Dysport vs Botox: Understanding the Differences

by | Jun 14, 2024

Are you trying to decide between Dysport and Botox for your wrinkle treatment? 

Both are great ways to get rid of lines, but if you choose the wrong one, you might be unhappy and the costs might go up if you decide to switch later. 

The goal of this post is to explain the differences and point out the special advantages and factors of each so you can make an informed choice. Let’s get started.

What is Dysport?

Dysport is a prescription injection proven to help smooth the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows without changing the look or movement of the rest of your face. 

Unlike some other forms of botulinum toxin treatments, Dysport is specifically formulated to redistribute over a moderate area to create a more natural-looking result. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for larger or more expressive areas of the face, where a smoother transition without harsh lines is desirable.

What is Botox?

Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxic protein that is widely used in cosmetic medicine to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscles. It is most commonly applied to the forehead, around the eyes (crow’s feet), and between the eyebrows. 

Botox works by blocking the nerve signals necessary for facial muscles to contract, resulting in a smoother and often more youthful facial appearance. It is celebrated as an effective wrinkle releaser, maintaining efficacy for about three to four months per treatment.

Dysport vs Botox: Key Differences

While both Dysport and Botox are effective in smoothing out lines, they differ significantly. Here are several key aspects where these two popular neurotoxins differ.

FDA-Approved Treatment Areas

Dysport is FDA-approved specifically for treating glabellar lines, also known as frown lines between the eyebrows. In contrast, Botox has a broader range of FDA approvals, including treatment for crow’s feet, forehead lines, and glabellar lines. It makes Botox a more versatile option for those looking to address multiple areas of the face.

Molecule Size and Diffusion

Dysport’s molecules are smaller (800 kDa) compared to Botox’s (900 kDa), which allows Dysport to diffuse over a wider area and potentially provide a more spread-out effect. It can be beneficial for treating larger areas with fewer injections. 

On the other hand, Botox’s larger molecule size offers more targeted and precise treatment, ideal for smaller or more defined areas that require exact placement.

Onset of Results

Dysport often starts working faster than Botox, with visible results appearing within 2-3 days after injection. Botox typically shows results within 7-14 days. If you’re looking for quicker results, Dysport might be the preferable option.

Dosing and Units

Dysport is more diluted than Botox, which means more units are typically required to achieve the same effect. The general conversion is that 3 Dysport units are equivalent to 1 Botox unit. Although more units are needed, the overall treatment effectiveness is comparable between the two.

Duration of Results

Both Dysport and Botox generally last between 3-4 months, but individual results can vary. Some reports suggest that Dysport might last slightly longer for some people, potentially up to 4-6 months.

Dysport vs Botox Cost Comparison

Here’s how they stack up in terms of pricing:

Cost Per Unit Comparison

In Arlington, VA, Dysport typically costs around $6.00 per unit at locations such as Laser of Arlington, while Botox ranges between $10 to $20 per unit, with Laser of Arlington charging around $12.00 per unit. 

At Honey Skincare Studio, we simplify pricing by offering both Botox and Dysport at a flat rate of $14 per unit. Although Dysport is cheaper per unit, more units are typically required to achieve the same effect due to its dilution factor. To make it easier for you, we’ve already done the conversion: 3 units of Dysport are equivalent to 1 unit of Botox, ensuring you get effective treatment without any confusion.

hss pricing

Overall Treatment Cost

Despite the lower unit cost of Dysport, the total cost of treatment often ends up being similar to that of Botox because of the higher number of units required. Pricing can also vary widely depending on promotional offers. 

At Honey Skincare Studio, we offer exclusive toxin memberships that provide significant savings. Our Elite Tox Membership is $235 per month and includes 64 units of upper-face neurotoxin wrinkle releasers every 90 days at an unbeatable price of $11 per unit. Alternatively, our Essential Tox Membership is $35 per month and gives you access to $12 per unit neurotoxin wrinkle releasers.

