When it comes to wrinkle-smoothing injectables, two names dominate the scene: Botox and Dysport. You’ve probably heard both mentioned in beauty conversations or seen them on med spa menus. But what’s the real difference between Botox and Dysport?
At CN Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, we often get this question from patients curious about which injectable will work best for them. While both are powerful tools for reducing wrinkles and refreshing your look, they have subtle yet important distinctions that can influence your treatment results.
Let’s break it all down – in a simple words.
What Is the Difference Between Botox and Dysport?
Both Botox and Dysport are neurotoxins derived from botulinum toxin type A. They work by temporarily relaxing facial muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles – those lines that appear when you smile, frown, or raise your eyebrows.
The main difference lies in their formulation, diffusion, and unit measurement – which means they behave differently once injected.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
- Botox is more concentrated and ideal for small or targeted areas.
- Dysport is slightly thinner and spreads more easily, great for larger areas like the forehead.
Both can help you achieve smoother, more youthful skin – but the choice often depends on your aesthetic goals and your injector’s technique.
How Botox and Dysport Work
Both treatments block nerve signals to the facial muscles, preventing them from contracting. When these muscles relax, the overlying skin becomes smoother and fine lines begin to fade.
- Botox (OnabotulinumtoxinA): FDA-approved since 2002 for cosmetic use. It works best for precise muscle control – for example, softening crow’s feet or fine forehead lines.
- Dysport (AbobotulinumtoxinA): FDA-approved in 2009. It diffuses faster, making it great for treating larger areas like the glabella (between the brows) or upper forehead.
In essence, both do the same job, but the feel, onset, and spread differ slightly.
Key Differences Between Dysport and Botox
| Feature | Botox | Dysport |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | OnabotulinumtoxinA | AbobotulinumtoxinA |
| Protein Size | Larger molecules | Smaller molecules |
| Onset of Results | 5–7 days | 2–3 days |
| Spread (Diffusion) | More localized | Spreads slightly more |
| Ideal Treatment Areas | Small, precise zones (crow’s feet, lips, eyebrows) | Larger zones (forehead, frown lines) |
| Duration of Results | Around 3–4 months | Around 3–5 months |
| Units Required | Fewer units per area | More units (due to different concentration) |
| Feel After Treatment | Tighter, slightly firmer | Softer, more natural movement |
In short: Dysport spreads faster and gives a softer finish, while Botox provides tighter, more controlled results.
Difference Between Botox and Dysport Units
One of the biggest sources of confusion is how Botox and Dysport units are measured. While both use “units,” they’re not interchangeable.
- 1 unit of Botox ≠ 1 unit of Dysport
- Typically, 1 Botox unit is roughly equivalent to 2.5–3 Dysport units.
- So, if you need 20 units of Botox for your forehead, your injector may use around 50–60 units of Dysport to achieve the same effect.
However, this doesn’t mean Dysport is weaker – it’s just measured differently because of how the formulation is diluted.
At CN Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, our experienced injectors understand these conversions perfectly to ensure balanced, natural-looking outcomes.
Which One Works Faster?
When it comes to visible results:
- Dysport starts showing improvements in about 2–3 days.
- Botox typically takes 5–7 days to fully kick in.
If you have an upcoming event or want faster results, Dysport might be your go-to.
How Long Do Botox and Dysport Last?
- Botox: Results usually last around 3 to 4 months.
- Dysport: Can last a little longer – 4 to 5 months, depending on muscle strength and metabolism.
Regular treatments can even extend the duration over time, as your muscles gradually adapt and weaken less frequently.
Which One Looks More Natural?
Both Botox and Dysport can look natural when done by a skilled injector. However:
- Dysport’s wider spread makes it great for achieving a softer, more diffused look.
- Botox’s precision allows for targeted sculpting in smaller areas like the lips or brows.
If you prefer an ultra-smooth yet expressive finish, Dysport might be your match.
If you like defined, lifted, and controlled results, Botox could be your best friend.
At CN Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, we customize every injectable treatment based on facial anatomy, expression patterns, and personal aesthetic goals, so you’ll never look “frozen.”
Which One Should You Choose – Botox or Dysport?
Honestly? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Both Botox and Dysport are amazing wrinkle relaxers, and your injector’s skill often matters more than the product itself.
Here’s a quick guide to help decide:
Choose Dysport if you want:
- Faster results
- Softer, more natural finish
- Larger areas treated (like forehead or glabella)
Choose Botox if you want:
- More targeted precision
- Smaller areas treated
- Proven results for over two decades
A consultation at CN Medical Aesthetics & Wellness will help determine which treatment aligns best with your goals.
Safety and Side Effects
Both injectables are FDA-approved and safe when administered by trained professionals.
You might experience mild redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site – but these effects are temporary and fade within hours to a few days.
(For official medical information, visit: FDA – Botox and FDA – Dysport)
Final Thoughts
When it comes to the difference between Botox and Dysport, think of them as siblings – similar in many ways but with distinct personalities. Both can help you achieve smoother, refreshed, and youthful-looking skin, but your injector’s technique and your personal preferences make all the difference.
At CN Medical Aesthetics & Wellness in Park Ridge, IL, we take the time to understand your skin goals and design a treatment plan that enhances your natural beauty – whether that means using Botox, Dysport, or a blend of both.
Your journey to smoother skin starts here – schedule your consultation today!