Dysport vs Botox: What’s the Difference?

If “wrinkle relaxer” is your vibe but you’re stuck choosing between Dysport and Botox,
you’re not alone. They’re like two popular streaming services: both will get you the show (smoother-looking lines),
but the interface, timing, and pricing model can feel a little different.

The short version: both are injectable neuromodulators made from botulinum toxin type A that temporarily
relax targeted facial muscles. The longer (more useful) version: they’re not identical, and the differencesonset,
“spread,” dosing units, and FDA-approved cosmetic usescan affect which one makes more sense for your face, your budget,
and your goals.

Quick Snapshot: Dysport vs Botox (At a Glance)

What Botox and Dysport Actually Are (And What They’re Not)

They’re cousins, not twins

Botox Cosmetic and Dysport are both prescription injectables in the “neuromodulator” family. They work by blocking nerve
signals to specific muscles so those muscles relax. When the muscle movement softens, dynamic wrinkles
(the ones that show up when you frown, squint, or raise your brows) look less intense.

Important nuance: people casually say “Botox” to mean any wrinkle-relaxing injection, but Botox Cosmetic
is a specific brand and formulation. Dysport is another brand with its own formulation and dosing system.
They can produce similar-looking results, but they’re not interchangeable like swapping oat milk for almond milk.

How they smooth lines

Picture your facial muscles as tiny “pulley systems” under your skin. When you repeatedly contract them (hello, Monday emails),
the skin creases in the same spots. Neuromodulators temporarily reduce the muscle’s ability to contract strongly, giving the skin
a chance to look smoother.

This is why neuromodulators are usually best for expression-driven lines like:
glabellar lines (the “11s” between the brows), forehead lines, and crow’s feet.
They’re less effective for lines caused mainly by gravity, sun damage, or volume lossthose often respond better to skincare,
lasers, fillers, or a combination plan.

FDA-Approved Cosmetic Uses in the U.S. (Where They Differ a Lot)

Botox Cosmetic: broader cosmetic labeling

In the United States, Botox Cosmetic is FDA-approved for multiple cosmetic areas. That matters because “FDA-approved” doesn’t mean
“magically better,” but it does mean the product has gone through specific clinical studies for that use.

• Glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows)
• Lateral canthal lines (crow’s feet)
• Forehead lines (typically treated along with glabellar lines to balance brow position)
• Platysma bands (vertical neck bandsoften called “Nefertiti lift” territory in pop culture)

Dysport: cosmetic labeling focused on glabellar lines

Dysport is FDA-approved for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe glabellar lines associated with
corrugator and procerus muscle activity. Dysport also has several non-cosmetic medical indications, but for purely cosmetic use,
glabellar lines are the headline.

Translation: if you want crow’s feet or forehead lines treated, many clinicians can still use Dysport “off-label” based on medical
judgment and experiencebut off-label use is a different category than an FDA-approved cosmetic indication.

The Differences That Actually Affect Your Results

1) Onset: how quickly you might notice a change

Both products take time to build. You don’t leave the appointment looking “done.” (If you do, that’s probably your post-treatment
glow… or your car’s vanity mirror lying to you.)

Many injectors and patient resources describe Dysport as showing visible changes a bit sooner for some peopleoften within a couple
of dayswhile Botox Cosmetic may take several days to about a week to look noticeably different, with results continuing to develop.
Regardless of brand, a common theme is that the full effect tends to settle in around ~2 weeks.

2) Diffusion (“spread”): paintbrush vs precision pen

You’ll often hear that Dysport “spreads more.” That doesn’t mean it migrates wildly across your face; it’s more about how it behaves
in tissue and how the effect can distribute from an injection point.

A helpful mental model:

• Botox Cosmetic is often described as a bit more “targeted” for smaller, detail-oriented areas.
• Dysport is often described as useful for broader areas where you want more uniform softening.

This is not a universal ruledose, dilution, injection technique, your anatomy, and muscle strength matter a lot. A skilled injector
can make either product look natural (or can overdo either product if they chase “perfect stillness” like it’s an Olympic sport).

