Dysport vs Botox: Which is Better for Wrinkles in 2024

In this article, Dysport vs Botox, we’re taking a deep dive into two of the most popular cosmetic injectables around. Dysport and Botox.

Both Dysport and Botox cosmetic treatments are effective at reducing wrinkles. But what’s the difference between the two, and which one is better for wrinkles? Dysport Or Botox?

Let’s begin with Botox treatment since, in all fairness, Botox has been around longer and is the most widely known of the two injectable neurotoxins.

To be clear, both Botox and Dysport can be used for both cosmetic and medical uses.

Today, we are focusing on cosmetic uses for both injectable treatments.

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Dysport Vs Botox: Which One is Better for Wrinkles?

Botox.

Botox was by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on April 15, 2022, for cosmetic use.

Botox is a brand name for a purified form of botulinum toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

When injected into specific facial muscles, it temporarily paralyzes or weakens facial expressions, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, including severe wrinkles on the forehead and the wrinkles many refer to as the 11s.

Some common cosmetic uses of Botox include:

Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead, between the eyebrows (glabella lines), and around the eyes (crow’s feet).

Moderate to severe Frown lines: Lifting the corners of the mouth and smoothing out chin dimples.

Softening neck bands and reducing the appearance of a “turkey neck.”

In addition to its cosmetic uses, Botox is also used to treat several medical conditions. Here are just a few:

• Chronic migraine headaches.
• Excessive sweating
• Overactive bladder.

The results of Botox injections may take longer to appear, but Botox also tends to last longer, up to 6 months. Repeated injections are required to maintain results.

Pros and Cons of Botox

Here is a quick list of the pros and cons of Botox injections when treating wrinkles.

Pros of Botox:

• Botox is more precise than Dysport, making it a better choice for the lips and eyes.
• It has a proven track record of safety and effectiveness over several decades.
• Botox is FDA-approved for a wider range of medical conditions than Dysport.
• Botox may last longer than Dysport

Cons of Botox:

• Botox can take longer to take effect than Dysport
• May be more expensive than Dysport.
• Botox results can take longer than Dysport to see full results

Dysport

Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA) is a prescription injection that received FDA approval for cosmetic use on June 16, 2017.

Like Botox, Dysport is a brand name for a type of botulinum toxin injection that works by temporarily relaxing or weakening muscles and is used for both cosmetic and medical purposes.

Cosmetic Uses of Dysport Include:

With similar results to Botox, Dysport Reduces the appearance of facial wrinkles on the forehead, between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), and facial lines around the eyes (crow’s feet).

Dysport cosmetic injections also treat moderate to severe frown lines, giving a more youthful appearance with little to no recovery time.

In addition to its cosmetic uses, Dysport is also used as a medical treatment to treat cervical dystonia (abnormal head position and neck pain) and to treat muscle spasms and stiffness (spasticity) of the arms, hands, and legs.

Pros and Cons of Dysport

Here is a quick list of pros and cons of Dysport injections when treating wrinkles.

Pros of Dysport:

• It spreads more quickly, making it a better choice for a larger surface area, such as the forehead area
• Faster effects: The effects of Dysport are faster than Botox, with results sometimes showing up as early as 24 hours.
• Costs less: Dysport may be less expensive than Botox.
• The effects of Dysport may be more subtle-giving a more natural appearance than Botox.

Cons of Dysport:

• It’s less precise than Botox, which can be a disadvantage for some areas of treatment such as around the eyes and mouth.
• Some people find that Dysport is less effective at treating dynamic wrinkles in certain areas.
• Doesn’t last as long. Dysport may not last as long as the effects of Botox.

Dysport vs Botox: The Difference Between Dysport and Botox

After doing a ton of research and trying both Botox and Dysport myself- I’ve concluded that there are really only slight differences between the two, and when deciding on which to choose, it will really boil down to personal preference.

The main differences to consider to help you make the best choice for yourself:

Target area

The main difference between Dysport and Botox is how it reacts when injected into a treatment area.

When Botox is put into the injection area, it stays put.

This makes Botox a better choice for a specific targeted area, such as the lips and eyes.

Dysport on the other hand spends out easily and may be a better choice for larger areas such as the forehead.

Dosage Amount

Botox and Dysport are dosed differently.

It takes three units of Dysport to equal one unit of Botox. In simple terms, this means Botox requires fewer injections to achieve the same results as Dysport.

The Cost of Dysport Vs. Botox

The cost of Botox and Dysport injections can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the location, the amount of product used, the provider’s experience, and the treatment area.

That said- overall, Botox is more expensive than Dysport unit-however Botox requires fewer units to achieve the same desired results.

Botox typically can range from $10 – $15 per unit. It can range depending on the experience of the Clinician and the local market rate.

However, Botox will require fewer units to achieve the same effects as Dysport.

Dysport costs less per unit than Botox with the average cost of Dysport coming in at typically about $4 to $8 per unit.

However, it is important to note that Dysport is more diluted and less potent than Botox, so more units of Dysport are required to achieve the full effect, resulting in a total cost that’s pretty comparable to the others.

The bottom line of the cost: The cost difference between Dysport and Botox shouldn’t be the deciding factor when deciding the best option between the two.

