerance” to Botox have the option to turn to Dysport for a fresh new solution.
How Long Does It Last?
While results have not been entirely conclusive so far, some suggest that Dysport has a shorter lifespan than Botox. Both treatments should be topped up every 3 to 6 months, depending on your specialist's recommendation.
Will I Experience Diffusion?
Diffusion, in this case, is defined by the treatment spreading to a wider area of the face (or body) vis-a-vis the injection site. Dysport is known to diffuse more than Botox, which can be a positive or negative outcome depending on your expectations.
Some people wish to target very specific areas during their treatment and nothing more, making diffusion an unwelcome side effect rather than a perk. For hyper-targeted procedures, Botox is more precise.
Others might see some product spreading as a bonus (especially when dealing with larger areas like the forehead): diffusion allows for the smooth lines and wrinkles in the surrounding area without the discomfort of extra injections.
How Concentrated Is Each Product?
Botox is more concentrated than Dysport. Given that Dysport is newer to the market, concern has been expressed about whether some clinicians are unaware of this fact, running the risk of administering an incorrect dosage. A 3:1 ratio is widely accepted as the norm, though some specialists use a slightly varied dose depending on the focus area.
In Short...
The Dysport vs Botox debate has been compared to the Coke vs Pepsi rivalry in that the differences between the two injectables are virtually imperceptible. The two products have even been used side-by-side during the same procedure, playing off each other's strengths and weaknesses.
