As lines and wrinkles on the face begin to appear, you may start looking into your options to reduce these signs of aging. With so many options available to you, though, it can be tough to determine the best treatment route. While prescription injectables can temporarily smooth the skin to remove lines and wrinkles, there are multiple injectable options available to you. In consultation with our experts at PREMIERE Center for Cosmetic Surgery, you can find the perfect one for you. Two of the most popular treatments, BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport®, both contain botulinum toxin and are effective against the lines and wrinkles you are experiencing. But how do they compare to each other?
How They Began
BOTOX® Cosmetic was FDA approved in 2002 as the first product to temporarily remove facial lines and wrinkles between the eyebrows. Dysport® was FDA approved in 2009. To date, BOTOX® Cosmetic is still the only product approved to eliminate crow’s feet as well as facial lines and wrinkles.
How Do They Work?
Both BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® work by temporarily blocking the muscle’s ability to move and contract, therein preventing the appearance of wrinkles. However, the primary difference between the products is their formulation. BOTOX® Cosmetic is an onabotulinum toxin whereas Dysport® is an abobotulinum toxin. This difference primarily affects the dosage given during treatment. Dysport® requires 2.5 units per every one unit required of BOTOX® Cosmetic.
Are You a Candidate?
Anyone who is experiencing lines and wrinkles on the forehead can benefit from either product. BOTOX® Cosmetic should be avoided by anyone with allergies to its ingredients, who has had a reaction to other botulinum products, or who has an infection at one of the planned treatment sites. Additionally, Dysport® should not be used if you have a milk protein allergy.
Treatment Spots
Dysport® has been FDA approved to remove frown lines temporarily. BOTOX® Cosmetic is approved for frown lines and crow’s feet. Everything else is considered off-label use and not recommended. Injections for medical conditions like migraines use a different dosage and can be performed under the supervision of your doctor.
Your Results
Both products will give you similar results. It’s important to note that these products affect everyone differently, and you may experience results sooner or later than what is typical. In general, you will begin to see a noticeable difference in lines and wrinkles after just a few days. The results of both Dysport® and BOTOX® Cosmetic last for four to six months, and maintenance treatments are necessary to maintain those results.
To discuss how BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® can benefit you, schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. The PREMIERE Center for Cosmetic Surgery office can be reached at 813-400-1465.