3) Units: the biggest “don’t compare apples to oranges” moment

Botox Cosmetic units and Dysport units are not the same measurement. They are based on different proprietary testing
methods, so you cannot convert them 1:1 or compare “40 units” across brands like it’s a direct price tag.

In practice, many clinicians use a rough conversion range (often around 2.5–3 units of Dysport per 1 unit of Botox Cosmetic) for certain
facial areas, but it’s not a universal formula. Your injector should dose based on your muscle strength, the area being treated, and the
look you wantnot on a math trick from the internet.

4) Duration: do they last the same amount of time?

For most people getting cosmetic treatment for common facial areas, both Botox Cosmetic and Dysport last in the neighborhood of
three to four months, give or take. Some people get a little less, some get longermetabolism, muscle strength,
dose, and treatment consistency all play a role.

Also: if you’re comparing your “last time” to your “this time,” remember that stress, sleep, exercise routines, and even whether you
were clenching your jaw like a suspense movie can influence how quickly movement returns.

5) “Natural vs frozen” is mostly about technique

People blame products when they really mean: “I got more neuromodulator than I wanted,” or “the injection plan didn’t match my face.”
A natural look usually comes from balanced dosing, good placement, and a provider who treats your anatomy (not a cookie-cutter map).

If your goal is “I still want my eyebrows to communicate, just not in 4K,” say that explicitly. You can often get subtle softening without
shutting down movement completely.

Side Effects and Safety (The Unfun but Important Part)

In qualified hands, cosmetic neuromodulators are widely used and generally well-tolerated. Still, they’re medical treatments with real risks,
so it’s smart to know the basics.

Common temporary side effects

• Redness, swelling, tenderness at injection sites
• Bruising (especially if you bruise easily)
• Headache (less common, but reported)
• Mild eyelid or brow heaviness if placement/dose isn’t ideal for your anatomy

Less common but more serious risks

All botulinum toxin products carry warnings about the potential for toxin effects beyond the injection area in certain situations.
While serious events are uncommon in cosmetic use, it’s part of why you want a licensed, experienced injector and why you should disclose
your medical history.

Who should be extra cautious

Your provider will screen you, but be prepared to discuss pregnancy/breastfeeding status, neuromuscular disorders, prior reactions,
current infections, and medications or supplements that may affect bruising. When in doubt, askyour face will appreciate the paperwork.

Cost: Which One Is Cheaper?

The honest answer: it depends on how your provider prices and how many total units you need.
Dysport often costs less per unit, but you usually need more Dysport units to get a comparable effect to Botox Cosmetic units.
That means total treatment cost can end up similar.

What’s more important than “price per unit”:

• Provider expertise (training + aesthetics + complication management)
• A customized plan that matches your face and goals
• Transparent pricing and realistic expectations

How to Choose: A Practical Decision Guide

You might prefer Botox Cosmetic if…

• You want FDA-approved labeling for multiple cosmetic areas (like crow’s feet and forehead lines).
• You’re treating small, detail-heavy areas and want very controlled placement.
• You’ve used it before and loved your resultconsistency counts.

You might prefer Dysport if…

• Your main concern is glabellar lines (“11s”).
• You and your injector want a plan that may be helpful for broader softening patterns (depending on technique).
• You’re hoping for a slightly faster onset based on your timeline (with realistic expectations).

Questions to ask your injector (that actually help)

• “What’s your plan for keeping my brows balanced so I don’t look heavy or surprised?”
• “How do you adjust dosing for stronger muscles or asymmetry?”
• “What should I expect by day 3, day 7, and day 14?”
• “If I don’t love the result, what’s the adjustment strategy next time?”

What to Expect: Before, During, and After Your Appointment

Before

Show up with a clean face if possible, and disclose supplements/meds that increase bruising risk (your provider will guide you).
Bring photos of your face at rest and while expressing if you’re trying to match a previous look.

