BOTOX® vs. Dysport: Similar but Not the Same

Smoother skin and fewer wrinkles are a dream for many of our patients. Botulinum toxin treatments, including BOTOX® and Dysport, help us to make those dreams come true. These treatments relax the muscles that cause common facial wrinkles. They are very effective and require no surgery and no downtime. It’s not surprising that BOTOX® and Dysport are two of the most popular anti-aging wrinkle treatments at our Chicago plastic surgery office.

BOTOX® and Dysport are similar, but they are not the same. Both use botulinum toxin type A to interfere with muscle/nerve communication. This keeps the muscles that create wrinkles from contracting and helps dynamic wrinkles, like crow’s feet and brow creases, to fade. BOTOX® and Dysport only affect the treated muscles, so patients can still make normal facial expressions. These two treatments are both temporary, and retreatment is needed to maintain results. BOTOX® and Dysport are non-surgical treatment options and neither requires downtime. Results typically last for 4-6 months.

BOTOX® and Dysport are very similar, but there are some important differences between these two injectable cosmetic treatments. Learn about the subtle differences between these wrinkle reducing powerhouses. Call us at 847-205-1680 to book your consultation and to learn more.

What Makes BOTOX® Special?

BOTOX® is practically a household name. Nearly every patient we talk with has heard of this wrinkle fighting treatment. Many of our patients are so familiar with BOTOX® that they ask for it by name. BOTOX® was the first treatment of its kind and has been in use for decades. It is one of the most beloved and requested cosmetic treatments available.

One of the benefits of BOTOX® is that it has a smaller spread area. This means that the treatment and its effects will remain closer to the injected areas. This makes BOTOX® ideal for treating small, targeted areas. It can also be used on larger areas.

Why We Love Dysport

Dysport is a very similar treatment to BOTOX®. It is less concentrated, so a larger amount of product will be needed to obtain the same results. Dysport tends to be less expensive per unit, so the cost of both treatments is usually similar.

Dysport has a larger spread area than BOTOX®. This is an advantage in some cases and a disadvantage in others. We love using Dysport for large areas, like the forehead, as it can treat the entire area with just 5 small injections.

Dysport may be faster acting than BOTOX®. More research is needed, but some studies suggest that Dysport results may appear a day or two sooner than BOTOX®.

What to Expect from Your Botulinum Toxin Treatment

Whichever treatment you choose, the injection and recovery process are similar. Plan on spending about 30 minutes with us for your treatment session. After a short consultation, a skilled injector will administer a few quick injections into specific locations. This process takes just a few minutes and is only mildly uncomfortable for most patients.

After your injections, you’re free to leave. Most patients drive themselves to and from the appointment. The rest of the day is yours, with minimal activity restrictions. Go back to work, visit with friends, or relax. Downtime is not usually necessary and recovery symptoms are mild for most patients. Redness, bruising, and mild swelling are some of the most commonly reported symptoms during recovery. Results will start to appear just a few days after treatment.

BOTOX® or Dysport: Which Option Is Best for Me?

At MAE Plastic Surgery, we always offer the best: the best service and the best surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. We’ve chosen to offer both BOTOX® and Dysport because they are both great options. Both are valuable and effective solutions for reducing facial wrinkles. Either option pairs well with other non-surgical options like a chemical peel or dermal filler treatment.

Your injector’s skill and experience are far more important than which product is used. At MAE Plastic Surgery we only use skilled and highly trained injectors for all injectable cosmetic treatments. Come in for a consultation and find out if BOTOX® or Dysport is best for you.