Dysport vs Botox: Understanding the Differences

Dysport and Botox are two of the most popular neuromodulator injectables used to smooth facial wrinkles. Both are formulations of botulinum toxin A that relax facial muscles by blocking nerve signals. Cosmetic patients frequently ask, “What is the difference between Dysport and Botox?” especially since these treatments can appear interchangeable.

In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll cover dysport vs botox across all key aspects: formulation, dosing, cost, results, and more. We also compare them briefly with Xeomin to give full context. Use this guide to get up to date answers on [dysport vs botox cost], [units of dysport vs units of botox], and even before and after considerations.

At their core, Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) and Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) share the same active toxin and mechanism of action. However, they differ in formulation, spread, dose conversion, and FDA indications. This means that while both can erase dynamic wrinkles (frown lines, crow’s feet, etc.), choosing between them may come down to factors like desired onset, treatment area, or cost. Below we break down what each product is, their similarities, and their distinctive pros and cons.

What is Botox?

Botox® (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a cosmetic injectable made by Allergan. It was the first neuromodulator of its kind, approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in 2002. In practice, Botox injections are used to temporarily improve facial lines by blocking nerve signals to muscles, causing them to relax. For example, Botox is FDA cleared for glabellar frown lines, crow’s feet (lines around the eyes), and forehead wrinkles. In clinical use, it’s also approved to treat medical conditions like chronic migraine, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), certain bladder problems, and various forms of spasticity or dystonia.

Botox comes as a powder in sealed vials (50‑unit and 100‑unit sizes) that a clinician reconstitutes with saline immediately before injection. It is administered via very fine needles in a doctor’s office, taking only minutes. You can drive home afterward and return to most normal activities. Botox is long lasting but not permanent: effects typically take about 5-7 days to appear and last roughly 3-4 months. Follow-up injections are needed to maintain the effect. The most common side effects are localized and mild (e.g. redness, slight swelling or bruising at injection sites). Overall, Botox is known as the gold standard wrinkle relaxer with a long track record of safety.

What is Dysport?

Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA) is a similar neurotoxin product, first FDA approved for cosmetic use in 2009. It too contains botulinum toxin type A, but in a different formulation. Dysport vials come in larger sizes (300‑unit and 500‑unit vials) and are diluted before injection. In fact, 1 unit of Botox is not equivalent to 1 unit of Dysport uses more units per area (see “Units & Dosing” below).

Dysport is FDA approved for treating glabellar (frown) lines, as well as certain medical spasticity conditions, but unlike Botox it is only FDA cleared for cosmetic use on the glabellar area. (Doctors may use it “off label” for other areas similarly to Botox.) Just like Botox, Dysport is given by subdermal injection in the office and takes effect within days.

Clinicians often note that Dysport tends to diffuse more widely in tissue than Botox. This can be advantageous for treating larger muscle areas (like the jaw muscles) but means it can migrate beyond the injection point if not dosed carefully. Due to the different formulation, Dysport’s onset can feel faster many patients notice results in 2-3 days and some studies suggest it may hurt slightly less on injection. However, because the dosing is higher, Dysport can be harder to gauge for beginners. Both Dysport and Botox produce very similar cosmetic outcomes when used correctly. In summary, Dysport is basically Botox’s “cousin”: same toxin, but a different package that requires a higher unit count per treatment.

Similarities: Botox vs Dysport

• Same active neurotoxin. Both Botox and Dysport contain Clostridium botulinum toxin type A as the core ingredient. They work on the same principle of neuromodulation, blocking neurotransmitters to relax muscles.
• Effective for dynamic wrinkles. Both are injected to treat facial expression lines (glabellar “11” lines, crow’s feet, forehead creases) with high efficacy. Studies and clinical experience show both products visibly reduce wrinkles when dosed appropriately.
• Administered similarly. A licensed medical provider (dermatologist, plastic surgeon, RN, or similarly trained injector) performs both Botox and Dysport injections with tiny needles. The procedure is quick (often 10-20 minutes) and done in office. Recovery is minimal patients resume normal activities immediately, though they should avoid vigorous exercise for a day to reduce bruising risk.
• Duration of effect (3-4 months). In general, both toxins give temporary results lasting about 12-16 weeks. For example, one summary notes that all three major botulinum treatments (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin) “on average, last 3-4 months”. Most patients return for maintenance injections every 3-4 months to keep wrinkles at bay. Variations depend on metabolism and dose.
• Similar side effects. Because they are so alike, Dysport and Botox share the same side-effect profile. Common reactions include a pinprick of pain, slight swelling or redness, and occasional bruising at the injection site. These go away in a few days. Rare side effects (which both share) include headache or flu like symptoms. Both can cause temporary drooping of nearby muscles (e.g. eyelid droop) if the toxin migrates again an issue of injection placement rather than the brand of toxin. In short, safety wise there’s no fundamental difference.

