If you’re comparing Botox and Dysport, you might not be able to tell the difference between them very easily, and there’s a good reason. Botox and Dysport treatments are very similar, as both are neuromodulators that soften expression lines and help people look more refreshed. However, they do have some small differences that can help you decide on the right treatment for your needs and goals.
As you decide between the options, learn more about the primary similarities and differences between Botox and Dysport.
Key Takeaways
- Botox and Dysport are neuromodulators designed to relax targeted facial muscles and soften dynamic expression lines, especially in the upper face.
- Botox Cosmetic is FDA-approved for frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet, while Dysport is FDA-approved for frown lines in adults under 65.
- Dysport often shows changes within a couple of days, while Botox may take several days, and both can take about 10 to 14 days to reach peak effects.
- Many people see results from Botox and Dysport for about 3 to 4 months.
- Dysport may not be appropriate for people with a cow’s milk protein allergy.
Table of Contents
What Is Botox?
Botox Cosmetic is a neuromodulator made from botulinum toxin type A that relaxes specific facial muscles. When injected for aesthetic purposes, it softens dynamic wrinkles and creates a smoother, refreshed look.
In the U.S., Botox Cosmetic is FDA-approved for specific facial lines, including frown lines between the brows, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. Your provider may also recommend it for other areas when it fits your goals and anatomy.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox temporarily blocks nerve signals that make a muscle move, so that muscle relaxes and the skin above it looks smoother. Essentially, this means Botox works like a “pause button” for certain muscles.
Your nerves send messages that tell muscles to contract. Botox blocks part of that message in a very targeted way, so the muscle relaxes. When the muscle relaxes, the skin over it can look smoother.
4 Benefits of Botox
Softens common expression lines like forehead creases and crow’s feet
Helps prevent deepening of dynamic wrinkles over time
Offers predictable, adjustable results when placed precisely
Fits into a busy schedule, since appointments are typically quick and downtime is minimal
Potential Side Effects of Botox
Most side effects are mild and temporary, and many people return to normal activities right away. The most common side effects include:
- Mild redness, swelling, tenderness, or bruising at injection sites
- Headache
- Temporary eyelid or brow droop if the product affects a nearby muscle
- A tight or “heavy” feeling in the treated area as the muscles adjust
What Is Dysport?
Dysport is a neuromodulator that relaxes targeted facial muscles, which helps soften expression lines and supports a refreshed look.
Dysport is also a prescription neuromodulator made from botulinum toxin type A. It works similarly to Botox, but it’s a different formulation.
In the U.S., Dysport is FDA-approved for treating moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows in adults under 65. Like Botox, it may be used in other areas at the provider’s clinical discretion.
How Does Dysport Work?
Dysport temporarily limits nerve signals to specific muscles, helping those muscles relax so lines from repeated expressions can soften.
Dysport relaxes targeted muscles by blocking the nerve signals that tell them to contract.
When the treated muscle relaxes, lines caused by repeated expressions can soften, and the area can look smoother.
4 Benefits of Dysport
Softens frown lines and other expression lines when appropriately placed
Often feels like a “quick refresh” for patients who want a smoother look
Can be a great option for patients who prefer how it settles on their face
May be a good fit when treating larger muscle patterns, depending on your anatomy and goals
Potential Side Effects of Dysport
Side effects are typically mild and temporary. Common side effects include:
- Redness, swelling, tenderness, or bruising at injection sites
- Headache
- Eyelid swelling or temporary eyelid droop
- Mild nausea or flu-like feelings in some cases
Botox vs Dysport Comparison Table
| Feature | Botox | Dysport |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Type | Neuromodulator that relaxes targeted facial muscles | Neuromodulator that relaxes targeted facial muscles |
| Active ingredient | OnabotulinumtoxinA | AbobotulinumtoxinA |
| What areas do they treat? | Frown lines between the brows, forehead lines, and crow’s feet | Frown lines between the brows in adults under 65 |
| When you may start noticing results | Often within several days | Often within a couple of days |
| When results typically look “final” | Usually within about 10 to 14 days | Usually within about 10 to 14 days |
| Typical longevity | Many people see smoothing for about 3 to 4 months | Many people see smoothing for about 3 to 4 months |
How Are Dysport and Botox Similar?
Botox and Dysport relax specific muscles to soften expression lines, and most patients can expect quick appointments, minimal downtime, and temporary results.
