BOTOX vs. Dysport: Is There a Difference?

BOTOX® and Dysport® are two of the most popular brands of botulinum toxin injections and are both commonly offered at med spas and cosmetic surgery practices. Here at Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery, we do offer both BOTOX and Dysport to best meet the unique needs of each of our patients. Because of this, we are often asked, “What’s the difference between BOTOX and Dysport? Are they the same thing?”

In short, both BOTOX and Dysport contain the same active ingredient, botulinum toxin type A, but they are formulated slightly differently, giving each unique characteristics. Here, Dr. Koehler breaks down the similarities and differences between these two popular injectable wrinkle treatments and helps you decide which could be best for you.

How Do Botulinum Toxin Injections Work?

Botulinum toxin injections like BOTOX and Dysport work by targeting the muscles responsible for facial expressions. When injected into specific facial muscles, these products temporarily block the nerve signals that trigger muscle contractions. This effectively relaxes the treated muscles, leading to a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines. This effect does gradually wear off over time, so regular maintenance treatments are required to maintain results over time.

Additionally, botulinum toxin injections have been shown to help prevent lines and wrinkles by inhibiting dynamic expression lines that would otherwise become static, or permanent, lines on the skin over time.

BOTOX vs. Dysport: Similarities and Differences

BOTOX and Dysport are quite similar in that they share the same active ingredient and both work in the same way to smooth away facial lines and wrinkles. Additionally, BOTOX and Dysport both last an average of 4 months, although this can vary from person to person.

There are, however, several notable differences between the two products:

Formulation. BOTOX is known for its concentrated formulation, making it ideal for targeting specific areas with precision. On the other hand, Dysport has a slightly different formulation that is more diluted than BOTOX, allowing it to spread more easily. This characteristic makes Dysport suitable for broader areas or areas with thinner muscles.
Spreadability. As noted above, Dysport has a higher spreadability factor, meaning it can diffuse more widely from the injection site. This characteristic makes Dysport ideal for treating larger areas.
Onset of results. Generally speaking, Dysport tends to have a faster onset than BOTOX, with Dysport results typically developing within 1 to 3 days and BOTOX results typically developing within 3 to 5 days.

Which Injectable Is Right For You?

BOTOX and Dysport are both effective options when it comes to smoothing away facial lines and wrinkles. Dysport is most commonly used to treat the glabellar lines on the forehead and other areas where increased spreadability may be beneficial. BOTOX is commonly used to treat a number of areas, including forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, “11s lines” and others.

The best way to know which might be best for you is to talk with Dr. Koehler about your aesthetic goals and any specific questions you might have. If you have had BOTOX or Dysport in the past, it is possible to switch to a different brand in the future. Additionally, both BOTOX and Dysport can be combined with injectable fillers.

Ready to start planning your injectable treatment plan? Call our Fairhope office at 251-929-7850 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today!

Author: Dr. James Koehler

A board-certified cosmetic surgeon in Fairhope, AL, Dr. James Koehler earned his MD from the University of Alabama and completed several post-doctoral residencies, internships and fellowships. He returned to Alabama to be closer to family and serve patients in the local community with a full range of cosmetic surgery procedures for the face, breast and body.