Key Differences Between Dysport and Botox

Despite their similarities, several important distinctions exist between Dysport and Botox:

• Formulation & accessory proteins. Both use botulinum toxin A, but Dysport and Botox have different supporting proteins. Botox contains its own complexing proteins around the toxin molecule, and Dysport has a different nontoxin protein composition. These manufacturing differences can affect diffusion and immunogenicity. For example, Botox has a long track record of safety, whereas Dysport’s different proteins have led some practitioners to note a slightly higher tendency for spreading. Notably, a third product (Xeomin) contains no accessory proteins at all. For patients, this means allergies: Dysport includes trace levels of ingredients (like certain proteins) that, in rare cases, may be an issue for people with specific allergies. Conversely, Botox has its own protein bundle that some believe could theoretically trigger antibody formation in very long term users. In practice, both are well tolerated.
• Dose and units (potency). The “unit” of Botox is not the same as a “unit” of Dysport. 30-50 units of Dysport are typically needed for the effect of ~10-20 units of Botox. In other words, Dysport is less potent per unit. Most studies use a conversion of roughly 2.5-3 to 1 (Dysport:Botox). For example, Cleveland Clinic notes “one Botox unit equals three Dysport units” in practice. This matters for dosing: treating a frown line might require ~20U Botox or ~50-60U Dysport. The vials themselves reflect this: Botox vials come in 50U or 100U, while Dysport vials are 300U or 500U. Never mix or substitute units directly between products always follow the practitioner’s dosing guidelines.
• Spread (diffusion). Dysport is known to diffuse or spread more in the tissue than Botox. In layman’s terms, after injection Dysport tends to affect a slightly larger area. One infographic metaphor compares the spread size: “Xeomin about a dime, Botox about a penny, Dysport about a quarter”. What this means: a Dysport injection may smooth a broader zone of muscle. That can be an advantage for treating large muscles (jawlines, wide foreheads) but a disadvantage in very small areas if too much spread is unwanted. Botox’s spread is more contained, allowing for precise targeting of each wrinkle. Both can be managed with technique (dilution, injection pattern) so neither “outdiffuses” the other in any problematic way when done by an expert.
• Onset of effect. Dysport often works faster than Botox. Many patients notice visible improvement with Dysport in as little as 2-3 days post injection. Botox typically takes around a week to see full results. For example, Cleveland Clinic notes Dysport’s effects “tend to appear faster (about two days) than Botox (about a week)”. Similarly, a skincare clinic reports average onset times of 2 days for Xeomin, 2-3 days for Dysport, and 4-5 days for Botox. Either way, full results for both will usually be evident by 10-14 days. So if you want immediate gratification, Dysport might edge out Botox by a few days, but the final outcome after two weeks is essentially the same.
• Duration of effect. In most patients, both Dysport and Botox last about 3-4 months per treatment. There is no strong evidence that one reliably outlasts the other in duration. One source notes that “each type of treatment lasts for about four months” on average. In practice, personal metabolism and dosage matter most. Some people claim Dysport feels longer lasting, but clinical studies show a similar timeline: 12-16 weeks for both. Patients should not assume one product will spare them more frequent visits than the other.
• FDA approved uses. Botox has more FDA indications than Dysport. Both are approved cosmetically for glabellar frown lines. Beyond that, Botox is cleared for crow’s feet, forehead lines, migraines, underarm sweating, some bladder disorders, and certain eye and muscle conditions. Dysport’s cosmetic approval is limited to moderate/severe glabellar lines. (Both are also approved for cervical dystonia and limb spasticity in various populations.) In essence, if you need a toxin for something like migraines or hyperhidrosis, Botox is the one approved by name. For most aesthetic wrinkle treatments, however, both can be used off label.
• Cost per session. On average, treatments cost roughly the same. Both Dysport and Botox are priced per unit, and cash pay cosmetic sessions typically run around a few hundred dollars. For example, Cleveland Clinic cites an ASPS estimate of $466 per session for Botox cosmetic treatments. Dysport sessions tend to be comparable in total price. It is true that Dysport’s per unit price is lower (about $4-$8/unit vs $10-$25/unit for Botox), but because you need ~3x more units of Dysport, the final bill often evens out. Many clinics set fees area by area so patients pay similar amounts whether using Dysport or Botox. Prices vary by region, provider expertise, and the exact number of units needed.

