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Dysport Vs. Botox - What's the Difference?

asked 3 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Gilbert Lee, MD
Question viewed 223,295 times
Tags: comparison

How is Dysport different from Botox? Is it cheaper? Is it better?

32 answers to Dysport Vs. Botox - What's the Difference?

+7

Dysport - new competition for Botox?

The word Botox has become a part of our everyday lexicon. With over 3 million Botox procedures performed in the US alone last year, ever increasing applications of the "wonder drug" and increasing consumer demand and awareness of its inherent safety profile, there is no question that Botox has secured its place in every aesthetic Physician's medication fridge. The last few months however have produced an increasing number of reports that Botox may finally be presented with... more
Kamran Jafri, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
+4

Botox Battles Latest Contender: Dysport

Dysport may be new in the U.S. (on the market since only April, 2009), but it has been battling Botox head to head in Europe and elsewhere for several years already. Here's what we know so far about the battle of these big boys in the nonsurgical esthetic arena: Both Botox and Dysport are botulinum toxin type A proteins and work in a similar fashion. Dysport may be minimally less expensive, but not enough so to make any significant difference cost-wise to the consumer. Dosing is... more
Nelson L. Novick, MD

New York Dermatologic Surgeon
+4

Dysport and Botox Same but Different

Both are the same product botulinum toxin A, a derived proteitn that works by relaxing targeted muscles. The Dysport protein is slighlty smaller so it works quicker. The differences I have seen and that are reported in the literatue include a faster onset and a cheaper price... We are getting the product cheaper so we can pass it on to the patient. Botox prices have gone up every year and now we have an equivalent or perhaps better product (initial studies showed it lasting at least 4... more
Shawn Allen, MD

Boulder Dermatologist
+4

Options at last!

Dysport was FDA-approved for use in the US on April 30, 2009. At last, we have options for injectable wrinkle treatment! Dysport was originally to be marketed in the US under the name "Reloxin", but the FDA decided that the original name should be used and did not allow the new name. Dysport and Botox are made by different companies, but they have the same basic structure and they work in the same way. There are some slight differences between the two: 1. Dysport "kicks... more
Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+3

Dysport vs Botox

Botox and Dysport should be thought of as being essentially the same. In most double blinded control studies both the patient and the injecting doctor could not tell them apart. Some physician injectors (myself included) believe that Dysport's effects spread out a little further than Botox and, in the right locations, can be used as an advantage. The cost to physicians for Dysport is slightly less than Botox but most doctor's offices (mine included) charge the same price... more
Mitchell Schwartz, MD

South Burlington Dermatologic Surgeon
+3

What is the difference between Botox and Dysport

Botox and Dysport are both Botulinum Toxin A but are made by different companies. Botox has been available for longer, but Dysport is now FDA approved and has been found to be as effective and safe as Botox. It is a bit different to use from a physician standpoint, but for the patients it is pretty much the same as Botox. Best yet, Dysport is less expensive for the same effect. This is the great thing about competition.
Elizabeth Lee, MD

Bay Area Plastic Surgeon
+3

Dysport vs Botox

This is a hot topic because Dysport is soon likely to receive FDA approval and be widely available. Dysport is currently being used in Europe. Dysport consists of the same basic ingredient as Botox which is Botlulinum Toxin A. This would be similar to asking what is the basic difference between Bayer Aspirin, Bufferin, Excedrin, Anacin, etc.? The answer is that they are all basically the same: Aspirin. In a recent study, Dysport was shown to last of equal duration during multiple injections.... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Dysport compared to Botox.

Dysport and Botox have the same basic neurotoxin, which is serotype A.  The difference is the protein that wraps around the neurotoxin.  The FDA trials all show similar efficacy and side effect profiles.
Benjamin Bassichis, MD

Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Dysport is better in my eyes.

Dysport is FDA approved and works great. I essentially use it exclusively. Here's why 1. Dysport takes effect in 24-48h. Compare to Botox - 4-7 days 2. Dysport last 4 months, compare to 3 months for Botox 3. Dysport is cheaper!!!!
Raghu Athre, MD

Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Dysport and Botox, Seem to Be About the Same

I have been using Botox for 10 years and Dysport for about 6 months. Clinically, they both make the muscle stop moving when used in appropriate doses. I do see Dysport taking affect quicker, about one day. I have not perceived any difference in longevity, about 3 to 5 months. Dysport is slightly less expensive and has been running a rebate for $75 which makes it even less expensive. You need to realize that a Botox "unit" and a Dysport "unit" are two different... more
Louis W. Apostolakis, MD

