These days, with so many cosmetic injectables on the market, it seems like everyone is asking questions like “What is the difference between Botox and Dysport?” Well, these two neurotoxin-based injectables are both great for softening and even totally getting rid of forehead wrinkles, but knowing how and why they work is the only way to decide which one rules the roost. 

At SEV Laser, we take the time to introduce your options and help you understand the differences between them, so you can make an informed decision between Dysport and Botox. In this blog, we’ll discuss the two, review the pros and cons of Botox and Dysport, compare unit costs, and which might be the better option for forehead wrinkles.

Pros and Cons of Botox and Dysport

Botox and Dysport work because they are neuromodulators, meaning that they block signals to the brain from the nerves and muscles in the face. They cause a very targeted and localized paralysis of the muscles that pull at your facial skin when you make different expressions, which is why they’re able to so effectively reduce wrinkles and fine lines from frowning, smiling, laughing, or squinting. 

Botox Pros and Cons

Botox, also known as onabotulinumtoxinA, is a purified neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It has been used as a cosmetic injectable since 2002 when it was first approved by the FDA for treating vertical lines between the eyebrows. Additional aesthetic use approvals quickly followed, and today Botox remains the most widely used injectable in the USA. 

Because Botox injections are highly targeted and precise, they’re ideal for addressing specific fine lines and wrinkles, like crows feet or forehead lines. However, Botox can take effect more slowly and wear off sooner than Dysport. It typically takes 10-30 units of Botox to correct major horizontal wrinkles that extend across the forehead, with additional units for other areas, like between the brows.

Dysport Pros and Cons

Dysport, known as abobotulinumtoxinA, is a neurotoxin produced by the same bacteria as Botox. It was approved for aesthetic use for vertical lines between the eyes lines in 2009, and as with Botox, more approvals soon followed. Dysport is just as safe as Botox, and may even have some advantages.

Some injectors find that Dysport is thinner and spreads out more broadly across the area being injected. This “diffusibility” means that larger areas like the forehead can be treated more effectively. Dysport may also have faster results and last longer than Botox.

However, when it comes to Dysport units and Botox units, Dysport units are smaller, which means that more units are frequently needed for similar treatments. 

Key Differences Between Botox and Dysport

Make sure to consider the differences between Botox and Dysport prior to your treatment, but be open to your nurse’s advice as well. Your nurse injector at SEV will be able to give you a more in-depth explanation to help you explore your options. You can also explore our previous Botox vs Dysport showdown. 

Onset of Results

First up: What’s the difference between Botox and Dysport when it comes to visible effects? Or, how long does it take for results to show up? In this contest, Dysport is the winner: It has a faster onset than Botox. Dysport can often start taking hold within just a couple of days, and can reach full visible wrinkle reduction within 10 days, while Botox usually takes 5-7 days to start taking hold and at least 2 weeks for maximum results. 

Diffusion and Spread

As mentioned, Dysport can spread a little more, covering a larger area. For forehead wrinkles, this can be a huge advantage. Injections can be spaced a little further apart, and the spread will connect the dots, relaxing long wrinkles like horizontal lines in the forehead.

Botox stays more localized, allowing for precise targeting for tinier, more complex wrinkles like those around the eyes, commonly known as crows feet. In this head to head comparison, Dysport wins for diffusion and spread, but Botox wins for more precise injections in delicate areas. 

For either injectable to create the best results, it’s imperative you work with an experienced injector who knows exactly how each treatment behaves. 

Longevity and Effectiveness

So, what’s the difference between Dysport and Botox when it comes to how long your results can be expected to last? Once again, Dysport wins by a small margin, often lasting up to five months as opposed to Botox, which usually lasts up to 4 months.

Of course, there are many factors that influence how long the effects last, including the strength of the muscles causing your forehead wrinkles, how your body metabolizes neurotoxins, and how many units are used. If you’ve been having repeated injections every few months for a couple of years, you may also notice that your results last longer thanks to reduced muscle strength.

Dosage and Unit Conversion

An important factor when discussing the difference in Dysport and Botox is the difference in potency between units of Dysport and units of Botox. At SEV, typical unit conversion ratios are approximately two units of Dysport equal to one single unit of Botox. 

A treatment that might only require 40 units of Botox might take anywhere from 100-120 units of Dysport. This difference in Dysport and Botox units can affect overall cost of treatment, since Botox costs more per unit, but may require fewer units.

Cost of Botox and Dysport

When you’re discussing the cost of Dysport and Botox, make sure you and your injector are talking the same language. There will be a price per unit, a number of units needed for treatments, and a total treatment cost. The number of units you’ll need depends on which areas you’re having treated and the severity of your wrinkles. 

Since the ratio between Dysport units and Botox units is around 2.5 or 3 to 1, a Botox treatment usually requires a much smaller number of units than Dysport. 

This can make the Botox and Dysport cost discussion confusing, but for the most part, treating the same area with either Dysport or Botox will result in a similar overall cost. The best thing to do is to ask for a final treatment total plus a breakdown! At SEV Laser, we’re committed to transparent prices. During your consultation, we’ll be happy to share with you your cost per unit, number of units to be used, and total cost. 

Side Effects and Safety

Now it’s time to talk seriously for a minute. When asking “what is the difference between Dysport and Botox?” you want to be sure you’re choosing the safest option as well as the most effective. 

Common side effects of both types of neuromodulators include mild bruising, swelling, redness, and temporary minimal weakness of your facial muscles in the treated area. This can be disconcerting but should go away quickly. You might feel more immediate side effects from Dysport since it works faster.

Rare but serious risks include allergic reactions (massive swelling, bright red rash or hives), trouble swallowing, or trouble breathing. These side effects are extremely uncommon but can happen, and might occur hours or days after treatment. They’re more likely to occur with high medical doses of Botox or Dysport, as opposed to the small doses used for cosmetic purposes. 

The safety profiles for Botox and Dysport are similar. Both are FDA approved for treating fine lines and wrinkles across various areas of the face. Botox is also used to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and chronic headaches, while Dysport is used to treat cervical dystonia (muscle spasms in the neck.)

Treating Forehead Wrinkles in Men and Women

When choosing a neuromodulator like Dysport and Botox for forehead wrinkles, it’s important to take facial structure into account. Men and women may require different approaches when it comes to injectables, and your provider should have the knowledge and experience to explain why.

Men typically have lower, heavier brows, thicker skin, and larger muscles. This means that higher doses of Botox or Dysport are required to achieve the same level of relaxation as a female patient. 

While most women aim for a smoother, younger appearance, Botox injections for men often focus on softening forehead wrinkles to create a natural, masculine look that still reflects maturity. Of course, each person can have slightly different goals regardless of gender! To ensure you achieve the precise results you want, it’s important to work with a provider like the nurse injectors at SEV, who’ll make sure they understand your needs and desires when designing your injection plan. 

Which One is Better for Forehead Wrinkles?

Your skin type, muscle strength, and treatment goals will all factor into whether you choose Botox or Dysport for your forehead lines. If you have deep lines and strong muscles that have been pulling your forehead into creases for years, Dysport is probably the better option. If you’re younger and have just a few light wrinkles, or are older with weaker facial muscles, Botox could be a better fit.

Remember that results will wear off. You’ll need to repeat Dysport treatment every three to six months and Botox treatment every three to four months to maintain results. Over time, you can space treatments further apart; you’ll easily be able to tell when your wrinkles start to reappear.

Ready to investigate the difference between Botox and Dysport for forehead wrinkles? Book an appointment with a skilled injector at SEV today. We’ll help you evaluate your options and make the best choice for you!