Dysport vs Botox: Units and Dosing

• Conversion ratio. Always remember that 50 units of Botox ≠ 50 units of Dysport. Industry standard is roughly 1:3 (Botox to Dysport). In practice, many injectors use a 2.5:1 or 3:1 ratio. For example, a patient needing 20U of Botox for frown lines would get about 50-60U of Dysport. Always rely on your provider’s guidance; never try to self convert units.
• Vial sizes. Botox comes in 50U or 100U vials, often reconstituted to a certain dilution. Dysport comes in larger 300U or 500U vials. Dysport is single use (open one vial per patient per session), whereas Botox has some multi use vials (though practitioners often use each vial in one patient to avoid waste).
• Reconstitution. Both products are powders that your injector mixes with saline before use. The dilution levels (e.g. how many units per 0.1 mL) vary by practice. After injection, any leftover Botox or Dysport (once reconstituted) must be discarded after 24 hours. Be sure to see product labels or ask your doctor if concerned about sterility.
• Max dose guidelines. Because of the different unit potency, the maximum safe dose over 3 months differs by product. Botox Cosmetic for adults typically stays under 360 total units per 3 months. For Dysport, specific cumulative limits depend on the condition, but dosing must always follow FDA guidelines and clinical judgment.

Cost Comparison: Dysport vs Botox

Cosmetic neurotoxin pricing can be confusing. Here are key points:

• Per-unit pricing: Dysport’s per-unit cost is lower, but you use about 3x as many units for an equivalent effect. For example, Dysport might be ~$4-$8 per unit, while Botox is ~$10-$25 per unit.
• Total cost per treatment: Because of the unit ratio, most patients pay about the same total for an area. An ASPS cited average cosmetic session is ~$466 for either product. In other words, choosing Dysport doesn’t guarantee a much cheaper appointment you just get more injector time or more units for the money.
• Regional variation: Pricing can vary by location and provider. In major cities or top dermatology practices, prices trend higher. It’s always best to ask your clinic for exact quotes (typically in total for a given area) rather than converting units on your own.
• Insurance coverage: Cosmetic use is usually not covered by insurance. Medical uses (migraine, hyperhidrosis, etc.) might be partially covered. So check with your insurer if using Botox for a medical condition.
• Budget considerations: If cost is a concern, know that many practices will price sessions similarly. Some offer “bulk” pricing or discount packages. And remember, starting conservatively (fewer units) is recommended you can always add more later if needed.

In summary, don’t make your decision solely on price. Discuss with your provider; they’ll recommend dosing based on anatomy, so the total cost comes from units×price, which tends to be comparable for Dysport vs Botox.

Pros and Cons of Dysport vs Botox

Pros of Dysport:

• Faster onset: Many patients see a noticeable effect within 2-3 days.
• Cheaper units: Costs ~$4-$8/unit, making per-unit price lower.
• Greater spread: Can cover larger muscles easily (advantage for e.g. jawline slimming).
• May feel less painful: Some studies report Dysport injections sting a bit less than Botox.
• Single-use vials: Less risk of contamination or dose miscount.

Cons of Dysport:

• More units needed: Roughly 3x as many as Botox, which can offset price advantage.
• Limited FDA indications: Only glabellar lines (plus rare pediatric spasticity uses). Other uses are off-label.
• Spreads more: Can be a drawback if you want very precise placement (e.g. only small areas). There’s slightly less control of diffusion.
• Protein allergy caution: Contains trace proteins; avoid if you have a known allergy to components (some rare reports suggest egg/lactose proteins in Dysport).

Pros of Botox:

• Established track record: First in class, with decades of data. Many injector prefer its reliability.
• More indications: Cleared for cosmetic and several medical uses (migraine, sweating, etc.).
• Precise effect: Limited spread allows targeting small muscles like crow’s feet exactly.
• Smaller vials: Can be more convenient for small treatments (50U vials).
• Low immunogenicity: Some believe repeated Botox use generates fewer antibodies over time compared to some formulations.

