Botox vs Dysport: Which one is right for you?

It’s common these days to hear about men and women receiving “Botox” injections. The term “Botox” is commonly used as an umbrella term for the treatment, as a noun, verb, and adjective, to describe the cosmetic wrinkle-relaxing and anti-wrinkle injections. The Botox® brand is just one of four Health Canada approved brands of neuromodulators to relax muscles in targeted areas for cosmetic anti-wrinkle injections. The four brands we have in Canada include Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Nuceiva. When individuals refer to getting their “Botox” treatment, they may not necessarily receive the brand Botox®. Since it is common to refer to the general treatment as getting “Botox,” other brands such as Dysport, Xeomin, or Nuceiva are commonly used.

What is Botox?

Botox®, or botulinum toxin, is the first neuromodulator on the market. Founded in Vancouver, Canada and initially used for eyelid twitching (blepharospasm), the founders realized Botox improved the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Botox® is a neuromodulator that blocks the release of signals between the nerves and the muscles. This inhibits the subconscious movement of muscles thereby relaxing them to prevent facial movements in targeted areas and reduce wrinkles. Medical uses of Botox include Botox for TMJ, Botox for hyperhidrosis, and Botox for migraines, amongst others. Botox holds the brand name recognition, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it is superior.

What is Dysport?

Dysport™, or abobotulinumtoxinA, is a neuromodulator as well that mechanistically relaxes target facial muscles the same way Botox does®. Dysport is used for specific facial muscles to treat fine lines and wrinkles. Some providers state that Dysport requires three times the number of units of Botox due to differences in dilution. However, it is common for many clinics to provide Dysport units as 1:1 equivalent to Botox units, to avoid confusion. Dysport is a fantastic wrinkle-reducer and provides incredible anti-wrinkle injection results.

What is the difference between Botox and Dysport?

While they sound similar, there are very mild nuances between the two. Dysport’s botulinum toxin molecule size is smaller, allowing for further distribution and faster absorption into the muscle. One Dysport unit is also just slightly more concentrated than one Botox unit with the way we reconstitute Dysport at Lift Clinic Toronto. We often see Dysport kicking in quicker and lasting a couple of weeks longer than Botox. We call Dysport the “event toxin” due to its quick onset, in time to look your best for any last minute events.

Is Dysport better than Botox?

In short, we prefer Dysport for cosmetic injections. Dysport’s small molecule size is able to get into the muscle quicker, and is slightly more concentrated for units to go farther during your treatment. Our clients have grown to love Dysport as they see great results. There is nothing wrong with Botox, as it is very effective as well. Either product will relax targeted facial muscles and in the right hands, will provide you with amazing results.

Can you alternate between Botox and Dysport?

Absolutely! If you have received Botox, Xeomin, or Nuceiva in the past, you can receive Dysport at any point, and vice versa. You do not have to wait for the previous injection with a different brand to wear off.

What are the benefits of Botox and Dysport?

Besides medical and therapeutic applications of botulinum toxins, there are countless cosmetic benefits to neuromodulator injections with Botox and Dysport. Botox and Dysport helps remove wrinkles for smooth skin. Botox and Dysport relax overactive muscles in the face. Since muscle movement is a main cause of wrinkles, we can prevent wrinkles, treat wrinkles, and maintain the skin integrity by using appropriate amounts of Botox and Dysport. A nice benefit is the reduced sebum production for less oil and congestion, and the appearance of tighter pores for glass skin. Botox and Dysport injections are quick and safe, with minimal downtime. The treatment is considered a lunchtime procedure. For both Botox and Dysport, it takes two weeks to see the final result. Any touch up would be treated at the two week mark.

What areas can you inject Botox and Dysport?

Treatment areas can include:

• Forehead
• Frown lines or “11’s”
• Crows feet
• Under-eye wrinkles
• Temples for head pain
• Bunny lines aka wrinkles on the nose
• Smokers lines aka wrinkles to the upper lip
• Masseters for jaw slimming and teeth grinding
• Gummy smile
• Chin dimples
• Downturned lips
• Armpits for excessive sweating

What is the difference between Botox and dermal fillers?

It is common to confuse Botox with dermal fillers and vice versa. Botox and Dysport relax muscles in the face, whereas dermal fillers replace volume loss and stimulate collagen. They have two very different applications but work synergistically to provide skin rejuvenation. Both treatments take two weeks to settle to assess the final result.

What brand of Botox do you offer at Lift Clinic Toronto?

We offer Dysport for our cosmetic injections as our preferred product. We offer Botox injections for medical purposes, particularly if the treatment is covered by medical insurance for TMJ pain related to bruxism (teeth grinding) or hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). We recommend booking a free consultation to discuss your skin goals and have an in-person assessment for your skincare journey