Dysport® is a botulinum toxin type A, the same category as BOTOX®, and it treats the same lines. The differences are real but modest: Dysport® tends to spread a little more from each injection point and often kicks in a day or two sooner.
That spread is an advantage in broad areas like the forehead and a disadvantage in small, precise ones. Which product suits you depends on your anatomy and how you’ve responded before — and if you’ve never had either, we’ll recommend based on what we see, not on what we have most of.
What it treats
- Frown lines (glabellar lines) — Dysport®‘s FDA-approved cosmetic indication
- Forehead lines — commonly treated, off-label
- Crow’s feet — commonly treated, off-label
- Brow lift, bunny lines, jaw slimming, and excessive sweating are also treated off-label
We’ll always tell you when a use is off-label. Off-label doesn’t mean unsafe or unusual — it’s standard practice throughout aesthetic medicine — but you should know.
Dysport® vs BOTOX®
| Dysport® | BOTOX® | |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | 2–3 days | 3–5 days |
| Full effect | 7–14 days | 7–14 days |
| Duration | 3–4 months | 3–4 months |
| Diffusion | Spreads more | More localized |
| Best suited to | Larger areas — forehead | Precise areas — around eyes, lips |
| Units | Not interchangeable — roughly 2.5–3 Dysport units per 1 BOTOX unit |
The units are not comparable, and this trips people up on price. Dysport® costs less per unit but requires roughly two to three times as many units. Compare the cost of treating an area, not the per-unit price. Any practice advertising Dysport® as dramatically cheaper without explaining that is being misleading.
Some people genuinely respond better to one than the other, and a small number develop resistance to one over time and switch successfully.
What to expect
Identical to BOTOX®. Ten to fifteen minutes, very fine needle, no downtime. Stay upright four hours, skip strenuous exercise for 24 hours, don’t rub the area.
Results
- Days 2–3: first changes, typically slightly faster than BOTOX®
- Days 7–14: full effect
- Months 3–4: typical duration
Complimentary two-week follow-up for every new patient.
Investment
Dysport® is priced per unit, but because its units aren’t equivalent to BOTOX® units, comparing per-unit numbers is misleading. At your complimentary consultation we’ll quote you by area, so you can compare the two products honestly and know your exact total before treatment begins.
Safety and who shouldn’t get it
Same profile as BOTOX®: temporary bruising, redness, mild headache, tenderness. Eyelid or brow droop is uncommon and temporary.
Not appropriate if you: are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a neuromuscular condition, have an infection at the injection site, or have a known allergy to botulinum toxin or cow’s milk protein — Dysport® contains it, and this is a specific difference from BOTOX®.
All injectables at ATTAIN Miami are performed by licensed medical providers under the supervision of {{MEDICAL_DIRECTOR_NAME}}, {{CREDENTIAL}}.
Questions people ask
Is Dysport® weaker than BOTOX®?+
No. The unit measurements are just on different scales. Properly dosed, they're comparably effective.
Can I switch between them?+
Yes. We'd wait until your current treatment has worn off before switching.
Which one should I choose?+
If you've never had either, we'll recommend based on your anatomy and the areas being treated. If you've had one and were happy, stay with it.
Does it spread where I don't want it?+
Diffusion is a technique consideration, not a defect. An experienced injector accounts for it in placement. It's why we're more likely to choose BOTOX® for delicate areas around the eyes or mouth.
Is it cheaper?+
Per unit, yes. Per treated area, usually comparable. Always compare by area.