Botox Vs. Dysport

When it comes to reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles such as forehead wrinkles and fine lines, there are a range of cosmetic treatments that are available. For individuals that are looking to improve their appearance quickly and effectively without the need for plastic surgery, the search can seem overwhelming at first. Yet, the good news is that there are a range of procedures available that can be deployed without the need for a plastic surgeon. Two of the most common treatments that are available at Dr. Michele Green’s dermatology practice in NYC are Botox and Dysport. Here we consider Dysport® vs Botox® and discuss the main differences between the treatments, as well as a few other common cosmetic treatment options.

If you’re considering any cosmetic treatments, including Botox, Juvederm, dermal fillers, and laser treatments, Dr. Green is an expert in non-invasive dermatology and can help you with the best skincare treatments and achieve your cosmetic goals.

What is Botox?

Botox, also known as botulinum toxin type A,  is a neurotoxin injectable treatment that can be used for a wide range of cosmetic procedures. Botox is commonly used to remove fine lines and wrinkles in the face by blocking nerve signals to targeted muscles, temporarily paralyzing the surrounding muscle at the treatment area. Botox can be used to treat the glabella area, forehead, crow’s feet, and lines around the neck. Once Botox is injected into the muscle by an expert injector, like Dr. Green, the muscle is unable to contract as forcefully as it did before. This in turn helps to relax and soften wrinkles. Botox is the most common non-invasive injectable treatment performed in the United States.

Botox can also aid in treating certain medical conditions, such as TMJ disorders. The masseter muscle is located on each side of one’s jaw and is one of the main muscles involved with chewing. When one chews or grinds their teeth frequently, the masseter muscle can grow larger than usual and cause one’s facial shape to become round or square looking. Botox can be injected into the masseter muscle to relax the muscle, shrink the jaw line, and decrease the slightly square appearance of the jaw.

Allergan is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Botox. Botox is a brand name, whereas the generic name is OnabotulinumtoxinA. Botox is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botox is approved for both medical and cosmetic use, and has been approved by the FDA and proven to be completely safe in numerous clinical studies.

Botox injections are quick and fairly painless. There are rarely any side effects and there is no down time required for this procedure; however, there are a few minor and temporary restrictions post-procedure. Ordinarily, patients begin to notice the effects of Botox within one week, and full effects are noticeable in two weeks. Botox injections typically last from three to six months. Since Botox effects will fade and muscle actions will gradually reappear, follow up treatments are recommended to maintain desired results.

What is Dysport vs Botox?

Dysport, created by Galderma, is an injectable that is has been specifically designed as a treatment of glabellar lines. This wrinkle treatment has shown great success in targeting the glabellar lines that can form in the forehead area. Muscle contractions in this area can cause vertical lines to appear in the area between the eyebrows and forehead. Dysport works to treat the glabellar lines and muscle weakness in this area.

Dysport was originally manufactured from a company called Medicis, and Galderma purchased this company several years ago. The generic name for Dysport is abobotulinumtoxinA‎. Dysport is made from the same bacterium Clostridium botulinum as Botox; however, it’s more diluted and contains less protein than Botox. Dysport has been used in Europe for many years now and was FDA approved in the United States and on the market since 2009.

Dysport vs Botox

Dysport and Botox are both types of Botulinum injections. Overall they are both similarly used to prevent and reduce wrinkles such as frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. The difference between Dysport and Botox lies in the effectiveness of the proteins in each product. Botox has been approved for treating patients with crow’s feet, forehead lines, and glabellar lines, whereas Dysport has only been approved for glabellar lines. Dysport injections are only meant for patients with moderate to severe glabellar wrinkles. These injections are a bit deeper than Botox injections and cover a wider area. When addressing wrinkles around the eyes, for crow’s feet, Dysport tends to be the better fit since Xeomin due it is wider diffusion. Similarly, when injecting around the mouth, Botox may be preferable since Dsyport may extend to further areas around the mouth and can cause unwanted effects.

