Written by: Brielle Kirk, PA-C
Difference between Neuromodulators: Botox vs Dysport
I’m sure you have all heard about Dysport, but what exactly is the difference between Dysport and Botox? Read below to find out!
First, let’s discuss Botox. Botox (OnabotulinumtoxinA) is the leading neuromodulator in the beauty industry and has been around the longest, since 2002 and sold by Allergan. It is made from Botulinum Toxin Type A, which is derived from the bacterium clostridium botulinum. This is what also causes Botulism (yikes!). The protein complex surrounding the toxin is large, 750 KD to be exact. This product works on nerves to block transmission of acetylcholine, which leads to muscle paralysis. One can usually see Botox start working in 3-7 days and should take full effect by 2 weeks. This is why we encourage 2 week follow ups for our patients if they need to address an issue! Botox typically lasts 3-4 months, although some people can metabolize it quicker.
Now, let’s get into Dysport (AbobotulinumtoxinA), which was released by Galderma in 2009. Like Botox, it is made from the same toxin and paralyzes the muscle in the same manner as described above; however, the proteins surrounding this toxin are of different size. They are considered medium sized in nature, using a combination of 500 KDs and 300 KDs. Dysport is supposed to have a faster onset than Botox. One should notice it taking effect after 2-3 days, with full effect by 5-7 days. Dysport claims that results should last around 5 months, although studies have shown that it lasts around the same length of time as Botox (3-4 months). Also, keep in mind that 1 unit of Botox is equivalent to ~3 units of Dysport. So, if one switches from Botox to Dysport and it seems like he or she received much more units after treatment with Dysport, it is because of this reason! Dysport is also slightly less expensive than Botox.
Here at L-Aesthetics & Longevity, we mainly use Botox. The providers here have not noticed a huge difference between the products enough to recommend Dysport over Botox, and Botox is by far the most popular, oldest, and most studied. However, if you personally feel that you respond better to Dysport or if you have not been responding well to Botox, please state that you would prefer Dysport to Botox when you call to schedule your appointment. Also, please schedule 1-2 weeks in advance so we have time to order and receive it!
First, let’s discuss Botox. Botox (OnabotulinumtoxinA) is the leading neuromodulator in the beauty industry and has been around the longest, since 2002 and sold by Allergan. It is made from Botulinum Toxin Type A, which is derived from the bacterium clostridium botulinum. This is what also causes Botulism (yikes!). The protein complex surrounding the toxin is large, 750 KD to be exact. This product works on nerves to block transmission of acetylcholine, which leads to muscle paralysis. One can usually see Botox start working in 3-7 days and should take full effect by 2 weeks. This is why we encourage 2 week follow ups for our patients if they need to address an issue! Botox typically lasts 3-4 months, although some people can metabolize it quicker.
Now, let’s get into Dysport (AbobotulinumtoxinA), which was released by Galderma in 2009. Like Botox, it is made from the same toxin and paralyzes the muscle in the same manner as described above; however, the proteins surrounding this toxin are of different size. They are considered medium sized in nature, using a combination of 500 KDs and 300 KDs. Dysport is supposed to have a faster onset than Botox. One should notice it taking effect after 2-3 days, with full effect by 5-7 days. Dysport claims that results should last around 5 months, although studies have shown that it lasts around the same length of time as Botox (3-4 months). Also, keep in mind that 1 unit of Botox is equivalent to ~3 units of Dysport. So, if one switches from Botox to Dysport and it seems like he or she received much more units after treatment with Dysport, it is because of this reason! Dysport is also slightly less expensive than Botox.
Here at L-Aesthetics & Longevity, we mainly use Botox. The providers here have not noticed a huge difference between the products enough to recommend Dysport over Botox, and Botox is by far the most popular, oldest, and most studied. However, if you personally feel that you respond better to Dysport or if you have not been responding well to Botox, please state that you would prefer Dysport to Botox when you call to schedule your appointment. Also, please schedule 1-2 weeks in advance so we have time to order and receive it!