Botox & Dysport (both botulinum toxin type A products) are the most common aesthetic procedures performed in the US. Although different companies make the products, the only significant difference between the two products is the manufacturing process. The products work almost identically for our patients, and where this is a slight benefit to one over the other, the edge goes to Dysport.
Dysport was FDA approved in 2010 and has attracted a strong following in a very short period of time. Prior to the debut of Dysport, Botox was the only FDA approved botulinum toxin “type A” product available to patients for cosmetic and medicinal purposes.
To accurately represent Dysport, we would like to dispel any rumors that patients may have heard. Many consumers and patients do not understand that both Dysport and Botox are made from the same chemical compound. Comparing the two is like comparing a Macintosh apple grown in Oregon with a Macintosh apple grown in Washington State. They are still both Macintosh apples, only the location is different. In a similar manner, the only difference between Dysport and Botox is the manufacturing process. The reason the process is different is so that Medicis, the makers of Dysport, does not infringe upon Botox’s patent.
So which product is better? We take the position that one is not superior to the other. Dysport and Botox both have an excellent track record for effectiveness and safety, with Dysport having been widely used in Europe for well over a decade before obtaining FDA approval in the US. At Celibre, the main difference is that now consumers and practitioners have a choice. We are pleased that consumers now have an alternative to Botox and also have two companies competing for their business. This choice has created an opportunity for patients to be offered competitive rebates and pricing by both manufacturers and Medicis in particular has been very aggressive about promoting Dysport and rewarding patients that switch over to it.
In fact, last year Medicis ran a promotion for Dysport called “love it or leave it” where they provided a rebate to all Botox users willing to try Dysport. 97% of those patients that tried Dysport decided to stick with it, a huge % given the similarity of the products.
While most patients are aware of the financial incentive to use Dysport, we have also found through research and our own in-house trials that both Dysport and Botox have the same effects, duration, and outcomes. Although not a significant selling point, the majority of Dysport users will confirm that Dysport has an earlier onset vs. Botox. Another slight difference between the two products is that the forehead muscle tends to require less product when using Dysport which has led to a savings for the patient vs. Botox.
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Botox and Dysport Techniques
Apart from the question of which product is better, Dysport and Botox are used in very similar ways. If we divide the face into 3 sections, we have the upper third, middle third, and lower third. By using Botox and Dysport in the upper and lower thirds of the face, patients can achieve a dramatic but natural appearance for a duration of 3 to 4 months. In many cases, those that are consistent users of Botox and Dysport are able to sustain outcomes and/or require less product as the facial muscles begin to hold onto benefits much longer.
Botox and Dysport treatments for the upper third of the face include:
Frown Lines Forehead Lines Brow Lift
Botox and Dysport treatments for the middle third of the face include:
Crows Feet
Botox and Dysport treatments for the lower third of the face include:
Smoker’s Lines Mouth Rejuvenation Pebble Chin
Botox vs. Dysport Pricing
Unfortunately, many consumers shop only for the best price per unit when looking for Dysport or Botox. Although price is important factor for us all, our patients tell us that their final results outweigh all other factors when making their decision. We’ve had several Celibre patients search for cheap Botox prices and they always come back after learning about the inferior service and results at other practices that are selling discount Botox or Dysport.
What many bargain hunters don’t understand is that, often those offering discount Botox or Dsyport are obtaining their products illegally from other countries like Mexico. Not only does this call into question the validity of the product, but it violates current laws and regulations. If your physician is going to cut corners on your Botox or Dysport, how else is he/she going to cut corners with you?
Our final point in relation to price is that we have found that many offices that offer cheap Botox or Dysport actually inject more units than are necessary. This makes sense because if you drop the cost per unit of the product, then you would have to inject more units to make up for the loss. Ultimately, this means the consumer, even though the price per unit is cheaper, may be paying the same amount for their injections.
Botox vs. Dysport Summary
Whether you choose Botox or Dysport, both are equal in all ways when it comes to safety and efficacy. With this understanding, the goal is to find a skilled practitioner that works to develop an effective and individualized treatment plan for you.