How long does Botox or Dysport last?

Dysport and Botox can both last anywhere from three to six months depending on the patient. The molecules in Dysport are smaller than the molecules in Botox.  For this reason the results of Dysport can be seen within three to five days after treatment, as opposed to the seven to fourteen days to see the full effect of Botox injections. Although the effects of Dysport have a quicker onset than Botox, it is important to remember that Dysport does diffuse to cover a broader area, but they both last for the same period of time after injection.

Female aged 25-34 Dysport patient

How many units Botox vs. Dysport are needed?

Another difference between the two injectables deals with their unit measurements.  Dysport is more diluted than Botox, which affects the dosage level. This means that more units of Dysport will be required to achieve the same level of results that injecting Botox would present. Therefore, as a single unit of Botox goes much further in terms of dosage, the cost per treatment  between the two is rather comparable, even though Dysport typically is less expensive per unit. Dysport and Botox are both great injectables made up of their own individual chemistries to serve the same purpose: smoothing out and reducing wrinkles for a more youthful and relaxed appearance.

What is Xeomin vs. Botox?

Xeomin is the trade name for incobotulinumtoxinA, and is produced by the brand Merz Pharmaceuticals. Both are considered Botulinum toxin type A and are FDA approved. Xeomin received FDA approval in 2010 while Botox was FDA approved on 2002. Both products achieve the desired affect of anti-aging by temporarily relaxing the muscle movement and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Botox vs. Xeomin: What’s the difference?

One significant difference between Botox and Xeomin are the additives combined during production. Botox is combined with a protein used as a preservative. Xeomin is produced without any preservative proteins and is thus considered a more concentrated and pure form of Botulinum Toxin. These unnecessary accessory proteins which are present in Botox are absent in Xeomin. These proteins, which are present in Botox, made patients more likely to develop antibody resistance after the course of multiple applications. The absence of these proteins in Xeomin may it much less likely to develop antibody resistance, where the product is no longer effective in treating the patient.

It takes Botox a little bit longer to take effect and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, as it has to break apart from the preservative protein. It takes around 7-14 days to see the final results of Botox, whereas the lack of preservative protein allows Xeomin to immediately interact with the muscle right upon entering the injection site. Most doctors say that it can take about 5 days to see the final results of Xeomin. However, a small portion of physicians say that the full results can take up to 10 days post-injection of Xeomin.

One study presented data that indicates Botox may show longer lasting results. However, most doctors have not seen a noticeable difference in longevity. Overall both Xeomin and Botox achieve similar results. Whether for treating moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet or wrinkles in general, if you are interested in Botox or Xeomin, Dr. Green can collaborate with you to determine which is the best choice for an effective treatment and what, if any, potential side effects may occur in each case.

How many units of Xeomin vs. Botox are needed?

Xeomin and Botox have varied unit recommendations depending on the patient and the specific needs being addressed. However, the unit measures between Xeomin and Botox are largely the same, as they both have a similar concentrated measure of botulinum toxin.

Botox vs Jeaveau (Newtox)

Jeuveau (often referred to as “Newtox”) by Evolus is the newest FDA approved neurotoxin and is considered a new Botox alternative. Like Botox, Dysport and Xeomin, Jeuveau is also a non-surgical cosmetic treatment used to improve the appearance of wrinkles associated with facial expressions. Jeuveau is the first alternative form of Botox in the United States in nearly ten years.

What is Jeaveau vs. Botox?

If you’re curious as to what is Newtox or what is Jeaveau vs. Botox, you’re not alone; there are many similarities between the two. Both Botox and Jeuveau work by blocking chemical signals from the nerves to the muscles, which paralyzes facial muscles, causing them to relax by preventing contraction from occurring. Jeaveau and Botox are made of the same neurotoxin called botulinum toxin that’s released by the bacterium clostridium botulinum.

