Apart from medical uses, Botox and Dysport are both widely considered non-surgical treatments (injectable treatments) for temporarily reducing wrinkles and cosmetically improving facial appearance. As there are some similarities between the two treatments, concurrently, they both share a wide range of differences with each other. Read on to learn in detail about Botox and Dysport. 

What is Dysport?

Dysport is a type of neurotoxin that block muscle contraction. Dysport is an injectable treatment that contains botulinum toxin type A as its active ingredient. It is used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and fine lines, particularly on the forehead, around the eyes (crow’s feet), and between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) which in turn smooths the overlying skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

Procedure

Dysport procedure typically involves the following steps:

Consultation

The first step you should take is consultation with a qualified medical professional. Consultation is essential before the treatment as you will have to discuss your medical history, expectations, and desired outcomes.

Preparation

On your treatment day, after arriving at the clinic, your healthcare provider will clean the treatment area. 

Anesthesia

To make you feel comfortable during the treatment, your doctor will apply topical anesthesia to the target area. 

Injection

After that, he will inject Dysport into the treatment area. The procedure usually takes 10-20 minutes. The time period depends on the number of injections required for the treatment. 

Aftercare

Like Botox, you can typically resume your normal activities immediately after the treatment. However, it would be helpful if you avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area for at least 24 hours.

Benefits

The benefits include:

  • Dysport is a non-invasive treatment for temporarily reducing wrinkles.
  • The treatment is quick and convenient, and there is minimal downtime.
  • The effects of Dysport typically last 3-5 months, allowing patients to decide whether to continue with the treatment or not.
  • For customized results, Dysport can be very effective as it is administered precisely to specific areas of the face.

Dysport Features

  • The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is reduced.
  • Dysport blocks nerve signals to the muscles, resulting in temporary muscle relaxation.
  • The results of the session can be seen as soon as after two days.
  • The results of the injections can last up to four months.
  • It may look more natural than other types of injections.
  • The injection can be used to treat excessive sweating in the armpits.
  • Dysport injections can also be used to reduce the appearance of neck bands.

Risks and Side Effects

Dysport is overall considered a safe treatment, however, minor side effects include:

  • Minor pain or swelling at the injection site
  • Headache 
  • Temporary drooping eyelids
  • Temporary facial weakness
  • Rash or irritation in the treated area
  • Uneven results
  • Allergic reaction (in rare cases)
  • Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing (in rare cases)

What is Botox?

Botox is a popular cosmetic treatment for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face.  Botox injections are primarily used to treat dynamic wrinkles, which are formed due to repeated muscle contractions during facial expressions such as frowning, smiling, or squinting. It works by temporarily paralyzing the underlying muscles, which in turn smooths the overlying skin.

Procedure

Consultation

Before the procedure, a consultation with a qualified medical professional is necessary to discuss the patient’s medical history, expectations, and desired outcomes.

Preparation

On the treatment day, your healthcare provider will clean the treatment area. After that, he will apply topical anesthesia to minimize discomfort during the injections.

Injection

Now the injection process begins and your doctor will inject Botox injection into the specific facial muscles using a fine needle. The procedure usually takes 10-20 minutes, depending on the number of injections required.

Aftercare

You can typically resume your normal activities immediately after the treatment, but you should avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area for at least 24 hours.

Benefits

The benefits include:

  • Botox is a non-invasive alternative to surgical procedures like facelifts.
  • The treatment is relatively fast, and there is minimal downtime.
  • The effects of Botox typically last 3-6 months.
  • Botox can be administered precisely to specific areas of the face, allowing for customised results.

Side Effects

While Botox is generally safe when administered by a qualified professional, there are potential side effects, including:

  • Pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site
  • Headache or flu-like symptoms
  • Temporary facial weakness or drooping eyelids
  • Eyebrow or eyelid ptosis (drooping)
  • Asymmetry or uneven results
  • Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing (in rare cases)

Note: It is essential to consult a licensed and experienced medical professional to minimize the risks and ensure the best possible results.

Botox Features

  • Botox contains a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, which is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
  • Botox works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that controls muscle contractions. This leads to temporary muscle paralysis or relaxation in the treated area.
  • Botox injections can be used to treat various cosmetic and medical conditions, including facial wrinkles, chronic migraines, excessive sweating, overactive bladder, and certain muscle disorders.
  • Botox is administered using a fine needle, allowing for precise targeting of specific muscles and minimal discomfort during the procedure.
  • As the effects of Botox are temporary, any unwanted results or changes will gradually fade over time.
  • Botox is available in various dosage strengths, allowing for customization of treatment based on the patient’s needs and the specific condition being treated.

Which one is more effective? Dysport or Botox?

When it comes to effectiveness, don’t forget that both Dysport and Botox are FDA-approved for the treatment of moderate to severe glabellar lines. The results for both treatments typically last between 3-6 months, after which the treated muscles regain their function, and the appearance of wrinkles may return. The exact duration of the results may vary depending on the individual, the area treated, and the amount of product used.

Some studies suggest that Dysport may have a slightly quicker onset of action, meaning that the results may be visible sooner than with Botox. However, this does not necessarily indicate that Dysport lasts longer overall.

Takeaway

The choice between Botox and Dysport may come down to factors such as personal preference, individual response, and the recommendation of the medical professional administering the treatment. It is essential to consult a qualified and experienced practitioner to discuss which option might be best for you.

At Euromed Clinic, our aestheticians and healthcare provider, who have vast experience in reducing wrinkles and enhancing face appearance, are providing consultation to all those who want to subside the signs of aging and look younger than before. To book your appointment, fill out and submit the form or call us at +971 4 394 5422