Dysport vs. Botox: A Detailed Comparison

Botox and Dysport are the two most common neurotoxins used in med spas and clinics around the country for erasing wrinkles and fine lines. Botox injections are more well known.

But what is Dysport? How similar are they and can they be used interchangeably?

We’ll explore the differences and similarities between Botox and Dysport treatment in this post.

What Is Dysport?

Dysport is a neurotoxin derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum used as an injection to treat wrinkles. The FDA approved the injectable to treat glabellar lines (vertical lines between the eyebrows).

What Is Botox?

Like Dysport, Botox is a botulinum toxin injection used for reducing the appearance of wrinkles on the face. The FDA approved it to treat glabellar lines (vertical lines between the eyebrows), wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet), and lines on the forehead.

Dysport vs. Botox: What Are the Differences?

Botox and Dysport have the same cosmetic purpose – to freeze facial muscles and prevent wrinkle formation. The following information shows how these two injectables differ, helping you choose the right treatment for your aesthetic goals.

Dysport vs. Botox Treatable Areas

Dysport is currently approved for one treatment area, while there are three Botox areas that are FDA approved.

Dysport

Glabellar lines

Botox

Glabellar lines
Crow’s feet
Forehead lines

Both products also treat other areas in off-label procedures, when the medical provider determines they can benefit the patient. Those areas include:

Chin wrinkles
Bunny lines
Eyebrows
Lines around the mouth
Neck wrinkles

Note: Read our article and find out what you need to know about Botox brow lift and neck Botox.

Dysport vs. Botox Procedure

Botox and Dysport injectables work the same way. The medical practitioner disinfects the treatment area, applies a topical anesthetic, and injects the neurotoxin, inhibiting the underlying muscles’ ability to contract and cause wrinkles. The skin that covers the muscles relaxes, leading to a smooth, wrinkle-free complexion.

The injection takes only a few minutes. The whole procedure may last about half an hour, depending on how long it takes the anesthetic to take effect.

No recovery time is needed after a Botox or Dysport treatment. The patients can immediately continue with their daily activities.

Dysport vs. Botox Results

Dysport and Botox visibly reduce or eliminate the appearance of wrinkles in the treated area, resulting in smooth and even skin.

Dysport

The first results appear three days after the injection and last up to six months. The number of Dysport units a patient needs depends on how much wrinkle reduction the patient wants.

Note: If you want to find out more on how long does it take for dysport to work, read our blog post and find out.

Botox

The first results usually appear one or two weeks after the Botox procedure and last up to six months. The number of Botox units a patient needs depends on the area being treated and the patient’s desired look.

Note: Are you worried about getting too much Botox? Read our article and find out the effects of it.

Dysport vs. Botox Side Effects

Botox and Dysport are safe when performed by licensed and experienced medical practitioners. However, some patients experience side effects that usually resolve quickly, without the need for medical help.

Dysport

Most Dysport patients don’t experience any side effects. Potential symptoms are mild and include bruising, redness, and pain at the injection site.

Extremely rare and more severe side effects include:

Headaches
Drooping eyelids
Nausea
Muscle weakness
Loss of bladder control
Breathing problems
Vision problems
Bleeding (if the practitioner injects too deep and hits a blood vessel)

Botox

Bruising after Botox is the most common side effect, but it doesn’t affect all patients. Sometimes, a patient can suffer from a headache after the treatment. A headache usually resolves in 24-48 hours. A very small percentage of patients experience droopy eyelid after Botox. This issue gradually goes away in about three weeks.

Some patients suffer from:

Tenderness, soreness, pain, or skin reactions in the injection area
Nose and throat irritation
Upper respiratory system infection
Sinus inflammation
Nausea

In extremely rare instances, patients may experience severe side effects, such as:

Difficulty in swallowing, speaking, and breathing
Flu-like illness
Blurred vision
Dry mouth
Bleeding (if the practitioner injects too deep and hits a blood vessel)
Fatigue
Rashes

Note: Check out our article to find out more details on Botox side effects.

Dysport vs. Botox Aftercare

To ensure safe and effective results, medical providers recommend patients apply these aftercare tips after both Dysport and Botox treatments:

Avoid exercise for 24 hours.
Avoid high heat and direct exposure to sunlight.
Don’t apply pressure to the treated area for 24 hours.
Avoid lying or bending down for four hours.
Use prescription medication according to your medical provider’s instructions.
Use Tylenol if you experience pain in the injection site.
Avoid other facial treatments for two weeks.

Note: If you want to learn more about Botox aftercare, find out 12 helpful tips in our article.

Dysport vs. Botox: Who Should Avoid the Treatments?

Botox and Dysport injectables are safe for most healthy adults with moderate to severe dynamic facial wrinkles.

