Dysport: An Alternative to Botox?

In the battle to turn back the hands of time, Botox has become one of the most popular tools in the anti-aging arsenal. Last year, over 3 million Botox procedures were done in the United States alone. However, in recent years another anti-aging contender has sprung to the forefront as a leader in battling wrinkles. Dysport, manufactured by Medicis, gained FDA approval in April of 2009.

Similar to Botox, Dysport is also a neuromuscular blocking toxin that prevents muscle contractions and relaxes the area near the injection site to lessen or stop wrinkles from forming. Biologically and chemically, both Botox and Dysport are almost identical. They each relax the muscle tissue near the injection site and prohibit the muscles from responding to any nerve impulses. The muscles are somewhat paralyzed and no longer contract which is a leading cause of wrinkling of the skin. However, when either Botox are Dysport injections have been discontinued the wrinkling of the skin returns. These are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Dysport versus Botox

Reduced Proteins

Dysport contains fewer proteins than Botox. High levels of proteins cause the body to rapidly build antibodies. The body’s antibodies travel to the injection site to destroy the injected medication. The fewer antibodies created by the body in response to Dysport help the product’s anti-aging results last longer than Botox.

Wider Effect

At the injection site, Dysport spreads further which means that it requires fewer injections to gain results than Botox. With fewer injections, the patient usually suffers reduced side effects such as discomfort, swelling, or redness. The patient is usually able to quickly return to work and normal life with very few if any, visible side effects.

Lasts Longer

Dysport lasts longer than Botox. Once Dysport is injected, the anti-aging benefits continue for up to six months. Generally, a patient only requires three Dysport treatments per year to maintain their anti-aging results.

Quick Results

After injection, you will usually start to experience the visible anti-aging results in only one to two days, unlike Botox which frequently takes three to five days before results become noticeable.

Fast Treatment

Treatment with Dysport usually takes 15 minutes or less because of the fewer injections than those required by Botox. Patients do not require pain medication or anesthesia at the time of injection of Dysport. However, both products may cause stinging or burn at the injection site. Some patients also report a numb feeling near the injection site immediately following treatment.

Dysport is More Cost Effective

Dysport normally costs about ⅓ of the price of Botox. However, it tends to be more diluted than Botox which means that you will require more per injection to gain the same wrinkle fighting results as botox.

Botox and Dysport both have their advantages/disadvantages. Ultimately, Dysport is a viable alternative to Botox. Choosing between the two boils down to personal preference. Prior to opting to undergo any anti-aging procedure, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a skin care professional. Find out if Dysport is right for you with a personal consultation with Dr. Vargas.