Compare Botox vs Dysport for wrinkles. Learn which works faster, lasts longer, and costs less. Expert guide to choosing the right injectable treatment.
Book an appointmentMost people have heard about Botox. Dysport is newer to many folks. Both work to smooth wrinkles, but they're different enough that your choice matters. Many patients got confused about which one to pick. The decision comes down to a few key factors. How fast do you want results? Where were you getting treated? Your budget. Even though your muscles move. Both use botulinum toxin type A. Same basic ingredient, different formulations. Think of it like two brands of the same medicine. They work similarly but have their own characteristics.
Botox came first. It's been around since the 1980s for medical uses. Cosmetic approval came in 2002. Most people know this brand name. Dysport arrived later in the US market. It got FDA approval for cosmetic use in 2009. Europe had it earlier. The delay doesn't mean it's inferior. Both are neuromodulators. They block nerve signals to muscles. When muscles can't contract fully, wrinkles soften. The effect is temporary.
Here's what they share:
The manufacturing process differs between companies. This creates slight variations in how they behave once injected.
Dysport wins the speed contest. Most people see results in 2-3 days. Some notice changes within 24 hours. Botox takes longer. Results typically appear in 5-7 days. Full effects might take up to two weeks. Why this happens relates to molecular structure. Dysport has smaller protein complexes. They spread and activate faster in your tissue. Botox molecules are larger and need more time to take effect. This timing difference matters for special events. Wedding next weekend? Dysport gives you better odds of seeing results in time. Have two weeks? Either option works fine. The faster onset doesn't mean Dysport wears off sooner. Duration is similar for both once they're working.
Dysport spreads wider after injection. Botox stays put where it's placed. This isn't a flaw or benefit - it's just different behavior. Dysport's diffusion pattern works well for large areas. Your forehead, for example. The product naturally covers more territory with fewer injection points. Less poking, more coverage. Botox's precise action suits detailed work. Around your eyes, where accuracy matters. You want control over exactly which muscles get affected. Think about painting a room versus detailed artwork. Dysport is your roller brush. Botox is your fine detail brush. Both have their place.
This spreading difference affects the injection technique. Experienced injectors adjust their approach based on which product they're using.
Forehead Lines: Dysport often works better here. The forehead is a broad, flat area. Dysport's natural spread covers it efficiently. Many patients get smoother results across the entire forehead. Botox works too, but requires more injection points. Some people prefer this targeted approach. Depends on your muscle patterns and desired outcome.
Crow's Feet Botox has advantages around the eyes. This delicate area needs precision. You don't want a product affecting your natural smile or eye function. Botox's localized action gives better control. Dysport can work for crow's feet. It requires more skill to manage the spread properly. Many injectors stick with Botox here for predictable results.
Frown Lines Between Eyebrows. Both work excellently for these vertical lines. This is Dysport's only FDA-approved cosmetic area. Botox is also approved here. The choice often comes down to your injector's preference and your individual muscle strength.
Dysport and Botox units aren't comparable. It's like comparing pounds to kilograms. The numbers mean different things. Generally, you need about 2.5-3 Dysport units to equal 1 Botox unit. But this ratio isn't exact. Your injector considers your muscle strength, treatment goals, and anatomy. Don't get hung up on unit counts; focus on total treatment cost and results achieved. A good injector uses the right amount of either product to reach your goals.
Some clinics price Dysport lower per unit. This can result in lower overall treatment costs. Others price them similarly. Shop around and compare total treatment costs, not per-unit pricing.
Both typically last 3 to 4 months. Individual results vary based on several factors.
Both have excellent safety records. Serious complications are rare when performed by qualified providers.
Common temporary side effects include:
Most side effects resolve within a few days. Ice helps with swelling. Arnica cream might reduce bruising. Choose your injector carefully. Experience matters more than which product you use. Poor technique causes most complications, not the product itself. Avoid both if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Certain neurological conditions also rule out treatment. Discuss your medical history during the consultation.
Neither product is universally better. The right choice depends on your specific situation.
Consider Dysport if:
Consider Botox if:
The injector's experience matters most. A skilled provider gets good results with either product. An inexperienced one can mess up both.