Potential side effects of both Dysport vs Botox

Like all medical treatments, both Botox and Dysport carry the risk of potential side effects.

Some common side effects of Botox and Dysport include:

• Bruising or redness at the injection site
• Headache
• Mild pain or discomfort
• Swelling or tenderness at the injection site
• Temporary muscle weakness or paralysis
• Drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow
• Dry eyes or excessive tearing
• Flulike symptoms, such as fever or nausea

In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur, such as an allergic reaction, difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing.

To minimize the risk of side effects, it’s important to choose a qualified healthcare professional who has experience with the injection technique and who can ensure the safe and effective use of the products.

Additionally, it’s important to follow any instructions given by the healthcare professional before and after the treatment, such as avoiding certain medications or activities that may increase the risk of bruising.

My Personal Experience: Dysport vs Botox

I have used Botox for about 20 years now. A few months ago my injector recommended I give Dysport a try and so I did.

I prefer Botox to Dysport, and here’s why:

Dysport was an effective treatment for my forehead wrinkles but it did not seem to last as long.

I never achieved the look I get when I have Botox, and the Dysport didn’t seem as strong as Botox.

In addition, I required two follow-up treatments because I needed more Dysport than my injector originally thought.

This increased the cost of the Dysport, making the Dysport about the same exact cost as Botox.

Tips and Tricks Before Getting Botox or Dysport

• Go to an experienced injector! Go to a board-certified dermatologist’s office, a plastic surgeon’s office that is a member of the American society of plastic surgeons, or at the very least to an injector that has done work on a trusted friend and you like the results.
  
  
• Never, ever buy a Botox or Dysport package on Groupon! Don’t do it.
  
  
• Do your research on the doctor’s office you plan to visit for Botox injections. Read the online Yelp reviews thoroughly. (not just the reviews they have on their website)
  
  
• Make sure your injector is experienced! Ask them how many years of experience they have. (I would suggest at least 2 years of experience)
  
  
• If you’ve never had Botox or Dysport before, start slow. You can always go back for more. 🙂

If you want to learn more about Botox and why I’ve been having Botox injections for over 20 years, hop over to this article. 🙂

Related Article: The Benefits of Botox and why I still love it after 20 years!

FAQs: Dysport Vs Botox

What is Dysport and Botox, and how do they differ?

Dysport and Botox are both injectable neurotoxins used to temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles.

While they contain the same active ingredient, botulinum toxin type A, they have differences in formulation, diffusion, and onset of action.

How do Dysport and Botox work?

Both Dysport and Botox work by blocking nerve signals to the muscles, preventing them from contracting and causing wrinkles.

This relaxation of the muscles smoothens the overlying skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and lines.

What are the main differences between Dysport and Botox?

Dysport tends to have a quicker onset of action and may spread more widely from the injection site compared to Botox.

Some people find that Dysport results in a softer, more natural look, while Botox may provide more precise and targeted results.

Which areas can Dysport and Botox treat?

Dysport and Botox are commonly used to treat wrinkles and lines on the forehead, between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), and around the eyes (crow’s feet).

Additionally, they can be used to address other facial concerns such as bunny lines, downturned mouth corners, and neck bands.

How long do Dysport and Botox results last?

The duration of results for Dysport vs Botox varies from person to person but generally lasts around 3-4 months.

Factors such as individual metabolism, muscle strength, and dosage can affect the longevity of the effects. source

Are there any side effects associated with Dysport and Botox?

Common side effects of both Dysport and Botox include temporary bruising, swelling, redness at the injection site, and mild headache.

Rarely, more serious side effects like drooping eyelids or asymmetry of facial expressions can occur, but these are usually temporary and resolve over time. source

How do I choose between Dysport and Botox?

The choice between Dysport and Botox depends on individual preferences, treatment goals, and the advice of a qualified medical professional.

Factors such as desired onset of action, spread of effect, and previous treatment experiences may influence the decision.

Are Dysport and Botox safe?

When administered by a trained and experienced healthcare provider, both Dysport and Botox are considered safe treatments for reducing wrinkles and lines. source

Can Dysport and Botox be used in combination with other cosmetic treatments?

Yes, Dysport and Botox can be combined with other cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, or chemical peels to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Your healthcare provider can tailor a treatment plan to address your specific concerns and goals.

Related: Best Dermal Fillers for Mature Skin

How much do Dysport and Botox treatments cost?

The cost of Dysport and Botox treatments varies depending on factors such as the provider’s experience, geographic location, and the number of treatment areas.

Typically, treatments are priced per unit of Dysport or Botox used, with the total cost determined by the number of units required for desired results.

Conclusion: Dysport vs Botox

In this article, Dysport vs Botox, I’ve outlined both Botox and Dysport including the pros and cons of both cosmetic treatments.

The bottom line is, Botox and Dysport are both effective treatments for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, but which one is better depends on the individual’s goals, personal preference, and areas of treatment.

Botox may be a better choice for treating smaller areas such as around the eyes and mouth due to its precision, while Dysport may be a better option for larger areas of wrinkles or for a more natural-looking result.

Ultimately, when deciding between Dysport and Botox, the choice is yours. Which one will you try? Do you have experience with Dysport or Botox?

Please leave a comment below!

As always, Thank you so much for stopping by!

XO, Christine