However, people with the following conditions should avoid the treatments:

Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Allergies to botulinum toxin
Muscle or nerve disorders
Skin infections
Scars
Heart issues
Bleeding issues
Recent surgery

Dysport vs. Botox Cost

Vibrant Skin Bar offers Botox and Dysport treatments to interested patients. Consult our friendly medical professionals to find out how many units you need.

Dysport

One Dysport unit costs $4.50. The total cost depends on the number of units required.

Botox

One Botox unit costs $13.50. The price of a Botox treatment depends on the number of units required.

Is Botox or Dysport Better?

Botox and Dysport use the same type of neurotoxin to reduce visible lines on the face. Their procedures and effects are very similar.

If you want to reduce lines on the forehead or around the eyes, choose Botox because it is FDA approved for those areas.

If you want to minimize frown wrinkles between the eyebrows, you may choose between both Botox and Dysport.

The decision of which neurotoxin injection to use may come down to your provider’s recommendation. Please note you should never have both products injected in an area at the same time or during the same treatment. Also note that some Botox patients don’t react to this cosmetic treatment, so they can try Dysport during the following session. The same is true for Dysport patients, who may have better results with Botox injections.

Conclusion

Both Botox and Dysport are popular injectables for reducing wrinkles. The right product for you will depend on which areas you want to treat, your previous injection history, your body’s ability to utilize the medication, and how quickly you want to see results. In most cases, either Dysport or Botox can be used. In the right hands, the outcome will be the same.

To check out our clients’ results, feel free to browse through our Before and After Gallery!

Contact our staff and book your treatment today!

Next, learn about the differences between Dysport and Xeomin.

Dysport Vs. Restylane: Which One Is Better?

Many people have heard about Botox as an anti-aging procedure, but there is a whole range of lesser-known but equally effective rejuvenation cosmetic treatments available.

This article outlines the main characteristics of two amazing beauty treatments, Dysport and Restylane, and helps you decide which is more suitable for your skin goals.

Dysport Overview

Dysport is a neurotoxin injectable similar to Botox. Its main ingredient is the Botulinum toxin derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. Other Dysport ingredients include the protein albumin and lactose. The contents are diluted with saline prior to injection.

Once injected into the target muscle, Dysport blocks the nerves from the brain that regulate muscle contraction. This process smooths overlying skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Dysport is FDA-approved for glabellar lines – wrinkles between the eyebrows. Skin professionals also use it off-label to treat crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, and for jaw slimming.

Note: Learn how Dysport differs from Botox.

Restylane Overview

Restylane is among the safest and most popular dermal fillers. Its main ingredient is hyaluronic acid derived from Streptococcus bacteria. Restylane products also contain lidocaine to reduce potential pain and discomfort. The contents of the filler are diluted with saline prior to injection.

Hyaluronic acid attracts and binds moisture, producing a lifting effect. Once injected into the target area, Restylane fillers plump up hollow facial areas, volumize the skin, and smooth fine lines, wrinkles, and folds.

The Restylane brand includes a series of products, each of which is FDA-approved for different skin concerns.

Note: Read our article on Restylane types to find more details about each Restylane product.

Restylane Vs. Dysport

Restylane and Dysport differ in many aspects, including the areas they treat and the duration of their results. The following table sums up the main differences between these anti-aging treatments.

	Restylane	Dysport
What is it?	Hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler injectable	Botulinum toxin type A injectable
Benefits	Helps retain moistureBuilds collagenVolumizes the skinCorrects facial volume lossReduces the appearance of wrinkles and foldsRejuvenates the skinProvides natural-looking results	Paralyzes muscles that cause wrinkle formationReduces the appearance of existing wrinklesSmooths the skinProvides natural-looking results
Treatment areas	Cheeks, jawline, nasolabial folds, lips, chin, back of the hands	Glabellar lines
Results duration	Up to 18 months	Up to six months
Side Effects	Common: Redness, swelling, bruising, lumps. Rare: Infection, scarring, allergies, blurred vision, stroke.	Common: Swelling, redness, pain. Rare: Nausea, blurred vision, breathing problems, muscle weakness.
Cost	$625 – $749	$270 – $810 ($4.5 per unit)

The Benefits

Restylane has a series of products for different skin concerns. They help:

Augment the cheeks
Volumize the lips
Lift the midface area
Reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds
Reduce perioral lines
Define the jawline
Volumize the back of the hands

Dysport provides the following benefits in FDA-approved and off-label procedures:

Minimizes glabellar lines
Reduces forehead wrinkles
Reduces crow’s feet
Sculpts the jaw by paralyzing masseter muscles
Reduces the appearance of prominent neck bands
Provides a sensual pout in a procedure called the lip flip

What Areas Can Be Treated?