Learn more about the similarities between Dysport and Botox below:
- Treatment type and process: Both treatments are neuromodulators that relax overactive muscles. They’re often used for similar types of concerns and follow a similar treatment process. Treatment involves a series of small injections, and most people can get back to normal routines the same day.
- Overall treatment goal: Each neuromodulator targets expression lines caused by repeated muscle movement, especially in the upper face. In general, adults who want to soften dynamic lines, look more rested, or take a preventative approach can be good candidates for either option.
- Length of results: For most people, both Botox and Dysport last about 3–4 months. Your results may last a bit longer or shorter, depending on factors such as muscle strength, dosage, metabolism, and facial expressiveness.
What Are the Key Differences Between Botox and Dysport?
While Botox and Dysport are very similar, they have some key differences, such as their onset time, formula, FDA-approved treatment areas, and dosage. Learn more about the primary differences between Botox and Dysport below:
1. Formula
Botox and Dysport are both botulinum toxin type A neuromodulators, but they are different products. Botox uses onabotulinumtoxinA, while Dysport uses abobotulinumtoxinA.
They also differ in inactive ingredients. Botox Cosmetic contains human albumin and sodium chloride. Dysport contains human albumin, lactose, and trace amounts of cow’s milk protein. As a result, Dysport isn’t recommended for patients with a cow’s milk protein allergy.
2. FDA-Approved Treatment Areas
Botox Cosmetic has FDA approval for multiple cosmetic areas, such as glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows), forehead lines, and crow’s feet around the eyes. Unlike Botox, Dysport’s cosmetic approval is specifically for glabellar lines in adults under 65.
In practice, however, experienced injectors may use either product in other areas when it’s appropriate.
3. How Quickly Results Begin Showing
Dysport tends to show faster results than Botox. While it often takes Botox several days to show significant results, noticeable changes from Dysport usually appear within a couple of days.
Although Dysport usually has a faster onset, both take about 10 to 14 days to reach peak effects.
4. How Much of a Dose Is Needed
Botox and Dysport units are measured differently, so they are not a one-to-one swap. In other words, “20 units” does not mean the same thing across products.
As one example, a common starting dose for frown lines between the brows is 20 units of Botox Cosmetic or 50 units of Dysport. Your exact dose depends on the area treated, your muscle strength, and your goals.
Your injector will recommend a dose based on the area treated, your muscle strength, and the look you want, then refine it over time.
Does Botox or Dysport Have a More Natural Look?
Neither product is automatically more natural. A natural look comes from the right dose in the right muscles, with careful placement that keeps your expressions balanced.
How to Decide Between Dysport and Botox
If your goal includes forehead lines or crow’s feet, Botox may be the more straightforward option because it’s FDA-approved for those areas. If you’re focused on frown lines between the brows, either option can be appropriate.
You’ll also want to factor in allergies and safety. Dysport contains trace cow’s milk protein, so it isn’t recommended for patients with a cow’s milk protein allergy. Your injector will also review your medical history, medications, and past treatment responses to guide a safe choice.
Aftercare Tips for Botox and Dysport
Aftercare for either Botox or Dysport is simple, but it matters. The following steps support an even result and help minimize bruising:
- Stay upright for a few hours after your appointment.
- Avoid rubbing, massaging, or applying firm pressure to treated areas for the rest of the day.
- Skip strenuous workouts for about 24 hours, or follow your provider’s guidance.
- Hold off on facials, facial tools, and vigorous skin treatments until your injector says it’s safe.
- If you notice mild swelling or a small bump at an injection site, give it time. These typically settle quickly.
Can You Switch Between Botox and Dysport?
If you’re not getting the timing or look you want, or you’re treating a different area, your provider may recommend switching products at your next visit. The most important detail is that Botox and Dysport units are measured differently, so your injector should recalculate the dose rather than converting it one-to-one.
To keep results predictable, it also helps to stay consistent with follow-ups and allow enough time between treatments. Your provider can suggest the right schedule based on your treatment area, muscle strength, and the length of time your results typically last.
Schedule a Dysport or Botox Appointment in San Diego at Dermacare
If you’re interested in Dysport or Botox injections in San Diego or the surrounding areas, Dermacare is ready to walk you through each treatment option and help you choose the right one for you. Once we understand your goals and complete a comprehensive evaluation, we’ll tailor your treatment to your precise needs. Next, we’ll perform the treatment, strategically placing the injection into the skin to smooth wrinkles and give you a more youthful appearance.
Learn more about our Botox and Dysport services today.