Neuromodulators play an important role in many aspects of cosmetic medicine today. Essentially, they are substances that either modify or block nerve signals in the body, which can result in a number of positive benefits.
Both Botox and Dysport are forms of neuromodulators that work to relax facial muscles, which can result in smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, help treat migraines and even reduce excessive sweating.
Botox and Dysport are not new and have years of proven results in the field. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration first approved Botox in 1989 for medical use and then in 2002 for cosmetic use — the first neuromodulator that was approved by the agency. Dysport’s full FDA approval came seven years later, in 2009, for cosmetic use.
One of the biggest selling points of Botox and Dysport is that they are non-surgical, minimally-invasive treatments that require little to no downtime. They produce natural-looking results when they’re administered by expert practitioners, and can address things such as forehead lines, crow’s feet and frown lines.
While there are similarities between Botox and Dysport, there are some differences, too.
Botox
As the first neuromodulator approved for cosmetic use, Botox has stronger brand recognition. As such, it’s trusted and is widely used across the world.
In terms of actual effectiveness, Botox is considered slightly more precise for smaller treatment areas. This is why it’s often used around the eyes.
Dysport
Compared to Botox, Dysport may take effect sooner. Many people can start to see results in a couple of days following their treatment, compared to about a week or more for Botox.
At the same time, results from Dysport generally last a little longer, with some patients reporting results lasting for as much as five months.
Once injected, Dysport also spreads more easily, which makes it ideal for larger treatment areas. This is why it’s mainly used for glabellar lines.
When weighing Botox vs. Dysport, the choice is really up to each individual’s preference. You should of course consider the feedback and reviews on each product, what concerns you want to address and what you think would be the best product to do that.
You should also rely heavily on your provider’s expertise, which is why it’s so important to consult with a reputable and experienced provider. They can listen to what you want to accomplish, examine your face and make a recommendation on which product would be best for you.
Go into your consultation appointment open-minded, and you and your provider can come up with a treatment plan that would be best for you.