Most people have heard of Botox – by now it is practically a household word! Botox is the Allergan brand name for Botulinum toxin, a protein that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum toxin prevents the release of a neurotransmitter from the muscle, causing relaxation of muscles and softening of and facial lines. The key concept here is that "Botox" is a brand name in the same way that "Kleenex" is a brand name for tissues. Dysport is also a botulinum toxin injection made by a different company (Galderma). Both products work in the exact same way. So why use one product over the other? Let’s compare the two:
1). Safety
Overall both Dysport and Botox are considered safe for appropriate patients. Common but temporary side effects include mild bruising and tenderness at injection site. More serious side effects include brow droop and headache. One product is not considered safer then the other.
2). Convenience:
Both products are injected at an office appointment. You can leave immediately after treatment and even go back to work if you want! Recovery time is minimal.
3). Cost:
The cost of the two products is about the same. Botox costs more per unit, however more units of Dysport are required to get the desired effect.
4). Efficacy:
The effects of Dysport will show up sooner (sometimes right away), while Botox effects will show within a week. Both last up to 4 months and require repeated injections to maintain the effect (this varies between patients, but usually between 3 and 6 months).
So – why use one over the other? Sometimes the answer is obvious, for example if a patient is not getting good results from one or the other a switch may be necessary. A few studies have shown that patients can develop a “resistance” to Botox over time leading to treatment failure. For these clients, Dysport should be considered. It also comes down to clinician preference – some clinicians prefer Botox because less volume is required and can target a specific area, and others prefer Dysport because more volume is required and we can cover a larger area.
At Beautoxetc, we offer both Botox and Dysport. Make an appointment today, www.beautoxetc.com, and let us help you put your best face forward!