If you’ve ever heard someone say, “I’m a Botox person” or “Dysport works better for me,” they’re usually talking about neuromodulators—injectable wrinkle relaxers that soften expression lines by temporarily relaxing targeted muscles.

Botox Cosmetic and Dysport are two of the most popular options. They’re very similar in what they do, but they’re not identical—and those differences can influence which one is the better fit for your face, your goals, and your timeline.

What Botox and Dysport have in common

1: They’re both Botulinum toxin type A neuromodulators

Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) and Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) are both botulinum toxin type A products that reduce muscle contraction to soften dynamic wrinkles—the lines caused by movement (think frowning, squinting, raising brows). Allure

2: They treat the same “expression line” concerns

Common aesthetic treatment areas include:

• Frown lines (11s / glabella)
• Forehead lines
• Crow’s feet
• Bunny lines
• Lip flip / gummy smile
• Chin dimpling
• Neck bands (in select candidates)

3: Results are temporary and maintenance-based

In general, both products last around the 3–4 month range for many patients (depending on metabolism, muscle strength, dosing, and technique). Botox Cosmetic’s label describes glabellar duration as approximately 3–4 months. FDA Access Data
Dysport’s label notes the clinical effect may last up to four months. FDA Access Data

4: Safety profiles and side effects are similar

When performed by a trained injector, both are widely used and generally well tolerated. Typical short-term side effects can include:

• Mild swelling/redness
• Tenderness
• Headache
• Bruising

Rare but important risks (for both) include eyelid/brow heaviness (ptosis) and unintended muscle weakness—one reason injector anatomy + technique matter so much. FDA Access Data+1

How Botox and Dysport are different

1: They are not interchangeable (and “units” are different)

This is the biggest behind-the-scenes difference.

• Dysport’s prescribing information is very clear: Dysport units are not interchangeable with other botulinum toxin products. FDA Access Data
• So while many clinicians use rough conversion rules for planning, there is no official 1:1 unit conversion.

Typical FDA-labeled dosing for frown lines (glabella):

• Botox Cosmetic: total 20 Units across 5 injection sites FDA Access Data
• Dysport: total 50 Units across 5 injection sites FDA Access Data

2: Onset: Dysport often feels a bit faster for some people

Many patients report Dysport “kicks in” sooner, and some clinical data supports a quick onset for abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport), with a median onset around 2 days in an aesthetic study. PMC
Botox Cosmetic’s label describes effects beginning 1–2 days after injection and building over the first week. FDA Access Data

Real-life takeaway: Both can start early. If you’re trying to look your best for an event, the safer plan is still to treat ~2 weeks ahead so you’re at full effect.

3: “Spread” / diffusion: it’s nuanced (and technique matters a lot)

You’ll often hear: “Dysport spreads more.” Clinically, some injectors do choose Dysport when they want a softer effect across a broader area (like parts of the forehead). But the science is more nuanced:

• Research suggests the “field of effect” and diffusion patterns are strongly influenced by dose, dilution/volume, and injection technique, not just the brand name. A JAMA Dermatology study found differences in field of effect when comparing labeled units and injection conditions, supporting that dosing/administration plays a major role. JAMA Network
• A 2024 review discussing diffusion profiles across formulations similarly emphasizes that diffusion comparisons depend heavily on conversion ratios and dosing assumptions. PMC

Real-life takeaway: Product choice matters, but injector skill and customization matter more.

4: “Feel” and finish: subtle differences person-to-person

Some patients feel:

• Botox is a bit more “precise” or “structured”
• Dysport is a bit more “smooth” or “blended”

But these are individual experiences—your muscle pattern, dosing, and placement drive the outcome more than the label on the vial.

5: Cost: Dysport is often cheaper per unit… but needs more units

Because Dysport and Botox use different unit measurements, Dysport can look less expensive “per unit,” but you typically require more Dysport units to treat the same area. (This is why comparing quotes by “unit price” alone can be misleading.)

Which one is “better”?

Neither is universally better. The best choice depends on:

• Your muscle strength (stronger corrugators, frontalis, etc.)
• Your anatomy (brow position, lid heaviness risk, asymmetry)
• Your goals (crisp vs softly blended, ultra-frozen vs natural movement)
• Your timeline (event coming up soon vs routine maintenance)
• Your past response (some people truly do respond better to one)

If you’re new to neuromodulators: either can be a great starting point—what matters most is working with an injector who can assess your facial movement patterns and build a customized plan.

FAQs

Can I switch between Botox and Dysport?
Yes—many patients alternate or switch over time depending on goals, availability, or how their body responds.

Will Dysport make me look more “natural”?
Not automatically. “Natural” comes from dose and placement, not the brand.

How soon should I do it before a wedding/event?
Plan 2 weeks before for your best, most predictable result (and in case a tweak is needed).

Will it help wrinkles at rest?
It helps most when lines are movement-based. If lines are etched in at rest, pairing with skincare, resurfacing, or other treatments may be recommended.