Dysport® and Botox® are both FDA approved neuromodulators for cosmetic and medical indications. Both products are derived from the same neurotoxin (Botulinum Toxin Type A). Botox® has become the brand name for cosmetic treatment of wrinkles by neurotoxin and has been available for over 12 years. Dysport®, previously referred to as Reloxin, has been available since 2009.
Botulinum toxin, produces a temporary paralysis or chemodenervation of the muscle by preventing the release and binding of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular receptor. The paralytic effect of Dysport®, as with other derivatives of botulinum toxin like Botox®, produces a relaxation of the underlying muscle with the associated benefit of reducing animation lines and smoothing lines of the overlying skin.
Dysport® and Botox® are injected in similar areas and with similar techniques, though the units are not interchangeable. One unit of Botox® seems to be equivalent to 3 units of Dysport®. Injection techniques are similar though Dysport® does have a greater area of diffusion. This makes the product slightly different to inject with more precaution taken around the glabella and forehead region to stay over a centimeter away from the orbital rim.
- Dr. Trussler in Austin TX was an injector in the two year FDA study of Reloxin (Dysport®).
Dysport® amd Botox® have a similar onset of action, which is approximately 2 days, though Dysport® may have a shorter time to maximal effect. Dysport® does have a powerful effect and is beneficial in the deep and strong brow furrow.
- Dysport® has been shown to be very effective in the crow’s feet area of the cheek and lower eyelid when compared to Botox®.
Both products do last about 3 months and this does relate to the initial dose and location of injection. Dysport® has less bounded protein than Botox® which may make it less susceptible to breakdown which could explain its increase longevity in certain studies.
Complications include with both neuromodulators are similar. Bruising at the injection site can seen and with Dysport® have more diffusion typically there can be less injection points and therefore less chance of bruising. Likewise with more chance of diffusion there is a slightly higher risk of upper eyelid ptosis (drooping) with Dysport®, and this can be limited with proper injection technique.
For more information about neuromodualtors like Dysport® and Botox®, and which neuromodulator is suitable for you, a consultation with Dr. Trussler in his Austin TX plastic surgery office is the next step. Dr. Trussler has significant experience with both Dysport® and Botox® and will review their differences between Botox® and Dysport® to help choose the right neuromodulator for you.
