BY YVETTE GONZALEZ, RN, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Difference between Botox and Dysport

I find that many of my patients do not fully understand what Onabotulism is and what it actually does. Much less the difference between Botox and Dysport.

So, let’s start with the basics. Botox and Dysport are brands of injectable neurotoxins that are used in the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles. A neuro…what? Neurotoxin is the classification of the bacteria that causes the effect of the relaxation of the muscles in the face that patients are seeking when they get Botox, Dysport, or other neurotoxin injectables.

Botox vs. Dysport

What are the differences between Botox and Dysport then? Dysport is made of abobotulinumtoxin A.
Botox is made of onabotulinumtoxin A.

Both contain a very minute amount of Botulism toxin which helps to prevent muscle contractions when it is injected into the muscles of the face. The purpose is to cause a relaxation of that muscle and therefore, improve the visual appearance of rhytids (wrinkles). However, there are some differences between these two brands of this injectable.
Dysport tends to spread a little more readily than Botox, therefore, the injector must be careful not to overdose certain areas on the patient’s face and cause eyelid ptosis or other undesirable effects. Dysport also has smaller molecules and therefore will take effect more quickly than Botox will. Botox is good for injecting small areas as it does not spread and is less likely to flow into other areas.

However, how long each product lasts depends on the dose. The higher the number of units a patient receives of the product, then the longer the product should last. Contraindications What are important contraindications to be aware of with both injectables? If a person has a cow’s milk allergy, they should not be using Dysport as this can cause an allergic reaction in them. Also, for both injectables, a person should not be on any blood thinners before the treatment takes place. Each patient should consult with their doctor before they stop or make any changes in their blood thinners as this can be life-threatening.

The patient should also consult with their doctor before engaging in any neurotoxin injectables if they have any of the following conditions: Myasthenia Gravis, Hepatitis, Eye disease, Autoimmune diseases, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Lambert-Eaton Syndrome, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Neurological Disorders, numbness, weakness, facial paralysis, allergy to any of the components of Botox of Dysport.

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