The word Botox® has become a part of our everyday language in Southern California. With over 3 million procedures performed each year in the U.S. alone, this ever increasing application of the “wonder drug” enhances awareness of its inherent safety profile.

There is no question that Botox® has secured its place in every aesthetic provider’s medication fridge. However, in the past 10 years, Galderma’s Dysport® has given Allergan’s Botox® a run for its money in the battle against wrinkles.

So you may be wondering…what’s the difference? Which one is right for me? Here are 6 things you should know about Botox® and Dysport®:

1. They have similar mechanisms of action: neuromusculares.

Neuromusculares are blocking agents derived from the active ingredient botulinum toxin type A. “This means that Botulinum toxin induces weakness of striated muscles by inhibiting transmission of alpha motor neurons at the neuromuscular junction,” according to P K Nigam and Anjana Nigam.

2. Dysport® has less of a protein load than Botox®.

Clinically, this means that Dysport® will result in the formation of fewer antibodies against it. Antibodies are what our bodies use to detect and destroy foreign proteins (aka the injected medications). Hence, the assumption is that with fewer antibodies being formed, the clinical effects of Dysport® should last longer than those of Botox®.

That being said, other clinical trials indicate that Botox® has longer lasting results. Each individual may have their own individualized response.

3. In clinical studies, authors noted that Dysport® may “spread more” during treatment.

This is both a good and a bad thing.

It is good for the large areas (forehead, armpits) because fewer injections would be required, due to the spreading. This would also mean less discomfort, swelling or bruising.

It is bad if you do not have an experienced injector with a proper understanding of more complex musculature (around the eyes, between the eyebrows), because Dysport® could potentially spread into unwanted areas, causing untoward side effects (blurry vision, droopy eyebrows).

4. Dysport® is diluted more than Botox®.

This may cause some confusion for clinicians not adept at determining how many units to inject in each anatomical area. However, this dilution has resulted in more cost effectiveness. While 50 units of Botox® costs $500, 125 units of Dysport® costs $450.

5. Botox® has been on the U.S market longer than Dysport®.

This is both a good and a bad thing.
Botox® has been on the U.S market for 17 years, is approved in 75 countries, and has over 30 years of therapeutic experience.

Dysport®, on the other hand, has been on the U.S. market for aesthetic use for 10 years, is approved in 69 countries, and has over 25 years of therapeutic and aesthetic clinical experience.

6. Currently, no significant “red flags” have been raised about the safety of either Dysport® or Botox®.

Of specific concern, allergies and infections have not been seen to a clinically significant degree. As always, competition is a good and healthy thing. Having more alternatives to Botox® should spur on pricing competition that will benefit patients and providers alike.

So, that means…you get great results, whichever product you choose!

Some patients prefer one product over the other, but if you’re still not sure whether to choose Botox® or Dysport®, come see us for a consultation:

Our aesthetic injector will listen to your concerns, evaluate your facial characteristics and health history.

Sources:
https://enlivenaesthetics.com/
https://www.botoxcosmetic.com/what-is-botox-cosmetic/about-botox-cosmetic-treatment
https://www.dysportusa.com/what-is-dysport#:~:text=Dysport%C2%AE%20(abobotulinumtoxinA)%20is%20a,than%2065%20years%20of%20age
https://www.healthline.com/health/dysport-botox
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2856357/