Botox and Dysport are both used to treat wrinkles in adults. They are similar in that they work by relaxing facial muscles to give the skin a smoother appearance. Neither treatment will permanently remove wrinkles, but they will make them less noticeable for a period of time. As with any medical procedure, it’s best to educate yourself on the effects of both Botox and Dysport if you’re considering either treatment for yourself. Let’s take a look at each option so you can decide which one is right for you.
Botox
Botox has been approved for the treatment of crow’s feet, forehead lines, and glabellar lines. Its main active ingredient is botulinum toxin, which dampens the activity of muscle stimulations when making certain expressions, such as smiling or frowning. Botox is injected into the skin and muscles at the treatment site in a procedure that lasts just a few minutes and requires little to no recovery time.
The number of units of Botox used during the procedure will depend on what is being treated. For glabellar lines – which are wrinkles on your forehead between your eyebrows – you may need up to 40 units administered over several precise injection sites. For horizontal forehead lines, you will need somewhere between 10 and 30 units, depending on your desired results and current condition. Crow’s feet will require fewer units on each side, usually totalling around 20 units. You can combine any or all of these sites during a Botox treatment session.
You should see the results of your Botox treatment within a week, although it sometimes takes up to one month for results to be seen in patients who receive larger treatments. The effects of Botox typically last for four to six months. After that, you can receive additional treatment if desired.
Dysport
Like Botox, Dysport is derived from botulinum toxin and is injected into the facial muscles to dampen dynamic wrinkles. It has only been FDA-approved to treat glabellar lines, and only in moderate to severe cases. Doctors typically inject 0.05 mL of Dysport at a time in up to five injections around the eyebrows and forehead. The injections are administered at the doctor’s office, and there is little to no recovery time. The effects of Dysport can be seen within a couple of days and last between three and four months.
As you can see, Botox and Dysport are very similar in that they use botulinum toxin to temporarily treat wrinkles. Botox has been around longer and is used to treat a wider range of wrinkles, while Dysport is effective in treating glabellar lines and shows results sooner, it is mostly used to treat moderate to severe wrinkles. Some practitioners may recommend Dysport over Botox when treating a wide area, or conversely, recommend Botox for highly precise areas, such as crow’s feet.
Schedule a Consultation About Neuromodulators
The best way to learn about neuromodulators and their ability to help create a more youthful appearance by reducing your dynamic wrinkles is to learn from the experts at Dr. Rex Moulton-Barrett’s Alameda office. During a consultation, Dr. Moulton-Barrett can answer any questions you have, give you an examination, and let you know which injectable wrinkle treatment is best suited for your goals and appearance. Get in touch with us by calling or filling out a contact form today!