Botox vs. Dysport

BOTOX was a huge win for the cosmetic industry - offering an affordable, safer alternative to plastic surgery procedures such as face lifts. It is a botulinum toxin injection (basically a protein) that treats expression lines and facial wrinkles, making them either disappear or appear significantly less noticeable. It works by blocking the signal from the nerve to the muscle and therefore temporarily causes wrinkles to relax and become smooth. It has also been known to treat muscle spasms and migraines.

For over ten years, BOTOX brand (by Allergan) was the only of it's kind in the industry, but as of April 2009 there is some new competition: Dysport (by Ipsen-Medicis). Although only recently approved by the FDA and given the okay to be used in America, Dysport has been used in Europe for about the same amount of time Americans have been using BOTOX, for the same general purposes.

So what's the difference between the two?

The answer to that questions is still undergoing some research, but the overarching consensus is: not much.
Both products are FDA approved and are derived from the active ingredient botulinum protein type A that has been proven to relax muscles and smooth wrinkles and fine lines. Both products are temporary and must be injected every 3-4 months, and have a gradual onset. Dysport reportedly works slightly quicker than BOTOX, however, because the proteins are smaller.
Dysport generally has a 24-48 hour effectiveness time frame.
BOTOX generally has a 3-5 day effectiveness time frame.

Dysport is also marginally less expensive (about 25 percent), although this varies by location and availability.

BOTOX is still by far the worldwide leader in this category of neuromuscular blocking agents by over 80 percent. It's a household name and in most cases is how patients refer to botulinum protein type A.

So what about the REMS?

REMS stands for Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, which is a strategy to manage a potential serious risk associated with a drug. REMS are required by the FDA to ensure that the benefits of a drug will outweigh the risks. Although some previously FDA approved products may not have appropriate REMS, both Allergan's BOTOX and Ipsen-Medicis's Dysport do, and both use REMS as a selling point.

The effects of both products on wrinkles has been reported to be virtually the same, and both injections can be found at medical spas and dermatologist's offices.

A plastic surgery practice in San Diego, Botox vs Dysport blog post is great.