Both products have the ability to combat the signs of aging. Jeaveau and Botox have the same duration, 3-4 months, and they both work at the same pace; you’ll expect to see full results within 2 weeks. The side effects of Newtox and Botox are similar; bruising and/or swelling are the most common and they usually subside within a few hours. During an initial consultation, Dr. Green will work with you to determine which injectable is best for you to use.

What are the Differences between Botox and Jeaveau?

A primary difference between Jeuveau (Prabotulinumtoxina) and Botox is that Jeuveau uses a technology called Hi-Pure. During the manufacturing process of the product, additional steps are used to purify the protein, theoretically making it safer. Another difference between the two is that the company that makes Jeuveau, Evolus, is only an aesthetic company. This means that Jeuveau is only approved for cosmetic purposes, such as wrinkles. Botox, by Allergan, can be used for multiple reasons other than wrinkles, such as treating hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), chronic migraines, TMJ,  facial slimming. muscular spasms, and medical conditions which involve bladder and bowel disorders.

Botox first became FDA approved for medical purposes, even before being used for cosmetic purposes, while Jeuveau is only FDA approved for treating frown lines (glabellar lines) – the vertical lines that develop between the eyebrows, also referred to as the “11’s”.  Botox, on the other hand, is FDA approved for treating many areas of the face, including frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet and jawline to treat bruxism (teeth grinding). While both Botox and Jeauveau work by the same mechanism and have the same duration, Botox is FDA approved for more cosmetic treatment than Jeauveau does, both medically and cosmetically. Even with the new competitors on the market, Botox still remains the gold standard: it’s safe, it’s effective, and it’s proven.

How does Revance differ from Botox and Dysport?

Revance is a cosmetic treatment classified with the use of daxibotulinumtoxinA, or Daxi, for short. It is similar to Botox and Dysport in that it is classified as a neurotoxin, and it also works as a neuromodulator to affect nerve signals, creating relaxed muscles and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Revance Therepeutics is currently developing Daxi as an alternative to Botox and Dysport that has longer lasting effects, and clinical trials have indicated that this new injectable could have lasting results for longer than six months. Revance is currently in the process of approval by the FDA as a treatment for glabellar lines and frown lines, and there is a lot of excitement and anticipation amongst the dermatology community for the release of this treatment!

Side Effects of Botulinum Toxin injectables

Like any injectable, Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Revance can occasionally cause bruising or swelling at or near the injection site. However, these injectables all have extremely minimal side effects when administered by an expert, board-certified medical professional like Dr. Green.

In fewer than 1% of patients, side effects from botulinum toxin treatments can be more severe, including muscle weakness, dizziness, and allergic reaction. As these risks exist, Dr. Green recommends that these injectables only be administere by certified medical professional.

Combining Botox With Other Cosmetic Treatments

Botox is a very popular and proven treatment to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in a number of different areas, predominantly around the face. One of the great aspects of having Botox is that it is super quick, which means you will be in and out of the practice before you know it. It’s the true definition of a lunchtime treatment!

However, for some individuals, it might be more convenient to have additional treatments alongside Botox when you have already dedicated the time to visit your dermatologist, especially if travel time is quite high or availability quite limited. Many patients combine Botox with dermal fillers such as Juvederm and Sculptra, or laser treatments, such as V-beam laser treatment, Fraxel, or Clear+Brilliant.

A question that we are frequently asked is what treatments can be done alongside Botox at the same time. The short answer is that, while there are a range of treatments available that can be combined and which work well together, there are some procedures that should be avoided, too.  Below are some of the more common combinations we are asked about.

What are dermal fillers vs. Botox cosmetic treatments?

Due to their popularity as cosmetic injectable treatments, many patients wonder, what are fillers vs. Botox? Dermal Fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane and Kybella have become popular due to their ability to combine with Botox injectables in order to create a “liquid facelift” with virtually no downtime. Dermal fillers are mostly created with hyaluronic acid, which is found naturally in the skin. Dermal fillers plump up the skin and replace lost volume, treating nasolabial lines (smile lines), cheeks, lip augmentation, tear trough hollows, and even hand rejuvenation.

