BOTOX® – $10 per unit
A combination of factors can cause facial lines. It’s not just about the cellular changes that may occur, or reduction of collagen, or damage caused by free radicals from the sun and the environment.
Repeated muscle contractions from frowning, squinting, or raising eyebrows cause the skin to furrow and fold, gradually resulting in the formation of facial lines. BOTOX® Cosmetic works beneath the surface and temporarily reduces the underlying muscle activity that causes moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines in adults – to help them look visibly smoother.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BOTOX & DYSPORT?
Botox is the brand name for a specific type A botulinum toxin, called onabotulinumtoxinA (ONA). Dysport is the brand name for another type A botulinum toxin, called abobotulinumtoxinA (ABO). Botox was first approved for cosmetic use in 2002, and Dysport in 2009.
The main differences between Botox and Dysport are:
- They both work by blocking nerve signals to the muscles but are manufactured differently and their resulting nontoxic proteins cause them to have different potencies and possibly differences in their duration or onset of effect.
- Most studies have used a ratio of 2.5:1, meaning 25 units of Dysport have approximately the same action as 10 units of Botox. Some studies have suggested that Dysport works quicker, lasts longer, and hurts less than Botox; however, these results should be interpreted with caution and in some instances, the trials were sponsored by the manufacturer of Dysport.
- Both Dysport and Botox are FDA approved for cosmetic indications; to treat cervical dystonia and spasticity in adults; and upper and lower limb spasticity in adolescents and children aged 2 and older. Botox is also approved to treat chronic migraine; excessive sweating; bladder dysfunction and urinary incontinence associated with certain neurological conditions; blepharospasm; and strabismus.
- Even though Botox and Dysport are both types A botulinum toxins, their nontoxic protein content is different due to differences in their manufacturing. This means that there are several similarities but slight differences between the two products.
SHOULD I GET BOTOX OR DYSPORT?
Both Dysport and Botox are considered safe and effective for the temporary treatment of moderate to severe wrinkles. The effects of Dysport may show up sooner, but Botox may last longer. Follow-up injections are necessary to maintain the results you want.
