A Quick Comparison Between Botox And Dysport

Monday, April 2nd, 2012 at 12:56 am

Botox and Dysport are both cosmetic surgery solutions that have been derived from the same toxin and serve essentially the same purpose: paralyzing the muscles in the area in order to eliminate the wrinkles and lines generate by motion (facials expressions like frowning, laughing or smiling for instance). At the same time, both products have received the FDA seal of approval, even though Botox has been available on the US market much longer compared to Dysport. However, it is necessary to point out that even though Dysport manufacturers have received the US green light more recently, it has been frequently used in Europe and Canada. By the end of this article, you will find out how Botox and Dysport score in terms of speed, duration, safety and costs.

Time Taken For First Visible Results

In regards to the timeframe between the injection and the first visible results, Dysport has proven slightly superior to Botox (at least for 30 percent of the people in this study). This means that while individuals who utilized Botox injections had to wait for 2-3 days before the effects of the substance became prominent, it is entirely possible that the initial results of Dysport become visible on the very first day. On the other hand, keep in mind that this only refers to the initial results and not the full effect of the injection, which on average is similar for both of them.

Duration of Effect

As far as the duration of the effect is concerned, several clinical trials have shown that Botox is just slightly better than Dysport. However, other studies revealed the opposite results and consensus among cosmetic surgeon boards is yet to be reached. The most probable reason for the diverse testing results resides in the lack of normalization for the quantity of substance injected among the subjects of the studies. In other words, there is a direct correlation between the quantity of substance utilized and the length of the period when the results are visible.

Quantity Required

It is also necessary to point out that the quantity of Dysport necessary to obtain the same results as Botox is 2.5 times larger. This means that 1 unit of Botox converts into approximately 2.5 units from the Dysport solution. Now, the larger quantity of Dysport (and its consistence) means that it has the potential of spreading easier within the area, but that has positive and negative consequences. To put it simply, it makes Dysport more effective for eliminating the wrinkles in larger zones (such as the forehead) but less convenient for localized usage (eyebrows or eyes).

Let’s Talk Money

From the financial point of view, one unit of Dysport is cheaper than one unit of Botox by approximately 5 to 10 percent. However, don’t forget about the conversion rates discussed previously. Depending on the type of procedure, you may be able to utilize less Dysport and therefore it could constitute the more profitable alternative. In order to learn which product would prove more proficient in treating your particular type of wrinkles, it is advisable to schedule a consultation with your cosmetic surgeon and assess the state of your epidermis, facial structure, potential side effects and so on.

Nelson Lossett is a blogger and writes about Botox treatment, skin care tips and other beauty topics. He also manages the website for Dr. Edward J. Gross, M.D..