Dysport usually starts working a little faster and spreads more, while Botox is more precise. Both smooth wrinkles for about 3 to 4 months.
Botox
- Onset: 3 to 5 days, peak at 2 weeks.
- Lasts 3 to 4 months.
- More precise, spreads less.
Dysport
- Onset: 2 to 3 days.
- Lasts 3 to 4 months.
- Spreads more, suited to large areas like the forehead.
- Units are different (about 2.5 to 3 Dysport units equal 1 Botox unit).
Cost
Dysport costs less per unit.
Which
Both are safe and effective.
Choose
A board certified provider.
Product differences
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) and Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) are botulinum toxin type A injections that relax muscles to smooth wrinkles. Both are FDA-approved for glabellar lines (frown lines). Dysport units are different from Botox units, with a conversion of about 2.5 to 3 Dysport units to 1 Botox unit.
- Dysport may start working in about 2 to 3 days, and Botox in 3 to 5 days, according to clinical data, with full effect at about 1 to 2 weeks.
- Both last around 3 to 4 months.
- Dysport tends to spread slightly more, which may suit large areas such as the forehead, while Botox gives more precise results for small areas.
Cost and choice
In the US, Botox costs about 10 to 20 USD per unit, with typical treatment totaling 300 to 600 USD per session. Dysport is priced per unit at a lower rate but requires more units. Results depend on injector skill, so choose a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Side effects include bruising, headache and rarely drooping eyelids. Avoid if pregnant, breastfeeding or with neuromuscular disease.
Product differences
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) and Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) both treat wrinkles. Dysport units are not equal to Botox units, with about 2.5 to 3 Dysport units equal to 1 Botox unit. Dysport may spread slightly more and onset can be 2 to 3 days versus 3 to 5 for Botox. Both last 3 to 4 months.
Cost and choice
Prices are roughly 10 to 15 USD per Botox unit and per Dysport unit around 4 to 5 USD. Choose a licensed injector.
Botox and Dysport compared
Both are botulinum toxin type A products that relax muscles to soften wrinkles. Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) was approved by the FDA for cosmetic glabellar lines in 2002 and Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) in 2009. Units are not interchangeable: Dysport typically needs about 2.5 to 3 units for every 1 unit of Botox.
Differences in practice
Dysport tends to spread slightly more and may start working in 2 to 3 days, while Botox often takes 3 to 5. Both last about 3 to 4 months. Dysport may suit larger areas such as the forehead, and Botox may suit precise areas. Prices per treatment vary by clinic, roughly 300 to 600 USD. Side effects include bruising, headache, drooping eyelid and rare allergic reactions. Choose a licensed injector and check which product your provider stocks.
Based on data from the US Food and Drug Administration and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
