Botox or Dysport: Comparing Neurotoxins

People often ask whether they should book Botox or Dysport for forehead lines, crow’s feet, or that stubborn crease between the eyebrows. As an injector, I have watched patients switch back and forth, swear allegiance to one brand, then return a year later with a new favorite. The truth is more nuanced. Both are botulinum toxin type A. Both soften dynamic wrinkles by relaxing overactive muscles. Yet they behave differently in the real world. Technique and anatomy matter, but so do formulation, dosing, and the pace of your daily life.

Below, I unpack the differences and the similarities, drawing on what I see in clinic and what the research supports. If you are looking for “Botox near me” or just trying to plan your first time Botox appointment, this guide will help you hold a productive consultation and walk in with clear expectations.
The shared foundation: how these neurotoxins work
Botox and Dysport block the nerve signal that tells a muscle to contract. More precisely, they inhibit acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. When a muscle cannot contract as forcefully, the overlying skin folds less, which softens expression lines. The key word is dynamic. Lines caused by repetitive movement, like the 11 lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines from lifted brows, and crow’s feet around the eyes, respond predictably. Static lines etched into the skin at rest may improve, but often need a combination approach with resurfacing or fillers.

Onset is not immediate. A typical Botox results timeline shows a gentle ramp: early effect at day 3 to 5, peak at day 10 to 14. Dysport often starts a little sooner, sometimes day 2 to 3, reaching peak around day 7 to 10. Neither is permanent. The nerve endings sprout new connections, the muscle resumes baseline function, and you return for maintenance.
A closer look at formulation and diffusion
Where the brands diverge is in their accessory proteins, molecular behavior in tissue, and how units are calibrated. Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) and Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) are not interchangeable unit for unit. Most practices use a conversion in the range of 2.5 to 3 Dysport units for every 1 Botox unit, but that ratio is a clinical habit rather than a law. A good injector adjusts to your muscle mass, pattern of animation, and prior response.

Patients often ask about “spread.” Dysport has a reputation for a wider diffusion halo. That can be helpful in larger areas like the forehead or masseters, where you want a smooth blend without a patchy look. It can be tricky near fine control muscles, such as around the mouth, where precision is paramount for a lip flip or a gummy smile correction. Botox typically holds a tighter radius, which can be advantageous for small, focused sites, like bunny lines or a brow lift with careful tail placement. Technique can override brand differences, but brand behavior still shows up at the margins. This is why a cookie-cutter approach rarely yields a natural Botox look.
Onset, peak, and duration: what to expect on the calendar
If you are aiming for a wedding or a major presentation, timing matters. Botox’s onset is steady. Most people feel less scowling power around day 4, then smoothness settles in by the two-week mark. Dysport frequently kicks in a day sooner. That early effect can be a lifesaver when someone walks in on a Tuesday hoping to look rested by Saturday.

Duration depends on the area, the dose, and your biology. Expect 3 to 4 months on average for cosmetic dosing. Some patients, especially first time Botox users or very expressive talkers, return closer to 3 months. Others, particularly those who maintain consistent schedules and accept tiny movement returning before booking, extend to 4 or even 5 months. Larger muscles such as the masseter, where we treat for facial slimming or masseter reduction, often need higher total units and can last 4 to 6 months. For medical botox uses like migraines or hyperhidrosis, protocols and intervals differ and should follow your specialist’s plan.

If you track longevity religiously, keep notes. I ask new patients to add reminders every two weeks after treatment. When you can raise your brows or frown with clear strength again, jot it down. After two or three cycles, we know your rhythm and how often to get Botox or Dysport for maintenance without playing guessing games.
Dosing, units, and the myth of the magic number
“How much Botox do I need?” rarely has a one-line answer. A Botox units chart on social media gives ballparks, not prescriptions. Forehead lines might range from 6 to 20 units with Botox depending on brow size, the position of your hairline, and whether we are balancing a heavy frontalis that compensates for droopy lids. The glabella, the space between eyebrows where 11 lines live, often runs 12 to 25 units for Botox. For Dysport, multiply by roughly 2.5 to 3 for an equivalent effect. Crow’s feet can vary from 6 to 16 units per side. If you are petite with delicate muscles, baby Botox or micro Botox techniques keep things light for subtle results. If your goal is strong smoothing, especially for deep furrows, you need a dose that can realistically relax the underlying muscle.

Remember, under-dosing yields short-lived results. Over-dosing risks a flat look or unwanted drift. Nuance comes from mapping your animation. Some people frown centrally, others recruit the lateral corrugators heavily. Some lift only the brow tails, others lift the entire forehead. Photographing your expressions during the consultation helps create a map that guides precise placement. This approach often matters more than the brand on the vial.
Areas and goals: where each brand shines
For the upper face, which includes forehead lines, frown lines between eyebrows, and crow’s feet, both brands are highly effective. If you crave early smoothing, Dysport’s faster onset may feel rewarding. If you favor tighter control near the brow to avoid any lid heaviness, Botox’s typical spread profile can be an advantage. Around the eyes, fine-tuning matters more than brand. For under eyes specifically, caution is essential. Treating the lower lid directly can expose a tendency to puffiness. I reserve it for patients with strong orbicularis pull and use conservative dosing.

Lips and the lower face need finesse. A Botox lip flip relies on microdoses placed just above the vermilion border to evert the lip slightly. Dysport can work, but most injectors default to Botox for its crispness in small zones. For gummy smile reduction or chin dimples, precision again points many toward Botox. That said, I have patients who prefer Dysport for a softer edge and tolerate it beautifully.

