What is Botox?
Botox is a drug produced by an American pharmaceutical company, Allergen PLC. Botox cosmetic is an injectable medication composed of Botulinum toxin type-A – a neurotoxin protein. It is produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism, a disabling paralytic illness. Although Clostridium botulinum comes in several strains, only steroids A and B are used to create clinical preparations.
In the late 1980s, it was accidentally discovered by Dr. Jean Carruthers that Botox had a positive effect on facial wrinkles while treating his patient’s blepharospasm. It led to the discovery of various benefits and uses of Botox. This medicine has a wide range of applications – from curing facial wrinkles to neck spasms to overactive bladder. Botox is endowed with a moderate potency because its use is prescribed to treat mild to moderate illnesses.
Botox works by being injected into the muscle. Botulinum toxin gradually spreads through the nerve terminal and stops the release of acetylcholine when injected. Without this neurotransmitter, muscle activity stops. That causes paralysis in that specific site, smoothens facial wrinkles, and prevents spasms. The use of Botox does have some moderate side effects that are to be endured by the patient – ranging from pain to swelling to headache.
What is Dysport?
Dysport is manufactured by a pharmaceutical company named Ipsen. It is an injectable protein containing abobotulinum toxin-A – a neurotoxin obtained from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is a muscle relaxant used for therapeutic and aesthetic purposes. Medical experts consider it a more powerful solution to many muscle illnesses.
The primary purpose of Dysport is to treat frown lines that are formed between the eyebrows. It is also used to correct the wrinkles around the eye area, the bridge of the nose, the upper lip, and the muscles in the neck. The use of Dysport for healing neck pain is common in adults. Moreover, it relieves the spasmed and stiff muscles in other parts of the body.
Like Botox, Dysport also targets dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that appear after muscle movement), which become static with time. The neurotoxin, botulinum toxin-A, upon injecting, paralyzes and weakens the hyperactive muscles that control facial expressions. With facial muscle relaxation, the visible outer skin flattens as well, which results in lessening wrinkles. Hence, the working mechanism of Dysport is based on causing a temporary reduction in the activity of muscles to avoid frown lines.
Difference Between Botox and Dysport
- Botox is manufactured by a company named Allergen PLC, whereas Ipsen pharmaceutical company produces Dysport.
- Botox can treat any wrinkle on the skin, whereas Dysport is used to treat glabellar lines specifically.
- Botox is perfect for people with mild to moderate wrinkles, whereas Dysport is ideal for people with moderate to severe frown lines.
- Botox shows results about two weeks later, whereas Dysport quickly shows results in two to three days.
- Botox has one unit of potency, whereas Dysport has three times more potency when compared to Botox.
Comparison Between Botox and Dysport
| Parameters of Comparison | Botox | Dysport |
| Manufacturer | Allergen PLC | Ipsen |
| Composition | Botulinum toxin- A | Botulinum toxin- A |
| Potency | 1X | 3X |
| Purpose | Facial Wrinkles (Mild to Moderate), Excessive Sweating, and Overactive Bladder | Facial Wrinkles (Moderate to Severe), Frown Lines, Glabellar Lines |
| Side Effects | Pain, Swelling, Headache, Dry Eyes | Muscle Weakness, Neck Pain, Back Pain, Fever |