I am excited to welcome the incredible, Rebecca Strickland, Nurse Practitioner back to the blog this week as a guest writer. Rebecca is one of our amazing Nurse Practitioners at Racquel Aesthetics & Wellness and specializes in aesthetic injectables with a focus on natural, personalized results. She is passionate about patient education, facial anatomy, and helping patients feel confident and informed in their aesthetic journey. She is so talented and an outstanding injector. She is diving into one of our most asked questions when it comes to injectables. Take it away, Rebecca!
Experience the Toxin Glow
Hi, I’m Rebecca Strickland, Nurse Practitioner, and I’m so excited to be featured here on Racquel’s blog! I have specialized training and hands-on experience in aesthetic medicine, particularly in neurotoxin treatments such as Botox® and Dysport®.
My approach to aesthetics is rooted in education, precision, and natural-looking results. I believe patients feel most confident when they understand what they’re receiving, how it works, and why it’s right for them. Today, I’m breaking down one of the most common questions I get in practice: What’s the difference between Botox and Dysport?
But first—let’s start with the basics.
What Are Neurotoxins?
Neurotoxins are injectable medications that temporarily relax targeted facial muscles. By softening muscle movement, they help smooth existing wrinkles and prevent deeper lines from forming over time.
The most well-known cosmetic neurotoxins include Botox® and Dysport®, both FDA-approved and used safely for decades in both medical and aesthetic settings.
How Do Neurotoxins Work?
When we make facial expressions—like smiling, squinting, or frowning—our muscles contract. Over time, these repetitive movements can create lines and wrinkles, known as dynamic wrinkles.
Neurotoxins work by:
- Blocking the signal between the nerve and the muscle
- Allowing the muscle to relax
- Softening the appearance of wrinkles while maintaining natural expression
While some people notice changes in their wrinkles sooner, both Botox and Dysport take a full two weeks to fully kick in, which is why I always recommend waiting the full 14 days before assessing final results. Results are temporary, typically lasting 3–4 months, which allows treatments to be adjusted over time.
What Do We Use Neurotoxins For?
Neurotoxins are incredibly versatile. Most commonly used to soften fine lines and wrinkles, subtly tighten the skin, and even help prevent excessive sweating in certain areas. Common treatment areas include:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines (the “11s” between the brows)
- Crow’s feet
- Brow lift
- Lip flip
- Gummy smile
- Chin dimpling
- Jaw slimming / TMJ relief
- Neck bands
- Underarms
In skilled hands, neurotoxins can also help create balance, symmetry, and a refreshed appearance, without looking frozen or overdone. The best neurotoxin treatment is undetectable.
Botox vs. Dysport: What’s the Difference?
Both Botox and Dysport are excellent options, but they do have some key differences. Choosing between them depends on your facial anatomy, muscle strength, treatment area, and aesthetic goals.
Both Botox and Dysport are made from the same active ingredient: botulinum toxin type A.
I often explain it this way to patients:
Botox and Dysport are like Pepsi and Coke or Target and Walmart. The name on the outside of the bottle is different, but the inside is very much the same thing. The active ingredient inside—the part that relaxes the muscle—is the same.
Botox ®
- Has been around the longest and is the most widely recognized
- Tends to stay more localized, making it ideal for smaller or detailed areas
- Patients with short foreheads or smaller treatment areas are ideal candidates
- Prefer to treat lower face muscles with Botox
Dysport ®
- Spreads a bit more once injected, which can be beneficial for larger treatment areas
- Ideal for stronger muscles that may require a high dose of neurotoxin
- Men tend to prefer Dysport
- Some patients say they notice relaxation of the muscle earlier than two weeks, although we wait a full two weeks to make any adjustments to dosing
Which One Is Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—and that’s where an experienced provider makes all the difference. During a consultation, I assess:
- Your facial anatomy
- Muscle strength and movement
- Previous neurotoxin experience
- Your personal goals and preferences
From there, we decide together whether Botox, Dysport, or a combination approach will give you the best result.
Final Thoughts
Neurotoxins are one of the most effective, customizable, and confidence-boosting treatments available when performed thoughtfully and skillfully. My goal is always to enhance your natural features—not change them—and to make sure you feel informed and empowered every step of the way. Come in and see for yourself the ‘Tox Glow’ that every patient loves!
Follow Rebecca on Instagram @np_rebeccastrickland to check out her before & after or call/text our office to book a consultation with her 314-200-2334 or 636-742-1122
XO,
Racquel
