Botox Or Dysport: What To Choose, And What Is The Difference

The elixir of eternal youth does not exist, but modern medicine has at its disposal a number of effective formulas for its prolongation - it has been using them for over 30 years. This, of course, is not about systemic organic renewal, but about special preparations - "decorators" that help fight not aging itself, but with its signs. Today, Botox and its analogue, created by European experts, Dysport, are leading in the beauty industry. What to choose in the struggle for unfading youth, and is there a problem of choosing between dysport and botox at all, says plastic surgeon Amjad Al-Yousef.

Botox and dysport: what do they have in common?

Perhaps for some it will be a revelation, but dysport and botox are not competitors in the literal sense of the word: the fact is that they can and should work in a community, that is, insure and replace each other as the patient develops addiction.

Both formulas are based on the main component - botulinum toxin type A. Accordingly, they act according to the same principle - they block neuromuscular transmission, as a result of which the muscles become immune to the nerve impulse sent by the brain, the facial muscles relax, wrinkles are smoothed out or completely disappear.

This mechanism of action of botulinum toxins is actively used when working with various neurological pathologies. By the way, this is exactly how the rejuvenating property of Botox was discovered in the treatment of blepharospasm in 1989 in America. The methods of using botox and dysport are also identical - correct micro-injections into the desired zones. So what is the difference between them, and does it matter for the patient?

America and France: Who Will Win?

Since 1989, botox has been produced by the American corporation "Allergan". Dysport since 1990 - by the French company "IPSEN Pharma". The main difference between these substances is the dosage. In botox, the concentration of botulinum toxin is higher than in dysport: for example, experts correlate 1 unit of botox with 3 units of dysport. That is, to achieve the same effect of dysport, more is required, which compensates for the cheapness of the French anti-aging substance.

If we talk about the differences in composition, and each brand is still unique, then it is important to note the auxiliary components that promote the work of the main ones (botulinum toxin and albumin): botox has sodium chloride, dysport has lactose. But this is not of fundamental importance for the patient if he is not allergic to the above-mentioned substances (read also: "Allergy: where does it come from, what happens and can you get rid of it forever").

As for the duration of the effect, it is approximately the same, from 6 months to a year. The time it takes for the drugs to have the desired effect is also equivalent. In general, all the existing differences between botox and dysport are important for a specialist who chooses a drug based on the needs and individual characteristics of the patient.

When choosing between botox and dysport, give preference to a competent doctor.

The first thing the doctor will do is to collect an anamnesis, on the basis of which he will prescribe the desired drug. The smallest details are important here - individual characteristics, lifestyle, the presence of bad habits, the passage of parallel treatment courses, a tendency to allergic reactions, etc.

If a person came for the first time, then it does not matter where to start the history of botulinum toxin treatment. Many experts recommend a sequential approach to treatments to prevent resistance: one to two years on one drug, then on the other. Addiction to botulinum toxin develops in 10-15 years, as a result of which its effect either becomes minimal or completely disappears. When alternating botulinum toxin and dysport, we mislead the body and get the desired result from it - blocking the motor functions of the muscles.

The effect should come in two to three days, and if the patient demonstrates resistance (immunity) to one of the drugs within 6-7 days, the specialist changes the drugs. If history repeats after replacement, the doctor may prescribe an analysis of thyroid hormones, since a malfunction in its work practically guarantees the absence of the effect of any botulinum toxin (read also: "4 reasons why Botox does not work").