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Dysport vs Botox: what is the difference?

Dysport and Botox are both botulinum toxin type A and work the same way. Their units are not interchangeable, and Dysport often starts sooner. SoulShine Aesthetics uses Dysport for every area.

By Dr. Madhuri Viswanadham, MD, FAAP · Updated

Gloved hands give a small injection in a woman’s forehead

Key points

  • Both relax the muscle they are placed in, and both are FDA-approved for frown lines.
  • Their units are not interchangeable, so a dose or a price per unit of one cannot be compared with the other.
  • Dysport often starts working a day or two sooner.
  • Results last about the same time: 3 to 4 months.
  • SoulShine Aesthetics uses Dysport only, priced per area.

How are Dysport and Botox the same?

Both are purified botulinum toxin type A. Each blocks the signal from nerve to muscle where it is placed, which relaxes that muscle and softens the line it makes. Both are FDA-approved for moderate to severe frown lines in adults, and both are used off-label for areas such as crow’s feet and the masseter.

How are they different?

  • Units. Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) and Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) are each measured in their own units. The Dysport label says its units cannot be compared to or converted into units of any other brand. The FDA label dose for frown lines is 50 units of Dysport.
  • Onset. Many people see Dysport start to work in 2 to 3 days. Botox is often a day or two slower.
  • Spread. Some injectors find Dysport spreads a little further from each injection point, which can suit broad areas like the forehead. Careful placement matters with both.
  • Ingredients. Dysport can contain traces of cow’s milk protein, so it is not given to people with that allergy.

Which one lasts longer?

Results are similar: about 3 to 4 months for most areas. How long it lasts depends more on the area, the dose and your metabolism than on the brand.

Why do Dysport prices per unit look so much lower?

Because the units are not the same, a lower price per unit is not a cheaper treatment, and prices per unit of different brands cannot be compared. Compare the price for the area instead. That is why SoulShine charges per area: one price for the area with the full dose, whatever the unit count.

Why SoulShine uses Dysport

Using one product for every area means our injectors work with the dosing they know best, and it lets us set one clear price per area. Dysport also works with Galderma Aspire Rewards, which our welcome offer uses.

Questions about your own treatment?

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Important Safety Information

Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) is a prescription injection approved for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows in adults under 65. The other areas treated at SoulShine Aesthetics are off-label uses.

Distant spread of toxin effect. The effects of Dysport and all botulinum toxin products may spread from the injection area to other parts of the body, hours to weeks after injection. Symptoms can include loss of strength, muscle weakness, double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, trouble swallowing or speaking, loss of bladder control and trouble breathing. Swallowing and breathing problems can be life threatening, and there have been reports of death. Get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms.

Do not have Dysport if you are allergic to any botulinum toxin product or its ingredients, are allergic to cow’s milk protein, or have an infection where it would be injected. Dysport is not recommended during pregnancy or for children.

Units of Dysport cannot be compared with or converted into units of any other botulinum toxin product.

Tell your injector about all the medicines you take, especially antibiotics given by injection, muscle relaxants and allergy, cold or sleep medicines, about any other botulinum toxin treatment you have had, and about any muscle or nerve condition.

The most common side effects include nose and throat irritation, headache, pain or a reaction at the injection site, upper respiratory infection, eyelid swelling or drooping, sinus inflammation and nausea. Dry eye can occur after treatment of frown lines.

You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide