What is the Difference Between Botox and Dysport?

March 12th, 2012

ByDr. Jonathan Kulbersh - "Charlotte's #1 Double-Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon. Winner of Charlotte Magazine's 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 Best-of-the-Best Plastic Surgeon Award. Realself Top 100 Doctor."

What are Botox and Dysport?

Botox Cosmetic and Dysport are the two most popular injectable forms of Botulinum Toxin Type A. Botulinum Toxin Type A is a naturally occurring toxin produced by a bacteria called Clostridium Botulinum. Botox and Dysport work by temporarily paralyzing the specific muscle injected. In aesthetics they are used for two objectives, which are to eradicate current wrinkles and to prevent the formation of new ones.

How do Dysport and Botox work?

Muscles normally move by neural stimulation. The nerves use neurotransmitters that are taken up by the muscles and cause them to contract. Botulinum toxin prevents the nerve endings from releasing the neurotransmitter acytelcholine to the muscles, and therefore they no longer move.

How do Dysport and Botox differ?

Studies have shown that Dysport may work faster. Normally, results are seen in 1-2 days as opposed to 3-5 days with Botox.

Studies have also shown that Dysport may last longer. Dysport typically lasts between 3-12 months while Botox may last 3-6 months. Dysport has less protein in the solution, which may cause a silent immune reaction in which the body produces antibodies against it. These antibodies may prevent Botox from working as well in the long term. Less antibodies = longer lasting results.

Some studies have shown a slightly decrease in pain during the injection of Dysport when compared to Botox.

Botox has been shown to be more effective in treating excess sweating when compared to Dysport.

Dysport contains trace amounts of cow protein. Any patient with a serious allergy to milk protein should not use Dysport, but may use Botox.

Botox and Dysport are both equally safe with similar side effects.

One of the main differences in the products is how they are used. If a patient wants to have Dysport or Botox in Charlotte they should consult with a qualified injector. As a facial plastic surgeon in Charlotte, I have intimate knowledge of the facial anatomy and function and strive to get fantastic results for my patients.