As an FDA approved injection to fight wrinkles, Botox has had a virtual monopoly in the US for 10 years.

But now, the FDA has approved Dysport for the same indication.

Both products are biological toxins derived from botulinum.  Both are injected to relax muscles, and ease lines and wrinkles such as frown lines and crow’s feet.

But is Dysport really new?  The answer is a definitive no – it has been on the market in the UK, New Zealand and Brazil for approximately 18 years.  Worldwide sales reveal that Botox is still king – that may tell us something!

Is Dysport better than Botox?  Well that will depend on who you ask, and which clinical study is quoted.  There is a general consensus that in some people Dysport starts to work quicker.

But the bigger question is which lasts longer?  Botox or Dysport?  This is where the info gets rather murky, because different studies show different results.  So the bottom line is that it will vary from person to person.

Which will be cheaper?  That will vary by your choice of doctor.  Botox is measured in “units”, and is sold based of dollars per unit.  Dysport is also measured in “units”, but one unit of Dysport is not the same as one unit of Botox.  The approximate conversion is 1 unit of Botox : 2 to 2 and1/2 units of Dysport.

So as a consumer – “What to do”?  Well, I would say that if you are pleased with the benefits you see from Botox, then stick with Botox.  If however, you find that you need “a lot of Botox” or it “wears off sooner that you would like” – you might give Dysport a try – but keep in mind that it may not work better than Botox (or for you, maybe it will).