Botox® and Dysport® Injections

Botox® and Dysport® are botulinum toxin treatments that minimize or reverse wrinkle formation. These treatments temporarily weaken or paralyze various muscles of the face. They act to relax the muscles that produce dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are those wrinkles caused by the activity of the facial muscles (e.g., frowning, squinting, smiling, and raising eyebrows).

How Botox® and Dysport® Work

Facial wrinkles occur either due to the action of facial muscles on the skin or from a combination of other factors (sun exposure, genetics, smoking, etc.). With treatment, as various facial muscles are weakened or paralyzed, the overlying skin relaxes. This subsequently decreases the depth of existing wrinkles or prevents future wrinkles from forming.

Botox® and Dysport® are well-tolerated in the office, with few to no side effects experienced by most patients.

Difference Between Botox® and Dysport®

Botox® and Dysport® are both muscle relaxants approved by the FDA for cosmetic use. Botox® is the registered trademark of the toxin produced by Allergan, and Dysport® is the registered trademark name of the toxin produced by Galderma.

Both have the same active ingredient, Botulinum Type A, but the major difference is in the level of concentration in each product. Dysport® is more diluted than Botox®, and it spreads faster, especially over larger surface areas like the forehead and frown lines with just a few injections.

Botox® works well for frown lines, lip lines, crow’s feet, and other fine wrinkles. Its concentration is higher, and it is slow-moving. Your dermatology provider will decide which product is best suited for your needs.

Indications for Use

Botox® and Dysport® are used primarily to treat frown lines, crow’s feet, and/or forehead lines. They may also be used to treat vertical lip lines, gummy smiles, horizontal neck bands (for some patients), the fullness of the masseter muscles to slim the jawline, and the droopy outer corners of the mouth.

Botox® and Dysport® are administered with very small needles, which allow for a relatively fast and painless injection.

Botox® or Dysport® Consultations

During your consultation, your clinician will ask you several questions about

• Your medical history
• Any medications you may be taking, including any over-the-counter medications
• Any medical conditions, including muscle or nerve conditions
• Your plans for future surgeries
• Your aesthetic goals

For women, you should let your clinician know if you are currently pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

You should also let your clinician know if you have had any other botulinum toxin treatment in the last 4 months.

After a thorough review of your medical history, your clinician will determine if Botox® or Dysport® is right for you and, if so, discuss your treatment goals and perform a facial analysis.