Restylane products are FDA-approved to correct, plump up, and smooth the following areas:

Cheeks
Chin
Marionette lines
Lips
Nasolabial folds
Perioral lines
Back of the hands

Dysport is FDA-approved to treat glabellar lines. Its off label uses include the treatment of these regions:

Forehead
Eyes (crow’s feet)
Jawline
Neck

The Results

Restylane results appear immediately after a session. They can last up to 18 months.

Dysport results are visible a few days after the injection. They can last up to six months.

Both products require maintenance treatments to prolong the desired appearance.

Side Effects

Skin experts highly regard Restylane for its safety profile. Once injected into the skin, the patient’s body recognizes and accepts Restylane products because hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar compound.

However, the treatment can still cause side effects. They are usually mild and last about two weeks. They include:

Swelling
Bruising
Redness
Pain
Lumps
Tenderness

Rare and severe side effects include:

Infection
Scarring
Blurred vision
Allergic reaction
Stroke

In most cases, Dysport patients don’t experience any side effects, or they experience mild swelling, redness, and pain.

Rare and severe side effects include:

Nausea
Vision issues
Breathing problems
Muscle weakness

Cost

The total cost of neurotoxin injectables or dermal fillers depends on the patient’s goals and the medical provider’s expertise.

At Vibrant Skin Bar, Restylane products cost $625 – $749 per syringe.

One Dysport unit costs $4.50, so one treatment usually ranges between $270 and $810.

Can Dysport and Restylane Be Used Together?

Many patients want to address more than one skin concern. That is why cosmetic professionals combine Dysport and Restylane in their treatments. For example, the two products can be used together to define and slim the jawline or volumize the lips and create an attractive pout.

If you choose an experienced medical provider for your Dysport and Restylane session, they will know which products can best achieve your aesthetic goals.

Conclusion

Neurotoxin injectables and dermal fillers are among the most popular cosmetic treatments because they provide dramatic anti-aging effects without surgery.

Consider a Dysport and Restylane treatment if you want to get rid of wrinkles and lift sagging skin. Always ensure you consult an experienced cosmetic professional, as they will help you determine the best strategy for your beauty goals.

Dysport Treatment: What Is It and What to Expect

The realization we’re aging dawns on most people in our late 20s or early 30s, when we notice our first wrinkles. These are called dynamic wrinkles, and they form in the upper facial area due to the activity of muscles that make us squint, frown, smile, or raise our eyebrows in surprise.

Fortunately, there are several solutions available for dynamic wrinkles. The most effective is a cosmetic treatment that involves injecting a neurotoxin into the muscles responsible for creating wrinkles. The most popular neurotoxin injectables include Botox, Xeomin, Jeuveau, and Dysport.

This article explains what Dysport is, how it helps smooth out dynamic wrinkles, and how long you can enjoy the rejuvenating effects of the treatment.

What Is Dysport?

Dysport is a neurotoxin injectable that contains the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, the source of the neurotoxin also used in the widely known Botox injectables.

Dysport is typically used for moderate to severe wrinkles. When injected into the target muscle, Dysport smooths out the overlying skin, reduces or eliminates wrinkles in that area, and gives the patient a more refreshed, younger appearance.

Note: Learn about the differences between Dysport and Xeomin.

How Does It Work?

The botulinum toxin in Dysport blocks nerve signals going from the brain to the target muscle, telling it to contract. The effects of Dysport are temporary and last up to six months. During that time, the muscle in the treated area is relaxed, and the overlying skin appears visibly smoother.

What Areas Can Be Treated?

FDA-Approved: Glabellar (Frown) Lines

Dysport is primarily used to treat glabellar lines – the vertical lines above the nose and between the eyebrows that contribute to a frowned or worried look. The FDA approved Dysport as a cosmetic treatment for glabellar lines in 2009.

Off-Label Use: Crow’s Feet and Forehead Wrinkles

Many cosmetic practitioners also use Dysport as an off-label treatment for crow’s feet (lines in the corners of the eyes) and forehead wrinkles (parallel lines across the forehead).

Who Is a Good Candidate for The Treatment?

Most healthy adults with moderate to severe dynamic wrinkles can benefit from a Dysport treatment.

Avoid the treatment if you are pregnant, nursing, or have any of the following conditions:

Allergies to any of Dysport’s components
Muscle or nerve disorders (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
Weak facial muscles
Skin infection
Scars
Heart problems
Bleeding issues

Tell your doctor if you’ve had surgery or another botulinum toxin treatment in the previous four months and if you are taking any medications or supplements.

How to Prepare for The Treatment

Your chosen medical provider will explain how to prepare for the treatment during your consultation. The preparation involves discontinuing your current medical therapy and supplements, including:

Blood-thinning medication
Sleep medication
Muscle relaxants
Allergy medication
Cold medication
NSAIDs
Fish oil
Vitamin E
Ginkgo Biloba

It is also advisable to avoid drinking alcohol a few days before the treatment.