During

The injections are quick. Discomfort is usually mild and brief. The “worst part” for many people is the idea of it, not the actual needle.
(Human brains are dramatic.)

After

Follow your provider’s aftercare instructions. Many clinicians recommend staying upright for a period after injections and avoiding heavy
exercise immediately afterward. Don’t massage the treated areas unless your injector specifically instructs you to.

Follow-up

If your provider offers a 2-week check, take it. That’s the sweet spot for assessing symmetry and fine-tuning future dosing.
Think of it as the “tailoring appointment” after buying a suit.

FAQ: Dysport vs Botox

Can I switch between Dysport and Botox?

Often, yesmany people switch based on preference, availability, or injector recommendation. The key is that dosing is not interchangeable,
so your injector should adjust thoughtfully rather than “matching unit numbers.”

Will either one make my face look unnatural?

Either product can look natural or overdone depending on dose, placement, and your goals. If you want movement, say so clearly.
“Softening” and “freezing” are different end points.

Which lasts longer?

For many patients, both last around 3–4 months, with individual variation. Some people report longer or shorter experiences with one brand,
but technique and individual biology are major drivers.

Is one safer than the other?

Both are prescription neuromodulators with similar categories of risks. The more meaningful safety variable is the qualifications of the injector,
proper dosing, and good screening for contraindications.

Real-World Experiences: What People Notice (and What They Wish They’d Known)

Talk to enough neuromodulator users (or scroll long enoughdangerous sport), and you’ll notice a pattern: most “Dysport vs Botox” stories
are really stories about expectations, timing, and injector strategy. Here are common experiences patients reporttranslated into
practical takeaways you can use.

Experience #1: “Dysport kicked in fast… and I kept checking the mirror like it was a notification.”
A lot of people describe seeing early softening sooner with Dysportsometimes within a couple days. The catch is that early changes can be subtle,
and the “final” look still takes time. The best mindset is: enjoy the early improvement, but don’t judge the outcome until about two weeks.
If you start panic-Googling on day three, congratulationsyou’re officially part of the club.

Experience #2: “Botox felt more ‘precise’ for my smaller lines.”
Some patients feel Botox Cosmetic gives them a more controlled effect in detail-heavy areaslike fine work around the eyes or targeted correction of
brow asymmetry. This isn’t a universal truth, but it’s a common perception when the injection plan is conservative and carefully mapped.
The practical takeaway: if you’re picky about micro-movements (like one eyebrow that loves making speeches), tell your injector you want a
customized, measured approach rather than a one-size dose.

Experience #3: “I switched brands and thought it ‘didn’t work’then realized I compared the wrong thing.”
The most frequent mistake people make when switching is comparing unit numbers or expecting the exact same day-by-day timeline. Because units
aren’t interchangeable and onset can feel different, “I got 40 units last time” doesn’t mean anything across brands. A better comparison is:
how much movement remained at two weeks, how smooth the area looked in normal lighting (not bathroom spotlight interrogation), and how long the
effect lasted before you noticed consistent movement returning.

Experience #4: “I wanted natural… but I accidentally asked for frozen.”
Many first-timers don’t realize how much wording matters. If you say “I want it gone,” some injectors interpret that as maximum movement reduction.
If you say “I want softer, but I still want expression,” you’ll likely get a different plan. A helpful script: “I want to look rested, not different.
Please prioritize a natural result.” Then ask what that means in terms of dose and placement.

Experience #5: “The best result I ever had wasn’t about the brand.”
People who become long-term fans usually credit consistency: the same injector (or clinic), a documented plan, and small adjustments over time.
When providers track what workedwhere you needed a touch more, where you got heavy, how your muscles respondedyou get better outcomes regardless
of whether the vial says Dysport or Botox Cosmetic. In other words: the brand matters, but the hands matter more.

If you’re deciding between the two, a great first step is to choose a qualified injector you trust, explain your goals clearly, and let them recommend
the product that best matches your anatomy and treatment area. The real win isn’t “Team Dysport” or “Team Botox.” It’s “Team I-like-my-face-in-photos.”