Posted by Anne Hermann on Thu, Mar 08, 2012 @ 12:29 PM
Anne Hermann, MD
The three cosmetic Botulinum toxins are Botox, Dysport and Xeomin. My patients often have questions about what the difference is between Botox vs Dysport and which product will give them the best result. So, I have taken the time to share what I tell them in the article below. Since Xeomin is the newest of these products, I discuss that in another post.
Botox has been FDA approved for muscle spasticity for over 20 years. It was FDA approved for cosmetic
treatment of fine lines and wrinkles in 2002. Botox is 
made by Allergan, the same company that makes Juvederm. Prices will vary; we charge $10 to $12 per unit. Typically 0.01 cc of Botox is one unit of Botox. So, an average amount of Botox for frown lines is 25 units. If you receive 25 units, you will be receiving 0.25 cc of Botox. At $12 per unit, 25 units cost $300.
Dysport was FDA approved for cosmetic use almost three years ago. It is made by Medicis, the company that makes Restylane and Perlane. Dysport costs around $5 per
unit, but the dosing is different. With Dysport,
0.01 cc contains two units. However, a typically brow treatment would be 50 units. So, at $5 per unit for 50 units, you would pay $250. This makes Dysport about 10 to 20 percent less expensive than Botox.
The active ingredient in both of these products is a naturally occurring protein derived from the bacteria, Botulinium. The protein temporarily prevents muscles from contracting. Because Botox is a protein, your body breaks it down within three days of the injection. Even though the botulinum proteins are metabolized in days, the effect lasts three months after injection with Botox and three and half to four months after Dysport injection. If you continue to use Botox or Dysport, the effects will last longer, so that after a while, you may only need treatments every six months.
The results of both Botox and Dysport treatments are gradual. Dysport spreads out more after injection. This makes it ideal for areas that you want to cover a lot of space, like the forehead and crows feet. Because Botox does not spread as much, it is ideal for the brow and eleven lines. This is because if the injection spreads too far over the eye area, the patient can get an eye droop. With both treatments, you will begin to notice results anywhere from three days to one week after treatment and reaches maximum benefit at two weeks.
Most times there is no bruising from the injections, and if there is any bruising, it is typically small. However, we advise that if you want to look your best for an occasion or event, get the treatment two weeks prior to that event. This will give any bruising time to heal and botulinim takes 10 to two weeks to reach maximum benefit.
Post treatment instructions are not to lie down on the treated area for 4 hours and no deep massage on the area for two days; is ok to wash your face and apply make-up.
To give you an idea of price difference of Botox vs Dysport:
- Brow lift or 11 lines average $250 with disport or $300 with Botox*
- Upper forehead lines vary greatly based on what people need. Can be anywhere from $50 to $250*
- Crows feet average 215 to 288 with Botox and 180 to 240 with Dysport*
- Sweaty underarms $450 for 50 units, last over six months*
- Neck bands or Platysma muscle: $300 per band with Botox and $250 per band with Dysport
Other areas that Botox help include downturned mouth, gummy smile (show too much gum when you smile), chin wrinkles, bunny lines (lines on upper nose when you smile)
*Please note, men have larger muscles than women and require 50% more than women with cost increases accordingly
The medical offices of Dr. Anne Hermann are conveniently located in Tampa and St. Petersburg, FL. To schedule your appointment, call (813) 902-9559.
This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.
