As far as anti-wrinkle treatments go Botox® is the household name, it is the original product on the market, and has become a generic term. I was trained initially with Botox®. However I found it slightly limiting having only one brand available for use with my clients, and I will explain why I chose to add Dysport® into my practice. I will also explain what the differences are between the two.
Firstly “What’s the difference?”
- Both brands work by a very similar mechanisms of action. To keep things very simple, at the site of injection, the drug blocks the signal between the nerves and the muscle, so the muscle can’t cause wrinkles for a period of time.
- Dysport® and Botox® units are not equal, the ratio of Dysport® to Botox® units is generally 2.5:1 (2.5 times more Dysport® units per 1 unit of Botox®).
- The active ingredient (Botulinum toxin A) is the exact same in both medications, however the protein structure surrounding each molecule is slightly different.
- Regardless of which product you use, full effect still takes two weeks. The effects of Botox® are usually noticed within 3-5 days. There are some clinical studies suggesting Dysport® can show results as early as two days. I will stress at this point that, from my experience, what is true for one client will be different for another.
- The effects of Botox® and Dysport® both last about the same amount of time, up to 4 months. Clinical studies have shown that the quantity of the active Botulinum Toxin A injected determines the duration of action, rather than whether it was Botox® or Dysport® injected.
- You may have heard that Dysport® spreads slightly further from the site of injection than Botox® does. This is a myth, particularly when applying the products recommended dilutions. However we do know that both products can spread from the site of injection. We also know this risk is higher as the dose increases.
Secondly “Why did I choose to add Dysport® into my clinical practice?”
- It’s cost effective. Dysport® has a slightly lower price point to the provider, therefore those savings can be passed on to the client. At Ivy Clinic a treatment of Dysport® can save you up to $60 per treatment. Not a huge difference, but over the course of a year that can add up.
- Dysport® is the second most popular choice of treatment worldwide and some clients prefer it, so I wanted to be able to offer it.
- I have used both products myself and enjoy the effects of each. As I said earlier, I have found that everyone is different and so what works best for one person won’t necessarily be the best for another. Personally I find it beneficial to have both options in my tool belt.
At the end of the day there is no right or wrong choice. Try both, preferably from the same injector, and see what you think. Anytime I treat someone for the first time, with either Botox® or Dysport®, I will do a 2 week follow up to ensure we have achieved the perfect dose for you.
Best Wishes
Kaylie
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Kaylie Harrison, Cosmetic Registered Nurse, Director Ivy Clinic
Kaylie has been a Registered Nurse since 2000 Graduating from Otago University, specialising in Intensive Care and Theatre Recovery in later years. Having travelled extensively, Kaylie is now very happily settled in beautiful Queenstown with her husband and two children. Kaylie’s extensive training, safety focus, eye for detail and high standards is what makes her so passionate about cosmetic medicine. With the desire to provide an excellent service Kaylie became a co-founder and director of Ivy Clinic. Getting natural-looking results is what she is known for, but going the extra mile is why people keep coming back to see her. She is available for appointments five days a week discuss all your appearance medicine, injectable and anti-ageing needs.
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Bonaparte, J. P., Ellis, D., Quinn, J. G., Ansari, M. T., Rabski, J., & Kilty, S. J. (2013). A comparative assessment of three formulations of botulinum toxin A for facial rhytides: a systematic review and meta-analyses. Systematic Reviews, 2, 40. http://doi.org/10.1186/2046-4053-2-40
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Botox® is a prescription medicine for the treatment of frown lines, horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet round the eyes. Botox® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Botox is right for you. If you have side effects see your doctor. You will need to pay for Botox® and clinic fees will apply. For details on precautions & side effects consult your healthcare professional or the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) at www.medsafe.govt.nz. Botox® treatment lasts about 4 months and further courses of treatment may be necessary. Should only be administered by trained medical professionals. (contains botulinum toxin A 50,100 & 200 units) Allergan (NZ) Limited, Auckland.
DYSPORT® (Clostridium botulinum type A toxin-haemagglutinin complex, 500 IPSEN units) is a Prescription Medicine for the treatment of vertical frown lines between the eyebrows. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. DYSPORT® has risks and benefits. For more information, talk to your healthcare professional or read the Consumer Medicine Information available at www.medsafe.govt.nz. Ask your specialist if DYSPORT® is right for you. Always follow your specialist’s instructions. If you experience side effects and they concern you, see your healthcare professional. You will need to pay for DYSPORT® and for the administration and consultation charges. Galderma c/o Healthcare Logistics 58 Richard Pearse Drive Airport Oaks, Auckland, New Zealand. 0800 174 104
