Let’s Talk About Dysport®

What do Botox, Kleenex, Band-Aids, and Vaseline have in common? They are all examples of brand names and trademarks that have become generic words for a type of product. Take Band-Aids, for example. How often do you actually say, “Can you pass me an adhesive bandage?” Never, right? Discover the difference: Dysport offers quicker results for larger areas, while Botox delivers precise perfection for targeted spots!

The anti-wrinkle injectable we all know and love is actually called botulinum toxin. Most people call it Botox because that was the first brand name the toxin was marketed under when it launched as a cosmetic treatment. Botox Cosmetic® was and still is manufactured by Allergan, Inc. But today, you can also find botulinum toxin sold under other brand names, like Dysport®, Xeomin®, and Jeuveau®. 

In this article, we’ll talk about Dysport and how it compares to Botox for the reduction of wrinkles and fine lines. 

What is Dysport?

Dysport, produced by the pharmaceutical company Galderma S.A., is a botulinum toxin injection that works by temporarily paralyzing muscles to erase or prevent facial wrinkles. Before it was approved for use in the U.S. by the FDA in 2009, Dysport was considered Botox’s European counterpart. 

Like Botox, Dysport is injected directly into the skin to create a more relaxed appearance and provide a visible smoothing effect without changing the look or the movement of the rest of your face. And just like Botox, Dysport has been proven to be a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for improving wrinkles and lines that don’t respond to traditional skincare techniques. 

Dysport vs. Botox – what’s the difference?

Botox and Dysport share many similarities. First, they are both muscle relaxants derived from the botulinum toxin (abobotulinumtoxinA). Neither treatment causes major side effects, and both require little to no downtime to recover from the procedure. The main difference between Dysport and Botox, though, is that they are composed of different formulas. 

Although just as effective as Botox, Dysport is more diluted. This has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to treating facial wrinkles. For one, it takes about three units of Dysport to equal the strength of one unit of Botox. This is because Dysport uses smaller protein molecules to paralyze the muscles, which makes them less likely to be broken down by antibodies than larger molecules. 

These smaller molecules mean that Dysport has the advantage of spreading faster into the muscle tissue, so you can expect to see results sooner, often within 1-2 days. With Botox, patients usually have to wait at least 4-7 days before noticing any difference. This makes Dysport a better choice if you have an upcoming event and need to see results fast.  

Because Dysport is more diluted and spreads quickly, it’s a great option for large surface areas like the forehead, which sometimes requires more Botox injections to correct deep wrinkles. Botox, on the other hand, maybe better for smaller areas like lip lines and crow’s feet. 

Another big difference is the cost: Botox injections cost an average of $15 per unit, whereas Dysport is typically $4 to $7 per unit. 

What are the side effects of Dysport?

Since both Dysport and Botox contain the same toxin, they share the same potential side effects. Both treatments are approved by the FDA for a number of cosmetic applications and are considered safe when applied by a licensed professional. That being said, some of the most common side effects of Dysport include:

• Minor bruising at the injection site
• Rash and irritation
• Headache
• Pain in the injection site
• Temporary drooping or facial weakness

Dysport and Botox injections in Miami

If you’re considering Botox or Dysport injections as a treatment for your fine lines and wrinkles, we’ve got you covered! Contact Dr. Patty Miami at (786) 841-8482 or [book a consultation online] to get help finding the best cosmetic injectable based on your needs and learn more about our exclusive menu of cosmetic and dental services in Miami.