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Botox vs Dysport - What is the difference?

When you hear the word filler, what comes to mind? 


If you’re new to the world of non-surgical cosmetic treatments, you might have the idea that dermal fillers like Botox and Dysport are synonymous with Hollywood’s overdone faces. 


While that might have been true 15, or even 20 years ago, we’re pleased to share that today’s treatments (especially the ones we offer in our North Vancouver cosmetic clinic) offer a much more natural result. 


In 2020 around 3.5 million Botox treatments were delivered in the US alone. More and more are seeing the benefits of injectables for natural-looking youth maintenance and aging prevention. So subtle have injectables become, that when you go to a reputable clinic - most won’t even know you’ve had work done at all.


Injectables can give you a youthful, refreshed look, without outrageous price tags or painful procedures.  

What are injectables?


Injectables are essentially neurotoxins deposited into targeted areas via a needle or cannula. The goal is to improve overall appearance through the neurotoxins’ ability to relax the targeted muscles. Injectables have the unique ability to give back that plump and smooth look to your skin without the need for invasive surgeries. 


In practice, this could mean anything from smoothing those pesky crows' feet to filling in hollowed under-eye areas.

What is Botox?


Botox is an FDA-approved injectable neurotoxin sourced from the bacteria Clostridium Botulinum and has been used as a beauty treatment since 1989. Years of science-backed research and testing have proven it to be incredibly safe if properly administered.  


Made in part from ONA molecules, Botox is a perfect choice for stronger muscles or areas needing more intense work. Most commonly treated areas using Botox include:


  • Frown lines (11s)
  • Forehead wrinkles
  • Nose wrinkles (bunny lines)
  • Eye wrinkles (crow’s feet)
  • Undereye hollows (tear through)
  • Hooded eyes and eyebrow area
  • Chin dimples
  • Mouth lines (lipstick lines)
  • Jawline (teeth grinding)

It’s also useful to know that results tend to be visible within two to three days post-injection. 


Fun fact - Botox was the first-ever FDA-approved injectable to hit the market. 


What is Dysport?


Dysport, in contrast to Botox, is made from ABO molecules that are significantly smaller. This means that you’ll find Dysport being used in areas that take up more surface, and in cases that are milder to treat. 


Also FDA-approved, Dysport can show results as fast as 24hs post-treatment. This is because by having such small molecules, the time it takes for them to mold to muscle receptors is quicker. From there, it can quickly block the extra muscle activity that is causing your wrinkles.


Some of the most commonly treated areas using Dysport include:


  • Frown lines (11s)
  • Forehead wrinkles
  • Eye wrinkles (crow’s feet)
  • Mouth lines (lipstick lines)

So, what’s the difference?


The biggest difference is between their ability to stay in one place versus expanding into the surrounding areas. Botox is a much stronger injectable type and doesn’t tend to move much from where it was deposited. Dysport on the other hand has a thinner consistency and will migrate after placement. 

Who is a good candidate for each?


This would depend more on what you’re overall objective is. Most people will benefit from both Dysport and Botox, but the right one for you will be directly linked to the type of wrinkle or hollow area you’re targeting. 


However, an ideal candidate would be anyone between the ages of 18 and 64. Being in overall good health is also a deciding factor. Injectables might not be for you as well if you have or have had any of the following:


  • Previous facial surgeries
  • Facial muscles that are considered weak
  • Lack of facial symmetry
  • Intense skin scarring
  • Are pregnant or lactating
  • Are taking muscle spasm medication

How long does Botox last Vs Dysport?


Due to the chemical composition of each injectable, they have slightly different timelines when it comes to staying in your body. While both will eventually metabolize and need to be toped up you can expect to only need to see your injector once every 6 months on average.


Botox tends to last approximately 4-6 months depending on your metabolism. First-timers might also find that they need to come back faster than those who have been using Botox for longer. On a similar note, Dysport lasts up to 5 months before needing to be reinjected. 


On top of that, how much you work out can also affect how long injectables stay in your body. This is because we contract our facial muscles much harder when doing strenuous activity, which can cause the muscles to dissolve the filler faster. The more you work out, the more you contract. And the more that happens the more you’ll have to retouch the work. 

Are there any side effects?


As with all procedures such as injectables, side effects do exist. The good news is that they’re either very much manageable, or they’re very uncommon. Some of those side effects include:


  • Headaches
  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Droopy muscles
  • Nausea
  • Irritated nose or throat

If performed by a professionally trained medical practitioner, the chances of these side effects happening decrease significantly. 

So, which one is right for you?


Both Dysport and Botox and excellent choices when it comes to picking an injectable. The most important point is to know what you’re looking to treat, and how each injectable can help you achieve that goal. Botox is great for smaller areas and more intense wrinkles like the ones between your eyebrows, while Dysport works better for larger areas such as your undereye hollows.


While doing your own research is imperative to understand what you would be administering into your body, it’s always helpful to consult with a professional if you have any bigger doubts. 


Botox and Dysport North Vancouver 


If you’re curious about starting your journey toward more naturally youthful skin… we’d love to help you. 


NEXX MD is a boutique cosmetic clinic in North Vancouver’s Edgemont Village specializing in non-surgical aesthetic medicine like Botox and Dysport. Our clients also love to visit to experience luxurious beauty treatments IPL PhotoFacials and Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy and essentials like Botox, Microneedling, and Dermal Fillers. 


Book a consultation today.



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