Dysport vs. Botox - Technical Differences

In May of 2009, the FDA approved the use of Dysport to treat frown lines and wrinkles on the forehead. Made from the same active ingredient as Botox, both drugs work by temporarily restricting the facial muscles that create wrinkles. Similar to Botox, Dysport is administered through an injection at the site of the crease or wrinkle. There are, however, technical differences between the two.

Clinical trials indicated Dysport injections brought about a 93 to 95 percent reduction in the appearance of forehead wrinkles within a week of treatment. However, a majority of participants showed far more immediate reaction to the injection. Typically, Botox injections take roughly 3 days to 2 weeks for results to appear, whereas thirty percent of Dysport users reported results within the first day. In terms of total duration, of Dysport injections are reported to last 3 to 4 months. However, multiple treatments can produce effects that can last for more than 13 months. Botox, depending on the amount used, will last 3 to 4 months per individual treatment. Therefore, it appears while both treatments last about the same amount of time for a single injection, multiple treatments give Dysport a longer lasting, cumulative effect.

This is most likely a result of the difference in dosage. It generally requires 2.5 Dysport units to match the effect of 1 Botox unit. Furthermore, Dysport ostensibly spreads more during the injection. With larger areas such as the forehead or armpits, this could mean fewer injections and more results over time. However, it requires more skill from a physician in areas such as the eyes, where more complex musculature exists. In these areas Dysport could actually spread into unwanted areas, causing excess drooping of the eyelids or other nearby areas.

In terms of safety, Botox has a 20 year history beginning with patients suffering from cerebral palsy, whereas Dysport is still a relatively new drug, albeit with an excellent safety record. Common side effects with Dysport are nasal and throat irritation, skin reactions, respiratory infection, headaches, nausea, sinus inflammation, and swelling. Common side effects associated with Botox are muscle weakness, facial pain, indigestion, droopy eyelids, tooth problems, and heartburn. In general, side effects for both drugs, when used cosmetically, occurred in less than five percent of patients. In addition to its cosmetic uses, Dysport can also be used to treat cervical dystonia. As for cost, Dysport is generally five to ten percent cheaper than Botox, with each injection ranging from $300 to $500 depending on geographic location and the skill of the physician.