Botox or Dysport? Which One Should I Choose?

Botox vs. Dysport - Which One Do I Choose? 

As an Aesthetic RN, I am often asked by patients, “Well, which product do you think I should use?”, when we are discussing the injection of neurotoxin. In fact, it is probably my most frequently asked question. The answer to this question is not a one-size-fits all answer. So, let’s make sure you understand each product first.

What is a Botulinum toxin, or Neurotoxin?

• Neurotoxin is derived from living organisms. Large, structurally complex molecules that cannot be easily replicated, unlike, conventional, chemically synthesized drugs (over the counter & prescription drugs)

At Purra, we only use Botox® and Dysport®, so I will only discuss those two products respectively. 

Botox

Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a product that is indicated in adult patients for the temporary improvement in the appearance of:

• Moderate to severe glabellar lines (in between the eyebrows) associated with corrugator and/or procerus muscle activity

• Moderate to severe lateral canthal lines associated with orbicularis oculi activity (crows feet)

• Moderate to severe forehead lines associated with frontalis activity (forehead)

Botox is a product of Allergan Aesthetics that began development in the 1970’s through research being conducted on how to weaken the extraocular eye muscles in patients as an alternative to muscle surgery. This research led to botulinum toxin type A, which developed over the next 15 years. Afterwards, it was bought by Allergan and marketed as Botox®. 

Botox comes in 50-Unit or 100-Unit vials that contain Clostridium botulinum type A - a serum albumin and sodium chloride. 

Labeled dosing per area is as follows:

• 20 units for glabellar lines (between the eyebrows)

• 24 units for lateral canthal lines (crows feet)

• 20 units for forehead lines 

Dysport

Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) for injection is an acetylcholine release inhibitor and neuromuscular blocking agent indicated for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines associated with procerus and corrugator muscle activity in adults less than 65 years of age.

• Temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines. 

• Noted to help you look natural - not frozen - because it allows the untreated facial muscles to work normally

• Recommended dosing is 50 units per treatment area (between the brows or/and the forehead)

• Dysport comes in a 300 unit vial. 

Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) was developed shortly after Botox as an approved treatment for specific dystonias in December of 1990. Since then, it has a growing use and approval in over 75 countries for therapeutic and aesthetic indications. In 2007, Ispen (the manufacturers of Dysport) entered a partnership with Gaderma to distribute Dysport for aesthetic indications.

Which Product Should I use?

Well, let’s begin by highlighting some differences first to help you narrow down your choice. 

First off, Dysport is known to show results within 24 hours. Most users of Dysport will see improvement in as little as 2 - 3 days after treatment (if recommended dosing per treatment area is used). Botox is known to start to show results on days 5 - 7. This is not to say one product is stronger or better than the other, but you should be aware of your projected outcome. 

The next difference, probably the one that stands out the most to patients, is the difference in unit dosing. When Botox is ordered to inject, it will come in a 100 unit vial. When Dysport is ordered to inject, it will come in a 300 unit vial. This is where the 3:1 ratio that is always being brought up comes from. While it is not appropriate to assume you can interchange the dosing or uses of one product with another, you can adjust the amount of units you will need based on the recommended prescribing. 

• Botox recommended dosing for between the eyebrows (glabella) is 20 units.

• Dysport recommended dosing for between the eyebrows (glabella) is 50 units. 

This helps us dictate, that when both products are properly diluted according to manufacturer's recommendations, that about 1 unit of Botox is equivalent to 2.5 units of Dysport. While this has never been stated or verified by either manufacturer (and probably never will be as they will always want to stand out as their own product) injectors can infer the dosing and unit differences, respectively. 

The slight differences in the manufacturing of the product itself may result in one product versus the other working better for you. As I said in the beginning, the answer to this question will never be a one size fits all answer. Many of my patients can determine which product they like better after trying both. Many of my patients never notice a difference at all.

Which do I prefer?

That’s just it! I do not have a preference. I have a love and respect for each product. I have seen each product give beautiful results to happy patients. I have seen side effects and needed touch-ups with each product.

Every patient is different, and their desired outcome will be very individualized. I am going to help you find what will work best for you. 

Hope this helped! 

xoxo Caitlin Travis, BSN, RN

Botox and Dysport Injections With Purra MedSpa:

Eliminate the look of wrinkles with Purra MedSpa. We are located in Dillsburg, PA.

Book an Appointment. 

Call Us: 717-502-1566.

Copyright © Caitlin Travis, 2024.