Botox and Dysport are analogues made in different countries, and both are based on botulinum toxin type A, so they work on the same principle: they relax the facial muscles, and wrinkles smooth out. The main difference is the dosage: the concentration of botulinum toxin in Botox is higher, so more Dysport is needed for the same effect. The excipients also differ.
Manufacturers
| Botox | Dysport | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | USA | France and the United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | Allergan | Ipsen Pharma |
| Active substance | botulinum toxin type A | botulinum toxin type A |
| Botulinum toxin concentration | higher | lower — more is needed for the same effect |
| Excipient | sodium chloride | lactose |
How the products work
Both products are based on the same main component — botulinum toxin type A. They block neuromuscular transmission, and the muscles stop responding to the nerve impulse sent by the brain. The facial muscles relax, and wrinkles smooth out or disappear completely.
Differences in dosage and composition
The main difference between them is the dosage. The concentration of botulinum toxin in Botox is higher than in Dysport, which means that more Dysport is needed to achieve the same effect.
Each brand has its own composition: in Botox the excipient is sodium chloride, in Dysport it is lactose. For the patient this makes no fundamental difference unless they have an allergy.
Where to start and why to alternate
It does not matter which product you start with. Alternating is possible to prevent resistance: one or two years on one product, then on the other. Tolerance to botulinum toxin develops over 10–15 years.
By alternating the products, we "mislead the body" and get the result we need — blocking the motor function of the muscles. Botox and Dysport can and should work together: backing each other up and replacing each other as tolerance develops.
For a lasting result, it is also important to prepare the body — we discuss this at the consultation.
First published on the Biotonika school Facebook page on 09.01.2023.
Questions and answers
Which is better, Botox or Dysport?
They are analogues that work the same way and are based on botulinum toxin type A; the main difference is the dosage, and it does not matter which one you start with.
How does Botox differ from Dysport in composition?
In Botox the excipient is sodium chloride, in Dysport it is lactose; for a patient without allergies this makes no fundamental difference.
Why alternate Botox and Dysport?
To prevent resistance: one or two years on one product, then on the other. Tolerance to botulinum toxin develops over 10–15 years.
