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Dysport vs. Botox: Overview of Botox Injections

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Botox and Dysport to treat  facial wrinkles. They are common treatments done to achieve a more youthful appearance by smoothing wrinkles and frown lines. The primary difference between Dysport vs Botox is a slightly different active ingredient. They also differ in terms of the FDA-approved indications, injection sites, onset and duration of results, and cost. 

In addition to their role as cosmetic agents, Botox and Dysport are approved to treat other medical conditions. Both medications can be used to treat cervical dystonia in adults, and Botox can also be prescribed for the treatment of severe axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm perspiration) and chronic migraine. 

Both cosmetic procedures use a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. They diminish wrinkles by blocking nerve signals and creating temporary muscle paralysis in dynamic lines. Dynamic wrinkles develop due to muscle contractions (muscle movement) during facial expressions like frowning and laughing. 

Dysport / Botox Procedure Type: The Administration of Dysport and Botox is considered to be a non-invasive treatment. The plastic surgery procedure to treat fine lines and wrinkles with Botox and Dysport takes 20-30 minutes to perform. It is done in a doctor’s office where a licensed provider injects the medicine into carefully selected facial muscles. The treatment requires little to no downtime or recovery time, and the results are visible within a few days. The number of treatments needed depends on how long the results last, typically 3-4 months. Botox works for up to 6 months, while Dysport works for up to 5 months.

What is Botox?

Botox is the brand name of a prescription injectable medication that contains onabotulinumtoxinA or botulinum toxin type A as the active ingredient. It helps to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, such as forehead lines, glabellar lines between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet near the corners of the eyes. 

What is Dysport?

Dysport is the brand name of a prescription injectable medication that contains abobotulinumtoxin A as the active ingredient. It is used for treating wrinkles called glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows). Dysport is for moderate to severe frown lines, also called “11” lines or vertical lines between the brows.

Main Differences Between Botox and Dysport Wrinkle Treatment

Effectiveness of Botox and Dysport

Both Botox and Dysport contain a similar type of botulinum toxin, which is the main ingredient. However, they have different amounts of trace proteins, and this can make one more effective than the other in some people.

Clinical Applications of Botox

• Botox is approved to treat moderate forehead lines, frown lines between the brows, and crow’s feet.

• In addition to Botox Cosmetic, botulinum toxin injections also have medical uses, such as to treat neck spasms, other muscle spasms, excessive sweating, strabismus (lazy eye), chronic migraines, and urinary incontinence related to overactive bladder.

Clinical Applications of Dysport

• Dysport has FDA approval to treat frown lines between the eyebrows.

Which Lasts Longer: Botox or Dysport?

Botox generally lasts longer than Dysport. People can go 3-6 months on average between two treatments with Botox injections. Results of Dysport injections last 3-5 months on average. Note: You need repeat treatments with both to maintain the desired results.

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Safety and Side Effects of Botulinum Toxin

Botox Side Effects

Common side effects of Botox include slight discomfort at the injection site, redness, swelling, bruising, numbness, and headache.

Dysport Side Effects

Common side effects of Dysport include mild post-session pain at the injection site, eyelid swelling, local skin irritation, throat irritation, upper respiratory tract infection, sinus inflammation, headache, and nausea.

Are Botox and Dysport Safe?

Yes, Botox and Dysport are generally safe for cosmetic purposes when used as intended at the recommended dosages. These injectable treatments should be performed by a licensed professional with a deep knowledge of facial anatomy and training in injection techniques, such as a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

More serious side effects from Dysport and Botox are extremely rare, but may include breathing difficulties, trouble swallowing, and problems with speaking due to muscle weakness. The botulinum toxin can spread from the injection site and cause side effects such as blurred vision, double vision, drooping eyelid, hoarseness, changes in voice, trouble speaking clearly, and loss of bladder control.

Give your doctor a complete medical history during the initial consultation. Dysport and Botox may not be safe for people with a history of botulinum toxin sensitivity (allergic reaction to Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA), Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA), Myobloc (rimabotulinumtoxinB), Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA), or Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs) also called New Botox or Newtox.

Tell your doctor if you have an active skin infection at the injection site, a recent medical procedure, or medical conditions such as muscle or nerve conditions, breathing problems, bleeding disorders, or eye conditions. 

Also, give your doctor a complete list of all your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies to avoid potential drug interactions.

Cost Comparison: Is Dysport More Expensive Than Botox?

Botox Cost

The average price of Botox is between $10 and $18 per unit. Most treatments require 30 to 40 Botox units. On average, a Botox treatment costs $300 to $600.

Dysport Cost

The average price of Dysport is between $4 and $6 per unit. Most Dysport treatments require 20 to 90 units. On average, a Dysport treatment costs $300 to $400.

Why is Dysport Cheaper Than Botox?

Dysport ($4-$6 per unit) is cheaper than Botox ($10-$18 per unit) because Dysport is more diluted than Botox. The general rule is that 1 unit of Botox is equivalent to 3 units of Dysport. So, while the per unit cost of Dysport is cheaper than Botox, the total cost of treatment is usually comparable because more units of Dysport are needed for reducing wrinkles and fine lines and achieving the same results as Botox.

How Many Units of Botox vs. Dysport Are Needed? 

Most Botox treatments require 30 to 40 units of Botox. Most Dysport injections use 20 to 90 units. 

Note: The dose of Botox and Dysport is not the same and should not be compared to each other or other botulinum toxin products you may have used. 

Natural-Looking Results

Which Looks More Natural: Botox or Dysport?

Dysport can sometimes look more natural than Botox because it spreads more evenly across the face. As mentioned, Dysport has a different protein formulation than Botox that allows it to spread over a larger treatment area than Botox. This can result in a softer, more natural appearance with Dysport compared to Botox. It is especially true when treating larger areas of the face, such as the forehead. 

With that said, “more natural looking” is a very subjective thing. Because Botox and Dysport are often used to treat different areas of the face, it's almost impossible to say if one looks more natural or better than the other. 

Pros and Cons of Dysport vs. Botox

• Treatment Area: Botox is used to treat forehead lines, glabellar lines, and crow’s feet. Dysport is only for moderate to severe frown lines in the glabella area.

• Onset Time: Dysport works faster than Botox (onset time 1-2 days for Dysport compared to 1 week or longer for Botox).

• Results: The results of Dysport and Botox treatments last for three to four months on average, and you'll need to return for more treatments to maintain the results. Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon will develop a treatment plan for you.

• Formula: Dysport is usually a less concentrated formula than Botox. As a result, Botox spreads less in the skin because it works with a larger protein. This makes Botox better for targeting certain areas with thick skin. But it may require more injection sites to treat larger areas with Botox compared to Dysport. 

• Popularity: Botox is more widely used than Dysport, so it may be easier to find. Providers also have a better understanding of Botox dosages and results. 

• Resistance: Botox is more commonly used than Dysport. Some people can develop a resistance to Botox over time. Dysport can be a good alternative for people who have developed Botox resistance. 

• Side Effects: Both Dysport and Botox cause similar side effects. 

Who’s a Good Candidate for Dysport and Botox?

A good candidate for Botox or Dysport is a healthy adult between the ages of 18 and 65 years who has moderate to severe facial wrinkles in the upper third of the face that have not responded to topical skin care products and who wants to temporarily improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.