How does Dysport differ from Botox?

You’ve heard of Botox and Dysport, but you’re wondering what sets them apart. Let’s take a closer look at their differences, and how you can figure out which one might be the best fit for your needs.

What are Botox and Dysport?

They’re both products that contain the same active ingredient—botulinum toxin type A—which temporarily relaxes muscles and reduces the appearance of expression lines.

Although they work in a similar way, they differ in their composition, how they spread (diffusion), and the kind of results they provide.

Key differences between Dysport and Botox

Differences in composition

Botox (produced by Allergan) contains proteins with a higher molecular weight.
Dysport (produced by Ipsen) is made up of smaller protein molecules.

These protein differences affect how your body processes each treatment and how it disperses in your tissues.

Diffusion and coverage area

Dysport tends to diffuse more widely, covering a larger area. This makes it a good choice for places like the forehead, where uniform coverage over a bigger surface is needed.
Botox stays more concentrated at the injection site and offers more targeted action. It’s great for smaller areas needing precision, such as crow’s feet around the eyes.

Onset of results

Results may appear slightly faster with Dysport, but overall there isn’t a huge difference. Both typically show visible effects in about 4–7 days.

Duration of results

A study from the European Journal of Neurology (available on PubMed) indicates that both Botox and Dysport are effective and safe for long-term use. Their effects generally last 3 to 4 months, with Dysport occasionally showing a slightly longer duration (around 105 days on average, compared to 85 days for Botox).

Even though they both contain botulinum toxin type A, the study highlights that they work differently, so they should be considered as distinct options.

What’s the Difference Between Dysport and Botox?

Which one is “best”?

There’s no universal answer to which product is “better.” The choice between Dysport and Botox depends on:

Your personal needs: If you want results to appear more quickly, Dysport may be a better option.
The treatment area: For larger areas, Dysport can provide more coverage, while for smaller, more specific areas, Botox may offer greater precision.
Previous experience: Some people simply respond better to one product than the other.

The importance of a skilled doctor

No matter which product you choose, the experience and expertise of the practitioner administering your treatment is crucial. A skilled doctor will assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate option for you.

Conclusion

Both Dysport and Botox are excellent choices for reducing expression lines and refreshing your appearance. Their differences lie mainly in composition, diffusion, duration of results, and the areas they’re best suited for.

Ultimately, you’ll get the best outcome by discussing your specific needs and expectations with a qualified medical professional who can guide you toward the treatment that’s right for you.

At Facemed Clinic, based on our 10 years of experience, we feel that Dysport truly does last longer, so it’s the one we usually choose. Of course, in special cases—such as someone developing resistance or for other unique reasons—we can also use Botox.