Let's talk about what can go wrong. Both treatments are generally safe, but problems do happen. Most issues come from poor injection technique, not the products themselves.
Temporary side effects happen often:
More serious complications are rare:
The worst complications happen when the product spreads beyond the target area. This causes muscle weakness where you don't want it. Eyelid drooping is the most common serious issue. Some people are just bad candidates. Those with muscle diseases like myasthenia gravis shouldn't get either treatment. Pregnant women need to wait. People taking certain antibiotics face higher risks.
Not everyone should get Botox or Dysport injections. Several conditions make treatment risky or impossible.
Medical conditions that rule out treatment:
Age considerations matter too. Most providers won't treat people under 18. The upper age limit depends more on health than on specific age numbers.
People with unrealistic expectations often end up disappointed. These treatments smooth lines but don't stop aging completely. They work best for dynamic wrinkles from muscle movement.
First-time patients often feel nervous about injections. The actual procedure is quick and relatively comfortable.
Pre-treatment steps: Your injector examines your face and discusses goals. They mark injection points with a pen. Photos document your starting point.
During injection: The needle is tiny, thinner than acupuncture needles. Most people describe it as quick pinches. Topical numbing cream helps sensitive patients. Total injection time takes 10-15 minutes.
Immediately after: You might see small bumps at injection sites. These disappear within hours. Bruising may develop over the next day. Ice packs help reduce swelling.
Avoid rubbing the treated area for 24 hours. This prevents the product from spreading to unwanted muscles. Skip intense exercise for the rest of the day.
Both treatments require ongoing maintenance. Results aren't permanent. Planning for regular appointments keeps you looking your best. Most people start seeing movement return around month 3. Full strength comes back by month 4-5. Scheduling your next appointment at 3 months maintains consistent results. Regular patients often find they need treatments less frequently over time. Muscles get trained to stay relaxed. Some people stretch appointments to 5-6 months eventually.
Building relationships with your injector helps. They learn your face and preferences. Consistent providers give more predictable results than switching between different injectors. Document your results with photos. This helps track what works and what doesn't. Note which areas need more or less product next time.
Many people combine neurotoxins with other cosmetic procedures. The timing and combinations matter for safety and results.
Popular combination treatments:
Wait at least two weeks between neurotoxin injections and other facial treatments. This prevents interference with how the products work. Some procedures work better together. Botox for dynamic lines plus fillers for static wrinkles gives comprehensive results. Your injector can plan combination treatments safely.
Know when to call your provider. Some problems need immediate attention. Others resolve on their own with time.
Call immediately if you experience:
Normal issues that resolve:
Most complications show up within the first week. After that, you're usually in the clear until the product starts wearing off.
Both Botox and Dysport can give you excellent results. The key is finding an experienced injector who understands your goals. The product choice matters less than injector skill. A talented provider gets good results with either option. Poor technique causes most problems regardless of which brand they use. Start conservatively with your first treatment. You can always add more product, but you can't take it away once injected. Building up gradually gives better long-term results.
Ready to discover which treatment is perfect for your goals? Schedule your complimentary consultation at LYEV Beverly Hills Med Spa to work with our expert injectors who will create a personalized treatment plan just for you.
Which lasts longer, Botox or Dysport?
Both last 3-4 months typically. Individual factors like metabolism and muscle strength affect duration more than product choice.
Does Dysport work faster than Botox?
Yes, Dysport shows results in 2-3 days while Botox takes 5-7 days for full effects.
Is Dysport better than Botox?
Neither is universally better. Dysport works well for larger areas like foreheads. Botox offers more precision for areas like crow's feet.
How many units of Dysport vs Botox do I need?
It takes roughly 2.5-3 Dysport units to equal 1 Botox unit. Your injector determines the exact amount based on your individual needs.
What's the difference between Dysport and Botox units?
They're measured differently by each manufacturer. Focus on total treatment cost and results rather than unit numbers.
Is Dysport safer than Botox?
Both have similar safety profiles when administered by qualified providers. Neither is significantly safer than the other.