The Procedure

Your chosen medical provider first disinfects your skin in the treatment area with rubbing alcohol and applies a topical anesthetic if you have a low tolerance to pain. The medical provider then injects the required number of Dysport units into the target muscle and applies a cold compress to minimize the chance of redness and swelling.

The injection process takes several minutes, and the whole treatment, including preparation and waiting for the numbing cream to take effect, lasts about half an hour.

The Results

The skin is visibly smoother two or three days after the Dysport treatment, and it takes about one week for the full results to kick in.

Dysport effects last up to six months.

Note: For more information about the results, read our article and find out how long does it take for Dysport to work.

Risks and Side Effects

The FDA approved Dysport as a safe cosmetic treatment for glabellar lines. However, it’s important to undergo the procedure at a reputable institution, with a licensed and experienced medical provider. That way the chances of unwanted side effects are reduced.

Typical side effects are mild and include:

Headache
Pain around the injection site
Redness
Swelling

Dysport manufacturers also warn of rare but more severe side effects that may happen if Dysport spreads to unwanted areas. The side effects include:

Swallowing and breathing problems
Muscle weakness
Double or blurred vision
Drooping eyelids
Loss of bladder control
Nausea

Dysport Treatment Aftercare

To minimize risks and ensure the best results after a Dysport treatment, follow these aftercare tips:

Don’t exercise for 24 hours
Avoid direct sources of heat and light
Don’t rub the treated area for 24 hours
Don’t lie or bend down for four hours
Avoid facial cosmetic treatments for two weeks
Avoid certain medication, as instructed by your medical provider

Cost

At Vibrant Skin Bar, one unit of Dysport costs $4.50. The number of units required for the procedure depends on the location and severity of the wrinkles. This is what determines the total price. A typical Dysport treatment usually costs between $270 and $810.

Conclusion

It is certainly comforting to know we have safe, effective treatments for those undesirable signs of aging. If you have moderate to severe dynamic wrinkles that make you look older, tired, or grumpy, consider Dysport. Most people are happy with its smoothing effects and the quick onset of results. Make sure you book your treatment with a trusted medical provider to ensure you get the best advice and service for your cosmetic concern.

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How Long Does It Take for Dysport to Work?

Dysport is a neurotoxin injection, very similar to Botox. It is an FDA-approved, anti-wrinkle cosmetic treatment for glabellar (frown) lines.

When injected between the eyebrows, Dysport relaxes the underlying muscle and effectively smooths the frown. It is also a common medical solution for issues caused by hyperactive muscles.

How Fast Does Dysport Work?

Dysport has an advantage over Botox in terms of how fast it works. Most patients see the effects of Dysport within three days of the injection, and the injected muscle is fully relaxed within one week.

How Many Treatments Does It Take?

The number of Dysport treatments depends on the patient’s needs.

Most patients are happy with the results after one treatment and require maintenance sessions every 3 to 6 months.

Patients with very deep glabellar lines often aren’t entirely happy with the results after their first Dysport session. They typically experience the desired effects after additional treatment(s) and several weeks after the initial injection.

How Long Do the Results Last?

The effects of Dysport typically last three to six months, after which the neurotoxin wears off and the injected muscle becomes active again. The longevity of the results after a Dysport injection largely depends on the patient’s lifestyle habits. Smoking, exposure to UV rays, and expressive facial features will speed up Dysport’s deterioration.

How to Speed Up the Effects of Dysport?

Patients who need to look their best for an important event that is in less than three days from their treatment can employ a few tricks to speed the effects of Dysport.

Exercise the Treated Muscles

To help Dysport settle in the injected area and provide a wrinkle-free, relaxed look, move the eyebrows up and down in three sessions of 40 movements each, spaced ten minutes apart. The movement will speed up the effects of Dysport and provide results in a day or two.

However, note that increased use of the treated muscle in the weeks and months following the treatment will also speed up the degradation of the neurotoxin.

Massage the Treated Muscle Area

Dysport providers usually warn their patients not to apply pressure to the treated area for 24 hours to avoid spreading the neurotoxin to nearby areas. However, a very light massage may help distribute the product evenly into the target muscle and speed up the effects of Dysport.

Gently massage the area between your eyebrows for five minutes and repeat the process several times the first day or two until you notice the skin-tightening effect of your treatment.

Conclusion

Dysport is not as widely known as Botox, but it is currently the best cosmetic solution for glabellar lines. It takes less time to notice the effects of Dysport, and they typically last longer than Botox. Read our article Dysport vs. Botox if you want to find out more about their differences and similarities.

Make sure to schedule a session with an experienced, reputable medical provider for your safety and the best cosmetic results.

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