Both memberships offer additional perks, including $100 off each syringe of filler, 10% off retail and skincare services, and a free monthly vitamin or B12 shot. By joining one of our memberships, you can enjoy top-quality treatments at competitive prices, ensuring that your skincare routine is both effective and affordable.

Pros and Cons of Dysport vs Botox

Deciding between Dysport and Botox involves understanding the key differences that can influence your treatment results. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the pros and cons for each.

ProsCons
DysportQuick Results: Dysport acts fast, showing effects within 2-3 days, perfect for last-minute improvements.
Efficient for Large Areas: It spreads more easily, which is ideal for treating broader areas like the forehead with fewer injections.
Cost-Effective: Per unit, Dysport tends to be slightly less expensive than Botox.
Limited FDA Approval: Dysport is only approved for glabellar lines, making its uses more restricted compared to Botox.
Shorter Duration for Some: While effective, the results might not last as long as Botox, with some seeing effects for only up to 5 months.
Precision Concerns: Its ability to spread can reduce precision, requiring a highly skilled professional for best results.
BotoxVersatile Uses: FDA-approved for multiple areas including crow’s feet, forehead lines, and glabellar lines, making it highly versatile.
Long-Lasting Effects: Botox duration can last between 4 to 6 months, reducing the frequency of touch-ups.
Precision in Application: Thanks to its larger molecular size, Botox offers more precise targeting, ideal for specific facial areas.
Slower Onset: It can take anywhere from 4 to 14 days to see the full effect of Botox.
Higher Per Unit Cost: Botox is more expensive per unit, but since fewer units are often needed, the overall cost may align closely with Dysport.
Limited Spread: The limited diffusion of Botox is great for targeted areas but may require more injections for larger areas.

Dysport vs Botox FAQs

Is Dysport better than Botox?

Whether Dysport is better than Botox depends on the specific needs and goals of the patient. Dysport tends to act faster and spread over a larger area, which can be advantageous for treating broad facial areas like the forehead. However, Botox is often preferred for more precise treatments in smaller areas due to its formulation.

How long does Dysport last?

Dysport results typically last about 4 to 6 months, though this can vary depending on the individual’s metabolism, the area treated, and the amount used. Like Botox, regular follow-up treatments are recommended to maintain the desired effects.

Is Dysport safe?

Dysport is FDA-approved and considered safe for the treatment of glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows) in adults. As with any injectable treatment, there are potential side effects such as pain at the injection site, headache, or allergic reactions, but serious side effects are rare.

Is Dysport cheaper than Botox?

Per unit, Dysport is generally less expensive than Botox. However, because Dysport may require more units to achieve comparable results, the total cost of treatment can be similar to that of Botox, depending on the area treated and the desired outcomes.

What are the disadvantages of Dysport?

Some disadvantages of Dysport include its limited FDA approval only for glabellar lines, which may not suit those looking to treat other areas. Additionally, because it spreads more easily, there’s a higher risk of affecting adjacent muscles if not administered correctly. Lastly, results may not last as long as Botox for some individuals.

Which looks more natural, Botox or Dysport?

The naturalness of results from Dysport vs. Botox can depend on the area treated and the skill of the injector. Dysport’s ability to spread slightly more can offer a more natural look in large areas like the forehead by avoiding a ‘frozen’ appearance. However, Botox may be better for precise applications where spreading could lead to an unnatural look.

Discover the Right Treatment for You at Honey Skincare Studio

Deciding between Dysport and Botox involves weighing their benefits to find the best match for your aesthetic goals. Both treatments offer effective solutions at Honey Skincare Studio, a leading med spa in Arlington, VA, helping you achieve a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Alongside these options, we also provide dermal fillers, which can enhance the rejuvenating effects by addressing deeper wrinkles and adding volume where needed. Our expert team is committed to providing you with personalized care in a welcoming environment, ensuring your treatment achieves the results you desire. 

Schedule a consultation today to explore how our services can help you look and feel your best. 

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