Which is Stronger: Botox or Dysport?

Learn about the differences between Botox and Dysport, two injectable treatments used for reducing wrinkles and lines on the face.

Which is Stronger: Botox or Dysport?

The biggest difference between Botox and Dysport lies in their formulations.

Dysport

is much more diluted and spreads quickly, making it ideal for larger surface areas such as the forehead. On the other hand, Botox is much more powerful, making it perfect for small areas and wrinkles like crow's feet. In general, both Dysport and Botox can be effective treatments.

It's all about what makes you feel good about your appearance. Dysport is the brand name for AbobotulinumToxin (ABO), a type of botulinum toxin type A. Some people feel that they experience a less “frozen” aesthetic with Dysport due to its FDA-approved ability to treat facial wrinkles and therapeutic uses such as limb spasticity. Since the composition of Dysport includes specific proteins along with botulinum toxin A, it can spread even more on the face, giving a softer appearance in specific areas.

On the other hand, Botox is made of a larger protein complex, making it more precise and spreading less. Both are most effective when used on dynamic lines, those that appear when you frown or raise your eyebrows. Botox and Dysport injections can eliminate wrinkles between the eyes and the face; they also share the ability to treat spasticity (muscle stiffness). Dysport is thought to have a slightly faster start time than Botox (around two to three days compared to three to five).

Botox is manufactured by Allergan, which also manufactures Juvéderm dermal fillers such as Juvéderm Ultra Plus and Juvéderm Voluma. Since Dysport and Botox are injectable treatments and their composition is similar, they have similar side effects. Both are types of neurotoxin that block muscle contractions and relax muscles underneath the skin. However, the Botox and Dysport formula is slightly different depending on the type of protein that binds to the botulinum toxin A molecule.

For bags or wrinkles, Botox under the eyes may be a good alternative to more invasive plastic surgery. Both Dysport and Botox are considered non-surgical forms of wrinkle treatment that have fast recovery rates. They work by affecting the transmission of signals from the nerve to the muscle. Individual cases vary, but Botox tends to last three to four months, and some see an effect of up to six months or more.

What differentiates Botox from other neuromodulators? It's formulated with unique protective proteins according to Kennedy. The FDA approves Botox for treating crow's feet, fine lines and other types of wrinkles on the face or forehead due to aging, while Dysport is only approved for glabellar lines.

Penelope Mataalii
Penelope Mataalii

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