One of the earliest and most apparent signs of aging is the development of wrinkles on the face and body. Due to sun exposure, age, smoking, and sometimes even genetics, the skin loses elasticity and moisture. The skin also loses its ability to create and replenish collagen and elastin. These factors can contribute to the development of wrinkles on the face, particularly on the forehead, around the eyes, and mouth.
Botox and Dysport are two of the most popular treatments to treat the formation of dynamic wrinkles, including those caused by expressions such as squinting, smiling, and frowning. But what’s the difference between Botox and Dysport, and which of these treatments are better for your patients?
Botox
Perhaps the most popular and well-known cosmetic injectable treatment in the entire world, Botox is the original and most popular injectable neuromodulator. It is produced from the bacterium clostridium botulinum. Botox works by preventing the brain from sending signals to the target muscle that causes the facial wrinkle or fold. This prevents that specific muscle from moving. The lack of movement stops the overlying skin from forming that wrinkle or fold.
One of the key advantages of Botox is how specific it is. It is targeted to only work on the muscle that it is injected into, without affecting surrounding muscles. That is why Botox is incredibly popular for treating wrinkles that cause facial expressions, such as forehead lines, the “11” lines in between your eyes, the wrinkles created by raising your eyebrows, squinting, smiling, frowning, or pursing your lips.
Dysport
Like Botox, Dysport is also produced from the clostridium botulinum bacterium, and works in a very similar manner–by preventing signals to the muscle from the brain. This prevents muscle (and overlying skin) from contracting, which keeps the skin smooth and wrinkle-free.
What’s the difference between Botox and Dysport?
Since both of these treatments feature the same ingredient and mechanism of action, it may seem like there’s no difference between Botox and Dysport–but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Trained specialists know that Botox and Dysport are very different from each other, and each treatment has their advantages.
The first major difference between Botox and Dysport is its formulation: Dysport is far more diluted than Botox. Dysport also has a different molecular behaviour. These two factors cause Dysport to spread faster over a large surface area. These critical differences mean that even though both treatments are well-suited for the treatment of wrinkles, each treatment is best-suited for different applications.
For example, Dysport works really well for larger surface areas, such as treating wrinkles on the forehead. It is well-suited for 11 lines and other forehead wrinkles. Botox, on the other hand, because it is slower-moving, is far better suited for more precise treatments for smaller surface areas, such as lip lines, crow’s feet, and other finer wrinkles.
It also comes down to who is administering the treatment. In the right hands, Botox and Dysport can produce outstanding results. However, when mis-used, these treatments can not only not produce the desired results, but could severely harm the patient.
This is why it is critical that cosmetic injectors have the right skillset, knowledge, expertise and competency to safely and effectively administer different neuromodulators. CAMA specializes in training healthcare professionals–including physicians, surgeons, nurses, and nurse practitioners–to give them practical hands-on skills and experience to deliver world-class medical and aesthetic cosmetic injection services to their patients. Our neuromodulator focused course teaches participants a variety of skills and techniques to administer the most popular neuromodulators on the market, including Botox and Dysport. Click here to find out more.
