The good news is that both Botox and Dysport are totally safe and approved by the FDA to treat wrinkles. That said, any medical treatment comes with the risk of unwanted side effects. In the debate between Botox and Dysport, it's difficult to compare the two injectables. Both are effective at reducing moderate to severe wrinkles and fine lines.
Botox and Dysport are prescription injectables that come from botulinum toxin. They can reduce the appearance of aging skin, such as wrinkles and fine lines. Botox treatment lasts longer, but is more expensive. Botox, like Dysport, is a type of neurotoxin that blocks muscle contractions and relaxes muscles underneath the skin.
When deciding between Botox or Dysport, consider what areas of your face you want to treat and the severity of existing wrinkles. People with neuromuscular disorders, allergies to the ingredients in Botox or Dysport, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using these injections. Botox and Dysport are most effective when used on dynamic lines, those that appear when you frown or raise your eyebrows, for example. The effects of both last about four months, but the effects of Dysport tend to appear faster than Botox by about two days compared to the weekly Botox schedule.
Both Botox and Dysport are sometimes used to treat muscle spasms, sweat gland disorders, migraines, or TMJ. They belong to neuromodulators and each has the advantage of keeping wrinkles at bay for months at a time. However, the Botox and Dysport formula is slightly different depending on the type of protein that binds to the botulinum toxin A molecule. A dermatologist will act cautiously and make sure to complete treatments with Botox or Dysport first.
Both address fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing muscle tissue to the point of preventing the muscle from contracting. In the end, the choice between Botox and Dysport can come down to the simple preference of both the injector and the patient. Shortly after the launch of Botox, Dysport was considered its European counterpart, with a presence in more than 60 countries around the world. A study showed a notable difference in wrinkles after 30 days, as Dysport's side had fewer wrinkles when the subjects smiled.
