Which neurotoxin do I choose? Botox vs. Dysport

Questions I get as an aesthetic practitioner when it comes to choosing a neurotoxin:

1. What is Dysport? I have only done Botox.

2. Isn't Botox better Dysport?

3. How long does Botox last? How long does Dysport last? Doesn't one work faster than the other?

4. How come [X] didn't work on me?

5. Which one is more expensive?

6. Isn't that a lot?! (Telling my patient their Dysport dose)

My exact explanation for this (verbatim) is "Shell vs. Chevron" when asked "Botox vs Dysport." When it comes to choosing your "tox," I do my best to explain these products from a non-biased perspective and explain the science behind them based on my clinical experience and judgment. Just because Botox works so well on one patient does not mean that it will work that well on someone else, and vice versa. Personally, I use both products myself and I'll switch it up here and there. I get great results either way. This is why I always advise my patients to try both and allow them to make the judgment. At the end of the day, this is all based on patient preference.

Now, I will answer those questions from before (again, this is generally speaking from my clinical experience).

1. What is Dysport? I have only done Botox. Dysport is another neurotoxin on the market. To compare these neurotoxins in the most simple way is the difference in molecular structure. I treat my patients with both of these neurotoxins.

2. Isn't Botox better Dysport? I do not find one more superior than the other. Both are great neurotoxins that yield great results for my patients.

3. How long does Botox last? How long does Dysport last? Doesn't one work faster than the other? Dysport is said to "kick in" faster than Botox–the onset of Dysport can work
   

1. in 2 to 3 days while Botox may take 4 to 7 days. The longevity of your toxin is generally based on the amount injected (dose = duration). The stronger the muscle, the more toxin required. There are also factors to consider that can be patient-specific. My male patient who has strong "11's" is most likely going to require more than my female patient.

2. How come [X] didn't work on me? Sometimes there is no answer for this–it's truly unknown and probably related to genetics. I have treated a patient before with 50+ units of Botox, waited the full weeks (peak of the drug), and had zero result. I've had patient experiences with both neurotoxins.

3. Isn't that a lot?! (Patient's response when I tell them their Dysport dose) This one always makes me chuckle. Think of metric vs imperial system when we measure things: 1 inch is 2.54 c7888entimeters. It is still the same length, just a different unit measurement. With neurotoxin, 1 unit of Botox is comparable to 2.5 - 3 units of Dysport.

4. Which one is more expensive? This is dependent on how much the price a clinic is charging but ultimately they are about the same price. Let's say that a clinic charges $12 per unit for Botox and $5 per unit for Dysport. Referring to my answer from question 5, let's do some math on a patient that gets 25 units of Botox: (25 units of Botox x $12) = cost of Botox treatment $300 = cost of Botox treatment (25 units of Botox x 2.5) x $5 = cost of Dysport treatment (≈62 units of Dysport) x $5 = cost of Dysport treatment $310 = cost of Dysport treatment

Hopefully, this information helps!

Gabriel, BSN, RN