Austin Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Botox vs. Dysport

We have observed several differences between Botox and Dysport in the short time we have been using Dysport. We have only been using Dysport for about 4 months so these are subject to change. Dysport typically has a bit faster onset, but the difference is measured in hours (24 or so faster for Dysport) so this is not an appreciable factor. Dysport seems to work better in the forehead with quicker onset and less units used. Maybe because the product has a higher propensity for diffusion... more
Harold J. Kaplan, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Botox wars

There is no doubt that the BoNTxAs are here to stay, in the armentarium of the cosmetic provider. For those patients who have been content with Allergan's product, I haven't tried to convert them. For those patients who specifically requested Dysport, the onset has been quicker, (averaging 48hours for full blockade) and the "smoothness" more appreciated. From the injector's perspective, Dysport is a little trickier to dose because the manufacturer suggests that a 300Unit bottle is... more
Lavinia Chong, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+2

Dysport versus Botox

Dysport is the newest competitor to Botox in the U.S., but has been used in Europe in for several years. There's also 2 other Botox competitors currently being studied for release in the U.S., one made by Mentor and the other by Merz. All of these products seem relatively similar, with no huge differences between any of the products. Competition can only be a good thing for pricing, however, and hopefully that will become evident over the next couple of years. That being said, the major... more
Sam Jejurikar, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+2

Slight differences between Botox and Dysport

Botox Cosmetic and Botox (made by Allergan) and Dysport (made by Medicis) are U.S. FDA approved to treat expression lines/facial wrinkles; both are derived from a botulinum protein type A. However, like any drug, there are nuances among them. Dysport has been reported to take effect within 4 to 7 days, and last up to 4 months; it is dosed based on your muscle contraction or action. Botox has been reported to take effect with 5 to 7 days, and last 3 to 4 months, and dosing is based on... more
Mark A. Codner, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+2

Botox Competition

I applaud Dr. Jafri for writing an excellent discourse on Dysport. However, I would like to offer a correction in that BOTOX and Dysport might induce antibody formation. BOTOX or Dysport would be acting as an antigen here, and not an antibody. I have heard that the FDA will make an announcement regarding approval or delay of Dysport on April 25th. Otherwise, I have nothing else to add to Dr. Jafri's enlightening words.
Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Virginia Beach Dermatologist
+1

Dysport and Botox similar but Dysport may be discounted

Dysport and Botox are both botulinum toxin A. These medications work by blocking the chemical communication between the nerves and the muscles in the injected sites. The Dysport molecule works quicker with onset within 3 days. For all intents and purposes, the products inject and act similarly so that the patients are likely not to perceive any clinical difference. One thing is for sure, however, Dysport is priced more competitively, and the makers offer rebates on a regular... more
Gilbert Lee, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.changesplasticsurgery.com

+1

Dysport versus Botox...What's the Difference?

According to my colleague Beverly Hills facial plastic surgeon John Joseph, M.D., who has done quite a bit of research on neuromodulators, Dysport acts quicker after injection, works better, and lasts longer. It can be less expensive when used in high quantities. The other answers from experts here will clarify the molecular differences between the two. Most importantly, choose your injecting physician most carefully. Good luck and be well. Dr. P more
Michael A. Persky, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox vs Dysport

The difference between Botox and Dysport is the size of the molecule. Botox and Dysport both work very well. There are possibly some slight differences in onset of action. We use both of these products very often in our practice and do not see a big difference between the two. We price them the same.
Robert Heck, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Differences between Botox and Dysport

Both Botox (onabotulinumtoxin A) and Dysport (abobotulinumtoxin A) are forms of botulinum toxin A. They both both FDA-approved therapeutic muscle-relaxing agents that target the muscles of facial expression that cause wrinkles. For the most part, they can be used interchangeably if equivalent dosages (usually one unit of Botox to three units of Dysport) are used. A couple of differences between them may make the injecting physician choose one over the other. Dysport diffuses farther than... more
Emily Altman, MD

Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Botox versus Dysport?

