It can be difficult to know where to start with anti-aging injectables, especially with so many products available—from neurotoxins like BOTOX and Dysport to JUVÉDERM, Sculptra, and other dermal fillers. My Orlando, FL, patients often know what they want to look like or what they would like to improve, but aren’t sure which product is their best choice to do so. That’s why my team of master certified injectors and I dedicate time to answering your questions and making personalized recommendations when you visit us for a consultation.
To help you begin your research, I’ve created this guide to what these treatments have in common, how they are different, and which approach (or combination of approaches) may be right for you.
How Are BOTOX & Dysport Different From JUVÉDERM & Sculptra?
While these products are all minimally invasive, require little to no downtime, and rejuvenate your face with just a few quick injections, they work in different ways:
- BOTOX and Dysport are neurotoxins. They work by relaxing muscles that contract and crease the skin over time. Think forehead lines that appear when you raise your eyebrows or crow’s feet that appear when you squint.
- JUVÉDERM and Sculptra are dermal fillers. They add volume beneath the skin to fill in wrinkles or folds and enhance your natural contours. Restylane® and RADIESSE® are also injectable dermal fillers.
Because these products tackle different aspects of aging, many people choose to combine them for a more comprehensive result. This is part of what is called a nonsurgical facelift or “liquid facelift.”
Which Is Better BOTOX or Dysport?
BOTOX and Dysport are very similar products that work in similar ways, but they do have some subtle differences. One is not necessarily better than the other. (Get the full run-down in this blog post.)
BOTOX
BOTOX is FDA-approved to reduce frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. It takes about 5 to 10 days to work once injected, and it lasts 3 to 4 months.
Dysport
Dysport is FDA-approved for the treatment of moderate to severe frown lines. It takes 2 to 4 days to work and lasts around 4 months. Dysport is more cost-effective per unit than BOTOX, but you usually need more units to see the same results, which makes the total cost similar.
Is Sculptra Better Than JUVÉDERM?
These products are both dermal fillers, but they work in different ways.
JUVÉDERM
JUVÉDERM is made of a gel form of hyaluronic acid (HA), a sugar found naturally in your body. It instantly adds volume under the skin and dissolves gradually over time. The product comes in different formulations designed to treat different areas, including the lips, cheeks, smile lines, and more.
Depending on the formulation, it may last anywhere from 6 to 18 months. As it dissolves, the volume naturally depletes, and you’ll need a touch-up injection to maintain your look. For the most part, this description also applies to the Restylane family of hyaluronic acid fillers.
Sculptra
Sculptra is made of poly-L-lactic acid, which serves as a scaffolding for new collagen production to take place. It’s popular in the cheeks and other areas that naturally lose volume as we age.
Unlike JUVÉDERM, Sculptra is a collagen stimulator and doesn’t provide instant results. While the product adds some volume initially, most of its effects take place over the next few months as your body produces collagen and fills out the injected area for natural volume enhancement.
While Sculptra results take a bit longer to appear, they typically last longer than JUVÉDERM. Studies have shown results last up to 2 years.
Your Next Steps
You don’t have to plan your treatment on your own. You have a team of experienced and highly trained injectors on your side. If you would like to learn more about the right treatment for you at my facial plastic surgery practice in Orlando, please contact me online or call (407) 333-3040.
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