First, lets look at Botox and Dysport. Patients ask me all the time, what product is “better”? Is Botox better than Dysport? Which product lasts longer? Does Botox last longer than Dysport? Many patients believe that one lasts longer than the other for them. Scientifically speaking, when looking to see what product is better, bias must be removed. This is done by “double blinded studies”–where BOTH the doctor and the patient does not know what they are being treated with. This takes bias out of the equation.
From these studies we know the answer. The simple answer is that Botox and Dysport last the same amount of time if a bioequivalent number of units are given.
That being said, there are variables that would make one last longer or shorter, or would have them give a different effect. Such variables include:
•the dilution used (how many cc per vial) for each product. The more dilute you make the product, the more it will spread out, giving a different effect.
•how many units used total. To save money, some providers will use less product (less units).
•How long ago was the vial mixed. In most cases, any vial mixed within 30 days “should” be just fine. Vials that have been around longer than that may be less effective.
Xeomin is another option that lasts about as long as Botox or Dysport, but it acts faster. It is best if someone needs the fastest possible onset (within 2-3 days).
There are a couple notable differences between the two products.
- COST. Dysport usually costs less than Botox. When Botox is “cheap”, it is almost always an illegal product that is imported from another country.
- Dyport works faster, especially when it is someone’s first treatment. One will often see results in as few as 3 days with Dysport compared with 5 or more days with Botox. For those whom have been treated with one or the other, the onset is fairly similar with both.
But wait! Is there a product that lasts longer than Botox or Dysport?
Yes. Daxxify is a long-lasting toxin that lasts 5-9 months, while Botox or Dysport lasts 3-4 months for most patients. In fact, 90% of patients were happier with their results compared to Botox in a large study.