Cons of Botox:

• Higher per-unit price: Typically $10-$25/unit.
• Slightly slower onset: Effects usually appear in about a week.
• Pain: Injections can be marginally more uncomfortable (though this varies by technique).
• Multi-use vials: If treating one patient, leftover Botox in a vial (once opened) may go to waste if not used within 24 hours.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities. If you want faster results or are treating a large muscle group, Dysport’s characteristics may help. If you need treatment for medical conditions beyond cosmetics, or want the most precise dosing, Botox has the edge. Both are safe and effective when injected by a skilled provider.

Dysport vs Botox vs Xeomin

Many patients also ask how Dysport and Botox compare to Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA), another type A neurotoxin. Here are the quick points (see “botox vs dysport vs xeomin” queries):

• Same toxin source: All three come from C. botulinum type A. They all relax muscles and last ~3-4 months.
• Proteins: Xeomin is “naked” toxin with no accessory proteins. Botox and Dysport both have complexing proteins (though Dysport’s differ from Botox’s). This can make Xeomin slightly less likely to cause rare immune reactions.
• Spread: Xeomin has the least spread (dime-sized), Botox moderate (penny), and Dysport the most (quarter). In practical terms, Xeomin is most targeted, Dysport most diffuse.
• Onset: Xeomin and Dysport both often work a bit faster (~2-3 days) than Botox (4-7 days). However, studies show all three achieve results fully within 2 weeks.
• Cost: Pricing varies regionally, but generally Xeomin costs about the same per unit as Botox (around $10-$15). You use a similar ratio of Xeomin to Botox units (roughly 1:1) unlike Dysport’s 3:1.
• Use case: Xeomin is another “clean” alternative that some choose if they have antibody issues or want a “pure” toxin. Overall, no one is definitively better; often a doctor will use one or the other interchangeably based on availability and patient response.

In summary, Dysport, Botox and Xeomin are all non surgical options to reduce dynamic wrinkles. The main differences lie in their formulations and spread. Dysport may be better for broader areas or faster effect, Botox for more indications and precision, and Xeomin for those needing a protein free option.

Choosing Between Dysport and Botox

Selecting between Dysport and Botox (or combining them) is best done in consultation with a qualified injector. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Consultation: Tell your provider your treatment goals (e.g. “reduce frown lines,” “slim my jaw,” etc.) and any medical history (migraine, muscle disorders, allergies). The doctor can advise which product fits your needs and how many units.
2. Start conservatively: If you’re new to neurotoxins, most injectors will use the lowest effective dose first. You can always add more in a follow up.
3. Injection areas: For most patients, both Dysport and Botox yield very similar cosmetic improvements when dosed properly. If your plan targets a very small, precise area (like a tiny forehead wrinkle), Botox’s precision might be preferred. For a large muscle (jawline, wide forehead) or if you want quicker onset, Dysport could be recommended.
4. Cost discussion: If budget is a concern, ask about total units needed. Even though Dysport is cheaper per unit, more of it is required so the session cost may still align with Botox.
5. Medical vs Cosmetic: If you have a condition like chronic migraine or hyperhidrosis, know that only Botox has the FDA nod for those. For purely cosmetic goals, either is fine.
6. Results check: After injection, results may appear slightly faster with Dysport, but within 2 weeks both will have taken full effect. If you feel one side of your face is not balanced, a follow up touch up is common practice.

Dysport vs Botox Before & After

Clinics often showcase before and after galleries labeled “Dysport vs Botox” to highlight their results. In these images, patients treated with either product typically show smoother, wrinkle free foreheads or relaxed frown lines. As one study put it, complete satisfaction rates are high with both toxins. In general:

• Visual outcome: With correct dosing, the visual effect of Dysport vs Botox is nearly identical. Both will visibly reduce dynamic wrinkles by several grades on a standard scale. Any subtle differences (e.g. uniform spread vs pinpoint effect) are usually not noticeable to casual observers.
• Timeline: Photos taken 2 weeks post injection usually show the final result for both treatments. Some users report Dysport results looked more “mushy” or natural because of its spread, but this is subjective.
• Examples: Searching the web for “Dysport vs Botox before and after” yields many anecdotal galleries. These are not scientific, but generally confirm that facial lines disappear similarly with either choice. Always remember individual anatomy and skill of the injector influence results more than the brand name.

(No user images are embedded here, but in a real blog you might include stock or model photos with alt text: e.g., “Before and after illustrating wrinkle smoothing of a patient treated with Dysport/Botox.” Always get proper permissions for any patient photos.)