What is Juvederm vs. Botox?

When considering what is Botox vs. fillers, it’s useful to compare it to popular dermal fillers such as Juvederm. Juvederm® is a dermal filler that is commonly used to give extra volume to the lips. Juvederm brand dermal fillers, such as Juvederm Volbella, are FDA approved for cosmetic treatment, and are great complementary treatments that can be used alongside Botox. In fact, Juvederm is one of the most common queries mentioned with Botox when it comes to people researching various treatments.

Juvederm is also great at smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, in the cheeks and “smile lines,” so if you’re looking to have Botox in your forehead for treating “frown lines,” then these two treatments can work really well together.

It’s a similar situation for other dermal fillers, depending on the areas an individual is looking to get treated. Belotero Balance® is a treatment that is great at helping to treat areas around the mouth, such as reducing the appearance of smile lines, marionette lines, and vertical lip lines. Again, if you have Botox in another area of the face, Belotero Balance® and Botox can be complimentary.

Kybella is a treatment that is used to help reduce submental fat under the chin. Again, this is a treatment that can be carried out alongside Botox since these procedures are used to treat different areas of the facial region.

Other dermal fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra and Restylane can be used to remove wrinkles and, in some instances, facial scars. Often these treatments are designed to be used in the same treatment areas that Botox is designed to be used in and, since these treatments work in different ways, they can (depending on the individual situation) be used together for greater effect.

In other cases, the treatments are targeted at different areas. For example, when a dermal filler is used to treat some residual acne scarring, and Botox is used to treat forehead wrinkles, the treatments fill different aesthetic needs in order to create an overall youthful and healthy glow. The best course of action is to discuss your skin with Dr. Green to see what combination treatments may fit your individual needs.

Botox and CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive treatment that is designed to reduce fat through the use of cryolipolysis, which some people refer to as ‘fat freezing’. CoolSculpting is generally used in the abdomen, upper arms and neck regions, so this treatment can work well alongside Botox; since they are designed to treat completely different areas, there isn’t any cross over. Additionally, CoolMini, a version of CoolSculpting that targets the neck and chin areas, can often compliment Botox usage as we work on reducing fat and sculpting your facial contours, such as with non-surgical jaw reduction.

25-34 year old man treated with Botox and CoolMini

Botox with Chemical Peels and Hydrafacial

In terms of combining Botox with chemical peels and hydrafacials, it is possible to have a chemical peel and Botox in the same day, but this is determined on a case by case basis.  Lighter chemical peels are generally ok to have with Botox, but with heavier peels or microdermabrasion, it is better to wait a few days after Botox treatment is done in order to avoid irritation to the treatment areas. The chemical peel addresses the problems of pigment and skin textures, while the Botox part of the procedure improves dynamic lines, so it’s best to schedule a treatment plan with Dr. Green that prevents any irritation or undue stress to the skin. Hydrafacials will exfoliate and clean the skin with its amazing vortex technology and leave your skin smooth, clean, and rejuvenated.

Botox and Laser Treatments

We often get asked about Botox and various laser treatments.  One of the most popular combinations is the use of VBeam laser treatment for treating redness and Clear + Brilliant or Fraxel lasers for treating pigmentation and fine lines.

Laser treatments can be carried out on the same area that is treated with Botox without any risk of side effect. You can safely combine Botox injections with any of these non-ablative laser treatments, and have the benefit to additional skin rejuvenation during the same visit to Dr. Green. Since these non-invasive laser treatments have little or no recovery time, they are the perfect treatment to combine at the time of your appointment for Botox injections.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renown board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and an expert in non-invasive cosmetic treatments and procedures. Find out more about the best cosmetic skin rejuvenating procedures by contacting us online, or calling us at 212-535-3088.