The anti-aging industry is growing at a rapid rate, which is good news for anyone who wants options when it comes to treating the signs of aging. At Boulder Plastic Surgery in Boulder, CO, we offer both Botox and Dysport, two muscle-relaxing injectables that can smooth expression lines to help you maintain your youthful appearance.
What Is the Difference Between Botox and Dysport?
Both of these cosmetic injectables qualify as neuromodulators. They’re designed to combat aging by smoothing away those expression lines that form on the upper half of the face. While they both accomplish the same goal the same way, there are some differences between the two. Both provide an effective way to target and treat expression lines, but they have different concentrations. Dysport is more diluted than Botox, which affects the patient dosage and the results.
Both of these injectables provide an effective way to smooth wrinkles. One may be a better option for some patients based on their goals, their planned treatment areas, and the kind of results they want to achieve.
What Is Botox?
Botox is one of the oldest cosmetic injectables that has been treating expression lines for over 20 years. It is FDA-approved to treat frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. It has some off-label uses but is most commonly used to smooth those lines that form on the upper half of the face from a lifetime of expressions.
What Is Dysport?
This cosmetic injectable is also a wrinkle relaxing neuromodulator, but it is only FDA-approved to treat frown lines, those grooves that form between your eyebrows and take on the shape of the number 11. These frown lines can range from light to severe, but they can make you look angry or much older than you are, regardless of their severity.
The Main Difference: Ingredient Concentration and Dosage
The main difference between these two neuromodulators lies in their ingredients. Both work to relax the muscles by inhibiting the communication between the nerve signals and the muscles. Once that communication is interrupted, the muscles will no longer contract, and expression lines will fade.
Dysport’s formulation is a little bit more diluted than Botox, which means if you choose it to treat your frown lines, you may need more units than you would Botox. However, its diluted formula still enables it to effectively address wrinkles without changing how your face looks or moves. You will still be able to express as normal, but those expressions will be softened.
Which Is Better?
Both of these neurotoxins are effective at treating wrinkles. Which is right for you will depend on the areas you want to treat and the kind of results you want to achieve. Those who want to soften their frown lines without changing anything else about their face may be the best candidates for Dysport. Those who want to treat multiple areas of their face with expression lines may benefit from a treatment plan with Botox.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Results Can I Expect From Each Treatment?
When you begin a treatment plan with Dysport, you will get natural-looking results since the ingredients are more diluted than Botox. However, that doesn’t mean that Botox won’t deliver natural results. The results are just different. When you come in for your initial consultation, we can give you more details about how each of these cosmetic injectables will affect your expressions.
In the end, both are a good choice if you want to smooth expression lines and get natural-looking results. We will help determine which areas of your face will benefit from either one of these injectables.
How Soon Will I See Results?
If you choose Botox to address the different signs of aging on the upper half of your face, you can expect to see results within one to two weeks of your initial treatment. If you choose to use Dysport to address frown lines between your eyes, your results will appear a little quicker. You’ll notice an improvement in those frown lines within two to four days of your initial injection.
Should I Be Worried About Tolerance?
Tolerance is something that happens when you use a specific neuromodulator for an extended period of time. It happens when your body gets used to the ingredients, and they are no longer as effective as they once were.
Tolerance doesn’t affect all patients, but it does affect some, and it’s completely manageable. If you experience tolerance, we can alternate both of these injectables to help your body keep your body guessing so that it doesn’t build up a tolerance to the product.
How Long Will Results Last?
Both of these injectables last for approximately the same amount of time. Results will last anywhere from three to six months. Typically, patients come in for touch-up treatments after three to four months of their treatment. To maintain a wrinkle-free appearance, you must commit to regular follow-up treatments to avoid the return of your expression lines.
What Can I Expect From the Treatment Process?
Both of these injections are administered the same way. The treatment process is almost identical. When you undergo a Botox treatment, your injector will administer it into one of the muscle groups in the upper half of your face. The exact location will depend on whether you choose to treat crow’s feet, frown lines, or forehead lines.
When you undergo a Dysport injection, your injector will administer the product to five different points around your eyebrow area. These are strategic treatment sites that help effectively relax the muscles that cause frown lines yet help you retain your natural appearance and your ability to express and move your face. Both products take approximately 10 to 20 minutes to inject.
How Should I Prepare for My Treatment?
Once you schedule this treatment, you won’t have to follow a lengthy list of instructions to prepare your skin. You should, however, avoid aspirin or ibuprofen for 48 hours before your injections. Also, you should arrive with a clean face free of makeup or products.
Is There Any Downtime?
You won’t have to plan around downtime with either of these injectables, but you will need to follow some instructions to ensure you get the best results. Once your injections are administered, you must refrain from exercise for 24 hours. You will also need to avoid touching your treatment areas for 48 hours. When you schedule your appointment, plan to have enough time in the day to remain upright for four hours.
How Many Units Will I Need?
Since Dysport is more diluted than Botox, you may require more units to achieve your desired results. Botox is more concentrated, so you may need fewer units. It will depend on the area you choose to treat and your ultimate goals. An injector will evaluate your problem areas during your consultation to provide you with a better idea of exactly how many units you will need to achieve results.
Can I Combine These Neuromodulators With Other Treatments?
Both of these injectables can be used separately or simultaneously. They can also be used in conjunction with dermal fillers and other cosmetic injectables designed to enhance the features and address aging. Dermal fillers pair well with neuromodulators because they restore volume to areas that neuromodulators cannot correct.
Both of these neuromodulators will relax the muscles in the upper half of the face responsible for your dynamic wrinkles. At the same time, dermal fillers will restore volume in the middle and lower half of your face to address hollow areas and skin laxity. If you want a comprehensive treatment plan designed to target the signs of aging on both the upper and lower half of your face, we can create a plan that will do just that.
Am I a Candidate?
The best candidates for neuromodulators are those who have expression lines on the upper half of their faces. If you have frown lines, you may be a good candidate for either injectable. If you have crow’s feet or forehead lines, Botox can help smooth away those wrinkles. One of our expert injectors can help determine if you are a treatment candidate during your initial consultation.
Erase a Lifetime of Expression Lines
Both of these injectables will deliver some amazing results. They can erase a lifetime of expression lines in just one treatment. If you’re ready to say goodbye to lines and wrinkles, we’re ready to help you do just that. Contact us today at Boulder Plastic Surgery in Boulder, CO, and schedule your consultation to find out which of these injectables is right for you.