Dysport vs Botox for Masseter (Jawline Slimming)

When slimming a wide jawline caused by an overactive masseter muscle, many providers favor Dysport for its diffusion properties. Because Dysport spreads more broadly, it can cover the large masseter muscle in fewer injections. Botox can also be used, but may require more injection points for full coverage. That said, no definitive clinical trial has proven one toxin is superior for jaw slimming. It often comes down to practitioner preference and experience. If you’re considering masseter injection:

• Dysport may produce effect faster due to wider spread.
• Botox offers pinpoint dosing if you want to restrict the effect.
• Both will ultimately reduce muscle size over weeks by causing partial paralysis of the chewing muscle.
• Many patients see jawline contour improvements with either product.

Always discuss risks (chewing weakness, facial asymmetry) and the 1:3 dosing ratio before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main difference between Botox and Dysport?
A: The main differences are in formulation and potency. Both use botulinum toxin A to relax muscles, but Dysport’s version is diluted and packaged differently. Roughly 1 unit of Botox = 3 units of Dysport. Dysport tends to spread more and act faster (2-3 days vs ~1 week). Botox has more FDA approved uses (crow’s feet, migraines, etc.). Both last about 3-4 months and produce very similar wrinkle reduction if dosed properly.

Q: Are the side effects of Dysport and Botox the same?
A: Yes. Because they are essentially the same toxin, side effects are identical. Common effects include minor injection site pain, swelling, redness or bruising. Both can rarely cause temporary drooping of a nearby muscle (like an eyelid) if the toxin spreads. No major differences in safety have been found.

Q: How much does Dysport cost compared to Botox?
A: Both treatments are priced similarly on a per-session basis. Dysport units are cheaper per unit ($4-$8 vs Botox $10-$25), but you need 2.5-3 times more units of Dysport for the same effect. Clinics often quote a flat price for an area (like “$X for forehead injections”). In practice, most patients spend roughly the same total on Dysport or Botox for equivalent wrinkle treatment.

Q: Does Dysport last longer than Botox?
A: In general, both last about the same length of time (around 12-16 weeks). Some patients feel Dysport “wears off” a bit slower, but clinical data show no major difference in duration. The apparent longevity often just reflects the difference in onset: Dysport’s quick start makes it feel longer lasting.

Q: Which is better for my needs, Dysport or Botox?
A: It depends on your goals. For very quick effects or treating a large muscle (like a wide jaw), Dysport’s fast spread might be useful. For maximal FDA cleared uses (like migraines or eye wrinkles) or very precise placement, Botox is often chosen. Ultimately, both are effective for wrinkles. A good approach is to consult with a board certified injector. They can assess your facial anatomy, discuss pros/cons (see above), and even let you feel on a few other patients who used each toxin. There is no one size fits all answer.

Q: What about Xeomin compared to Dysport and Botox?
A: Xeomin is another FDA approved botulinum toxin type A with no accessory proteins. It works and lasts similarly (3-4 months). The main differences: Xeomin’s cost and dosing are generally like Botox, and it has the least diffusion (most focused effect). In lay terms: Xeomin = Botox/CBA (cost/benefit/average): moderate price, very precise. Dysport = cheap price per unit, wide spread. Botox = mid/high price, tried and true.

Q: Can I switch between Dysport and Botox on different visits?
A: Yes, you can. Many doctors rotate products or switch based on patient response and pricing. They simply adjust the unit count (3:1) each time. Ensure your doctor knows your history with the other toxin so they calculate the correct dose. There is no harm in switching as long as dosing is adjusted.

Q: Where can I find Dysport vs Botox pictures?
A: Many dermatology and plastic surgery websites have before and after galleries of each treatment. Looking at “Dysport before and after” or “Botox before and after” can be instructive, but remember every patient is unique. The general takeaway from published photos is that both give very smooth, wrinkle free results in their target areas.

In summary, Dysport and Botox are very similar neuromodulators with only subtle differences. Both can effectively smooth facial wrinkles for several months. Dysport typically acts a bit faster and spreads more, requiring about three times the units of Botox. Botox has a slightly higher price per unit and more FDA approved uses. Your best choice depends on your treatment area, budget, and preferences. Always choose a qualified, board certified injector to ensure safety and optimal results.

Have personal experience with Dysport or Botox? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If you found this article helpful, please like and share it so others can learn about the key differences between these wrinkle relaxing injectables. And of course, if you have any doubts, talk to your doctor they’ll explain all your options and help you pick the treatment that makes you feel most confident.