Dysport or Botox: Which Cosmetic Treatment Works Best for Upper Lip Lines?

There’s no questioning the immense popularity of Dysport and Botox injectables for cosmetic treatment. From correcting facial wrinkles and treating crow’s feet and forehead lines to lip enhancement, the use of botulinum toxin type injection has helped many rejuvenate their appearances and achieve their best look.

But between Dysport and Botox, which works better as a lip augmentation treatment for upper lip wrinkles? Both injections are effective as cosmetic injections, but because of differences in their formulations, Botox is more used for lip lines and wrinkles than Dysport. Botox injections are less diluted than Dysport which means they can stay longer when injected in the lip area.

Dysport vs. Botox for Upper Lip Lines

Botox and Dysport are both neurotoxin injections that are derived from the same Clostridium botulinum bacteria. They’re neuromodulators that block the release of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that stimulates facial muscle contractions. Too much movement of the muscles from facial expressions can cause deep smile lines and forehead creases to form on the skin.

When injected into the desired treatment area, Botox and Dysport disrupt the nerves from sending signals to the muscles which in turn helps them relax, reducing dynamic wrinkles and softening the lines on the face. They can also correct issues surrounding the lip area such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and vertical lip lines.

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Comparing Botox and Dysport as an Anti-Wrinkle Treatment

Many dermatologists suggest the use of Botox and Dysport for anti-wrinkle treatments. But even though they come from the same botulinum toxin family, there are certain differences in their formulation that can affect how they’re administered on a patient and their intended effect. To help you decide which Botox-type injectable to get, we’ve prepared a brief explanation of their distinct qualities:

1. Formula characteristics

Dysport has a more diluted concentration compared to Botox. They also have smaller protein molecules which means that more units of Dysport injection may be needed to achieve the optimal results when treating the same area. Having smaller molecules in Dysport is more advantageous in treating larger areas since they can diffuse faster upon injection. 

Meanwhile, Botox has the largest molecular weight compared to other neurotoxin types, which makes them more precise and effective in targeting smaller areas such as around the eyes and in the upper lip. Botox also tends to stay near the injection site when administered, whereas Dysport can quickly migrate to other areas.

2. Average amount used for injections

A vial of Botox cosmetic can contain 50 to 100 units of the botulinum toxin, while a vial of Dysport can contain 300 to 500 units of the substance. Also, since Botox has greater molecular sizes than Dysport, it can mean that they have stronger muscle relaxing properties.

It can take multiple units of Dysport to match the effectiveness of one unit of Botox as a muscle relaxant. The injections should be carefully performed by a trained injector to make sure you’re getting the right amount of dosage for your cosmetic problem.

Learn more: How Many Units Is Needed for Botox Lip Flip to Get the Best Results?

3. Types of facial wrinkles

Dysport is ideally used for frown lines. These are the vertical wrinkles that are prominent on the forehead and between the eyebrows. It’s also helpful in minimizing horizontal forehead lines. 

Meanwhile, Botox often treats crow’s feet or the wrinkles that show on the corner of the eyes. Botox is also the preferred lip augmentation method since lip lines need precise and targeted injections in a small area. And compared to Dysport, Botox won’t migrate to other parts and will stay put in the treated site.

The exact term for using Botox for lip enhancement is Botox lip flip. It’s different from a dermal filler which is another type of injectable that uses hyaluronic acid-based substances to fill in the skin. Injectable fillers add lip volume, whereas Botox lip flip injections relax the muscles so they’ll naturally turn upward to create the illusion of a plump and fuller lip.

4. Safety of treatment

Both treatments are safe as long as they’re performed by a skilled provider. The procedures for Botox and Dysport can be done in a clinic and are usually done in about 15 minutes. They have quick recovery time meaning patients can return to their normal activities after the treatment.

Post-injection side effects may be felt in the injection site and these can include swelling, minor pain, bruising, redness, and temporary itching. Most reactions usually go away on their own after a few days.

5. Cost

The cost of the treatment varies on how many units of injection you’ll need for a treatment area. On average, the unit of Dysport may be priced at $4 to $8 while a Botox unit costs between $10 to $25. One Dysport session may be priced at $450, while an average price of a Botox treatment costs $550. Other factors can also affect the price of the treatment such as the level of experience of the injector and the geographic location of the clinic.

How Do They Differ in Results?

Your dermatologist will choose the appropriate treatment depending on your desired cosmetic goal. Botox and Dysport treat almost the same problems but another difference that they have is the time it takes for the results to be visible.

If you want to see immediate results on your facial and lip issues, Dysport may be the treatment that you need. With Dysport injection, you may start to notice improvements within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, while Botox may take at least a week for the injection to kick in.

If you want longer-lasting results, Botox injections usually last up to 6 months, while the effects of Dysport can only take up to 4 months. To keep the desired results, you can consult with your provider about follow-up sessions so the skin will maintain its smooth and wrinkle-free look.

Read more: Which Is Better: Lip Filler or Botox?

Tips to Make the Effects of Lip Injections Last Longer

Most lip filler injections and lip flip treatments are only temporary fixes to facial problems. Over time, they’ll lose their effects and some of the wrinkles and fine lines will only reappear. However, you can prolong their results by taking extra care of your skin.

• Stay hydrated — Water promotes skin moisturization and prevents dry chapped lips. If you used hyaluronic acid filler, the water could enhance the effect of the injections.
• Make lifestyle changes — Smoking cigarettes is the main cause of vertical lip lines or smoker’s lines. It leads to loss of collagen which deepens wrinkles surrounding the lips. You can also regulate your physical activities since too much exercise can increase blood flow and make the results of the filler and injections wear off faster.
• Practice good skincare — Invest in proper beauty products and start following a good skincare routine to keep your face moisturized and fresh. Choose cleansing and serum products with plenty of hyaluronic acids and collagen boosters that can minimize the effects of aging. You can also keep a handy lip plumper so you can moisturize the lips on the go.
• Limit sun exposure — The UV rays from the sun can break down collagen faster and aid in the appearance of aging spots, wrinkles, and lines on the skin. Use sunscreen products whenever you’re going outside to protect the face from sun damage.
• Be mindful of what you eat — Having a healthy and nutrient-rich diet can also promote good-looking skin and complement the effects of Botox and Dysport. It’s recommended to take foods that are rich in zinc and Vitamins A, C, and E since they’re essential in repairing the skin.

Enhance Your Natural Lip Look With Ethos Med Spa 

Botox-type cosmetic injectables are widely known facial rejuvenation treatments that provide amazing results. However, when it comes to upper lip lines, Botox is more favorable over Dysport treatment since it works best for smaller areas like the lip. If you’re more troubled by forehead wrinkles, then Dysport is your go-to treatment.

At Ethos Med Spa, we’re committed to providing quality aesthetic services and solutions so you can achieve your best look. We’re home to board-certified cosmetic surgeons who are all highly trained in administering safe and quality dermal fillers and Botox procedures. Call us today to learn more about our med spa treatments and get a consultation with one of our doctors.

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Ethos Aesthetics & Wellness

At Ethos, we’ll be glad to assist you in determining the right treatment plan for your aesthetic & wellness needs. Visit an Ethos Aesthetics & Wellness clinic nearest you or contact us today to know what service best fits your concerns.

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