From the patient's perspective, it is helpful to understand that both Botox and Dysport work very well to improve unwanted creases and wrinkles, especially in the upper face. (It can be used carefully in other sites, too). Botox is a brand and Dysport is a brand, and new brands are expected to be approved by the FDA in the next year or so. Both Dysport and Botox contain botulinum. While we have used Botox in our patients for years, we also have used Dysport for the past 2 years and have... more
Donn R. Chatham, MD

Louisville Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox v. Dysport

Thank you for your question. Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) and Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) are both botulimun toxins and effectively have the same action on muscle function. In our San Francisco Bay Area practice we use frequently use both products interchangeably. Some patients prefer or respond to one more favorably than the other so our recommendation is to try both and formulate your own opinion. One of the biggest differences between then two products is that for every one unit of... more
Steven H. Williams, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+1

Dysport diffusion is no illusion

As i stated before Dysport and Botox are not interchangeable. As much as the pseudosceintific literature wold suggest that Dysport lasts longer it does not. Furthemore,Dysport diffuses further than Botox so that injection sites must be modified which never were  done, I investigated Dysport long before it had US approval and these facts are very obvious in the older Dysport literature. PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE THEY BEHAVE IDENTICALLY ARE SIMPLY WRONG1
Arnold W. Klein, MD

Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Botox vs Dysport

We do offer both  Botox and Dysport at our office. We have found that they both have the same longevity. The Botox is a more controlled product than the Dysport.  95% of our Clients prefer Botox over Dysport.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Dysport versus Botox: the jury is still out

While Dysport has been recently approved by the FDA for similar facial rejuvenation procedures as Botox.  While both compounds have good patient satisfaction, some clinical differences are apparent.  Duration of onset and duration of effect may vary.  The actual units given per dose is also different between the two.  
Neil J. Zemmel, MD

Richmond Plastic Surgeon
+1

Dysport vs. Botox: Who's the winner?

My experience: In general, Botox is better for the glabellar wrinkles (between the eyes), and Dysport is better for the crows' feet. Either works well for the forehead. Dysport has a faster onset (1-2 days) than Botox (3-5 days). Both last about 3 to 5 months. Both products offer patient rebates. I usually inject both to maximize results (if both the glabella and crows' feet are treated) and maximize the rebates.
Ronald Friedman, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Dysport better for some areas and worse for others!

Even though Botox and Dysport are very similar and act in the same way, but from my experience in the last 15 months ever since Dyport was first approved and years of Botox injections, I have noticed the following differences. First, as far as the claim of the quicker onset, I do not believe that is true with Dysport as both Dysport and Botox take about a week to show their full effect. Higher chance of nausea and headaches with Dysport Dysport disburses more which is good and... more
Peyman Ghasri, MD

Los Angeles Dermatologist
+1

Botox vs. Dysport

I have been using Botox with great results for many years. My experience with Dysport has been about 50 patients so far. I do not yet perceive a difference. All of the patients treated so far seem to be happy and it seems to last as long as Botox (but not longer). The diffence in cost is not as much as I had hoped it would be. As the "new kid on the block" Dysport is offering some special discounts that may save you significant money, but those will eventually disappear. more
Todd Minars, MD

Miami Dermatologist
+1

Dysport and Botox are more similar than different

From a clinical standpoint, Dysport and Botox appear to be equivalent in their time of onset, duration of activity, and efficacy. There are subtle differences in these variables that different providers have observed. I think its safe to say that Dysport and Botox are more similar than they are different. Our clinic prices the products, on a dose equivalency basis, at almost the same price. Shop around for a clinic that is staffed with board certified plastic surgeons and inquire about the... more
Scott Sattler, MD

Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox, Dysport, others soon to come: Sorting it all out

All of the products in this category (there are several used around the world) have the same active molecule, which causes hyperactive muscles to relax by temporarily disabling the connection from the nerve fiber to the muscle. The difference is that they are encased in protein molecules, in different configurations. This affects the particle size and rate of spread, so techniques of injection have to be adjusted accordingly. Most importantly, the biological units used to measure potency are... more
Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

I have seen no difference

From a patient result standpoint, there is no difference. However, Dysport is marginally less expensive. Dysport claims that it works more quickly and they have data to show it begins working in some patients at day 1. the problem is that Allergan never measured patient response during this interval. I have seen very happy patients with both products.
Stephen Prendiville, MD

Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox and Dysport are nearly identical

The effects of Dysport and Botox on wrinkles can be thought of as virtually the same from a consumer standpoint. They are both proteins that relax muscles, both must be injected every 3-4 months, both have gradual onset, and both have been in use for years (Botox in America, Dysport in Europe). The subtle differences are COST (Dysport slightly less), ONSET of ACTION (Dysport takes effect a few days sooner), and reportedly Dysport has a LOWER PROTEIN LOAD which has been touted as less likely... more
Randolph Capone, MD

Baltimore Facial Plastic Surgeon

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