DYSPORT and BOTOX: Which to Choose

Serving Chattanooga, Tennessee

YSPORT has recently received its approval from the FDA for use as an aesthetic injectable drug. In the U.S., the word BOTOX has become synonymous with virtually all injectable drugs that improve our appearance. DYSPORT, marketed as RELOXIN in Europe, has enjoyed the same type of popularity outside the U.S.

Both drugs act in the same manner. They are chemicals that disrupt the communication between nerves and muscles creating a temporary paralysis. Plastic surgeons use both drugs, artistically, to selectively weaken specific facial muscles and produce a more youthful rested appearance. Both also reliably treat excessive axillary sweating by disrupting the connections between nerves and sweat glands.

So which should you ask for? I have heard the choice described something like that of COKE vs. PEPSI. Potential side effects from both products appear to be about equal. There have been some recent reports of BOTOX migrating far beyond the injection site potentially causing botulism. Scientific confirmation regarding this issue is pending. DYSPORT contains a small amount of lactose, so those who are allergic to cow’s milk should choose BOTOX.

DYSPORT is somewhat less expensive. Unit for unit, BOTOX is about three times as expensive as DYSPORT. However, it may take 2.5 - 4 times as much DYSPORT to achieve the same result. Some reports indicate that DYSPORT may be immediately effective whereas BOTOX can take five to seven days to become fully active. Most of my patients are, however, not looking for emergency wrinkle treatment. This quicker onset may be balanced by a shorter period of activity. Over all, I would continue to inform patients that regardless of which product they select, they will need to repeat injections about every four months to maintain the affect.

DYSPORT does have a smaller protein load. This means that DYSPORT may be less recognizable to our immune system then BOTOX. In patients who find that their BOTOX is becoming less effective over time, a change to DYPSORT could be helpful. DYSPORT tends to spread a bit more. This can be a helpful attribute in treating the axilla. It may be less of an advantage when performing precision facial muscle injections. Spread of the product around the eyes can produce side effects like drooping lids and eyelid swelling.

One certain advantage to the emergence of DYSPORT in the U.S. market is the price controlling nature of competition. As more alternatives to BOTOX emerge, the advantage of appropriate treatment with these types of muscle weakening products will be available to a larger population.

Finally, know what you are getting. Ask for the cost per unit of these products. Know your injector, and your treatment objective. Over-weakening of the facial muscles does not produce a harmonious aesthetic affect; but, rather, a waxy, emotionless result. I have found that these products lend themselves very well to a “chemical brow lift” when judiciously employed. I have never liked injections around the mouth. Even in the most trained hands, injections around the mouth can alter appropriate lip movement and produce an unnatural snarl. There are simply better injectable alternatives for wrinkles around the mouth. Excessive product use does not produce a more lasting effect. Once the muscle is paralyzed, the job is done. Ultra high doses of either drug are a waste of product and money.

BOTOX and DYSPORT are, overall, remarkably similar products. Look for expertise in your injector, and discuss with them which of these two popular treatments is right for you.