Botox v. Dysport

Putting my money where it counts is important and sometimes...you make mistakes. Dysport is a mistake for me. I got a Groupon for 50 units of Dysport and while I understood that it was weaker than Botox, I figured...I only got 10 units of Botox, so 50 is perfect! Nope, wrong! That was not the case for me.

When I entered the clinic, the lovely receptionist showed me to the back room and was gracious and patient in listening to my concerns. Looking back, I should have recognized this wasn't the clinic for me as  it seemed the receptionist believed in the "more is more" philosophy when it comes to filler. She was a beautiful, sweet lady but it was clear from a mile away that her upper lip was not God given. So when she told me 50 units wasn't enough and there was no way I could redistribute it around my face as I had done with Botox...I was admittedly a bit surprised.

I had hoped I could apply the cost of my Groupon to switch over to Botox but they insisted it would be twice the cost of my dermatologist because I needed many more units. Um...but this was right after she said I didn't have any noticeable static lines? All I really wanted was to address my TMJ that visit and she wanted to put in $300 worth of Botox on top of the Dysport?? No, thank you! Once it was clear that I was going the (very) conservative route, she did not try to push the subject and got the technician.

The tech was also surprised that my dermatologist was able to get 10 units on my face and even when I showed her the before and after shots, insisted it wasn't possible. I am not sure what people look like after they walk out of her office, but I need my face to move. I like smiling, laughing and on occasion, frowning. My parenting depends on these expressions when a soundless face needs to stop an eight year dead in her tracks. She told me I wouldn't even notice the Dysport but at that point, I just wanted to get what I had paid for and go.

And she was right. The Dysport had a very mild numbing effect and I didn't see much of a difference. I didn't see a huge difference in my jaw with the Botox either but I didn't feel like the clinic's vibe and philosophy on natural aesthetics aligned with mine. Even as I thanked the receptionist for my aftercare instructions, I knew I would not be returning for any touch-ups as they had suggested.

So, Dysport may be cheaper and maybe it lasts longer for some people but this girl is not sticking around to find out. I want to see the results and I want to know if it is working...if only to decide whether to try again!