It’s time to go after those wrinkles. You’ve got your wrinkle-reducing options narrowed down to Dysport and Botox, but you can’t decide between the two.
The truth is that they are not that different, so it’s no wonder you are having trouble making the decision. You don’t have to make the decision alone. We’re here to help!
We’ll start by comparing Botox and Dysport while answering some frequently asked questions. Then, if you’re still unsure which way to go, we’ll be glad to answer any additional questions you have in person!
What Are Dysport and Botox Made From?
Dysport and Botox are similar in that they are derived from botulinum neurotoxins. When injected, these neurotoxins block muscle contractions.
Aren’t Neurotoxins Dangerous?
The word “toxin” does lead one to believe that something is dangerous. Dysport and Botox, however, have been approved as safe to use in small amounts.
Do I Have to Go to the Hospital to Get Treatment?
Nope. Botox and Dysport are both nonsurgical treatments performed in a doctor’s office.
What Kind of Downtime Are We Talking About?
None. These are convenient procedures that fall under the category of lunchtime treatments. They call them lunchtime treatments because there is no downtime — you could leave work at lunch, get the procedure, and go right back to work if you want to.
How Do They Work?
Both Botox and Dysport are injected into the muscles under the skin. The injection relaxes the muscle under the skin, which causes the skin to soothe out.
Are the Treatments Painful?
No. Neither treatment is painful. Both are considered to be painless, although some minor pain may be felt around the injection site immediately after the procedure.
What Do They Treat?
This is where the two treatments differ.
- Dysport injections are only approved to treat moderate or severe cases of Glabellar lines (lines between the eyebrows).
- Botox injections, however, are approved to not only treat Glabellar lines but forehead lines and crow’s feet as well.
Will My Wrinkles Go Away Forever?
No. Neither Botox or Dysport will erase wrinkles forever. You will need to return to get more injections 3-4 months after the initial treatment course to maintain the effects.
Are These Treatments Used for Anything Other Than as Wrinkle Reducers?
Both Dysport and Botox can also be used to treat spasms caused by neurological disorders and other medical conditions.
Do Dysport and Botox Work Differently on Different People?
Yes. Both treatments do contain a similar main active ingredient, but the number of trace proteins in each of them varies. For some reason, currently unknown to researchers, the variation of trace proteins can make one treatment more effective for some people than others.
How Quickly Will I See Results?
Here is another crucial difference between the two treatments.
- You will start seeing results after a couple of days with Dysport, but Botox results can take up to a week to appear.
- Depending on your goals, you may also need to get multiple injections of Botox, which can take up to one month.
How Long Will the Results Last?
Although the results of both treatments last a minimum of 3 months, Dysport may peter out at about four months, whereas Botox could last six months.
How Much Do Treatments Cost?
With both treatments, the cost depends on the area of skin you’re treating. You may need multiple injections. You will need to check to see if your doctor charges per injection or per course of treatment because different doctors charge differently.
Here is where the difference between Dispirit and Botox is pronounced. On average, you will pay $450 per Dysport session. Botox is more costly at $550 for each session.
Will Medical Insurance Cover the Cost of Treatment?
Medical insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures like Dysport and Botox.
What Side Effects Can I Expect?
Both treatments have minimal side effects.
- Dysport – You may experience:
- Botox – The side effects associated with Botox aren’t much different.
- Redness, swelling, bruising, slight pain, numbness, and headache are some of the common side effects that should resolve within a week of the procedure.
- A rare but severe side effect of Botox is paralysis.
Both treatments also carry a small risk of botulinum toxicity. Botulinum toxicity happens when the continents of the injection spread to another part of the body. If you see any of the following signs of botulinum toxicity, seek emergency medical treatment.
- Droopy eyelids
- Facial muscle weakness
- Muscle spasms
- Difficulty swallowing and eating
- Breathing difficulties
- Difficulty with speech
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dysport or Botox Treatments?
It’s best to talk with your doctor before getting treatments. By considering your medical history and looking at your skin, they will determine whether or not you would be the right candidate for surgery.
People who should avoid getting Dysport or Botox treatment include:
- Pregnant women
- Those with a history of botulinum toxin sensitivity
- People with a milk allergy
- People under the age of 18 or over 65
- Individuals who are taking medications that affect their muscles, like anticholinergics used for Parkinson’s disease.
How Do I Find a Dysport or Botox Provider?
It is essential to select the right provider to get the desired results. Your best option is to consult with a board-certified dermatologist who has experience administering neurotoxin injections.
During the consultation, you can ask questions. Your doctor will determine if you are the right candidate for treatment.
And they will help you decide the treatment that’s best for you. A reputable practice will have portfolios containing pictures of results from other patients that you can look through.
We Can Help
Your time is precious, but it’s essential to take the time to find the right provider. If you are ready to make an appointment for a consultation, give us a call.
We offer both treatments and will be happy to talk over your options with you. When you are ready, we will get you started on a course of treatment customized just for you.
At Neighborhood Wellness, we offer a whole-health approach – we want you to look better, feel better, and live better. For us, it’s more than just smooth skin – it’s about living your best life!