For masseter reduction and facial slimming, both work well. The broader diffusion of Dysport can be useful in large muscles, but the ultimate factor is adequate dosing spread across the thickest portions of the muscle. The same goes for platysmal bands in the neck. If you are targeting a subtle neck lift effect, plan for conservative dosing and a staged approach. Neurotoxins do not lift skin; they reduce the muscle-driven pulls that create certain lines. For true contouring or a double chin, combine treatments appropriately. Neurotoxins do not melt fat under the chin. For that, you need other modalities, and the discussion veers to injectables like deoxycholic acid or energy-based devices.

Medical botox uses live in a different lane. Migraines, hyperhidrosis, and bruxism-related pain follow specific patterns. For excessive sweating in the underarms, both brands can quiet sweat for 3 to 6 months, sometimes longer. Patients with public speaking schedules love this. The treatment uses more units than a cosmetic crow’s feet session, and you feel value when the shirt stays dry through summer.
Natural results versus frozen: technique over brand
When people ask for natural Botox results or a subtle Botox look, I listen for the trigger. Some fear losing their ability to express warmth. Others worry about dropped brows. A careful injector can keep frontalis function for a lifted, alert look, while still softening horizontal lines. For 11 lines, the trick is balancing the frown complex without “spocking” the outer brow. For crow’s feet, spreading micro-aliquots avoids a sprayed, smile-less appearance. These are decisions about placement and dose, not brand logos.

Preventative Botox for younger patients makes sense in specific cases. If you habitually crease your glabella while studying or squint constantly, light dosing can keep those habits from etching permanent lines. The best age for Botox is not a number. It is the moment dynamic lines start to linger after a neutral face returns. A few careful sessions a year stops the slow march of lines without changing your identity.
What the appointment actually feels like
A typical botox appointment or Dysport appointment runs 20 to 30 minutes. We start with a consultation, photographs, and a review of past treatments. I ask about previous Botox side effects, from headaches to eyelid heaviness, even if they were mild. Your skin gets cleansed, I mark landmarks with a white pencil, and we talk through your expressions one more time.

The injections themselves are quick pricks. Most people rate pain a 2 or 3 out of 10. If you are sensitive, ice or a tiny dab of topical anesthetic helps. Small blebs flatten within minutes. Expect a few pink spots. Makeup can go on after an hour if the skin is calm.

Downtime is a non-event for most. The typical Botox recovery time is the afternoon. You can work, drive, take calls. I ask patients to avoid strenuous exercise for about 4 hours, skip saunas that day, and stay upright for several hours after treatment. You can shower. You can type. Just avoid rubbing or massaging treated areas.
Aftercare and the first two weeks
The first week is an ugly duckling phase for a tiny subset of people. One brow may quiet before the other. Your left crow’s foot might soften ahead of the right. By day 10 to 14, the balance best botox clinics in New Jersey https://www.tiktok.com/@myethos360?_t=8gEKcJhlsnW&_r=1 settles. That is when I prefer a Botox touch up if anything feels uneven. A touch up means a few careful units to blend or lift, not a full redo. If you plan a big event, schedule your treatments two to three weeks in advance, not three days before the photos.

Aftercare is simple. Sleep with your head elevated the first night if you are prone to swelling. Avoid facial massages or heavy exfoliation over injection sites for 24 hours. Hydrate and use your normal skincare, skipping strong actives over fresh spots for the evening. Retinoids can resume the next day. Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Sun does not cancel the neurotoxin, but it accelerates skin aging, which defeats your investment in smoother lines.
Side effects, risks, and who should wait
No cosmetic procedure is risk-free. The common, mild Botox side effects include pinpoint bruising, a temporary headache, and tender spots for a day. Less common issues include eyelid heaviness if product diffuses into the levator, a heavy brow if the frontalis is over-treated, or a “spock” look if the tail of the brow rises too much. All of these can often be corrected with careful additional dosing, or they fade as the product wears off.

Avoid neurotoxin injections if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have a known hypersensitivity to any component, or if you have certain neuromuscular disorders. Disclose blood thinners and supplements. Arnika and bromelain can help with bruising, but check with your physician if you are on medications. Most bruises are minor and concealed with makeup.
Cost, pricing models, and value
The question of Botox cost or Dysport price comes up in every consult. Practices price per unit or per area. Per-unit pricing gives transparency. You pay for exactly what you need. Per-area pricing gives predictability if your dose is average. As for raw numbers, pricing varies by region and injector experience. In many US cities, Botox per unit ranges around moderate double digits, while Dysport is often priced lower per unit but requires more units, so the total ends up comparable. A glabella treatment might be 12 to 25 units of Botox, or roughly 30 to 60 of Dysport. Crow’s feet, depending on your smile strength, might total 12 to 32 Botox units across both sides, with proportional Dysport units.

Packages, memberships, or a Botox loyalty program can reduce cost for regulars. Botox offers and Dysport specials appear seasonally. Be cautious when a deal sounds too good. Safe Botox procedures depend on product authenticity, proper storage, and a qualified injector. Saving a small amount per session is not worth the risk of diluted product or inconsistent technique.
Botox vs fillers: different tools for different problems
People often say “I need Botox for smile lines” while pointing to nasolabial folds. That is a filler issue, not a neurotoxin fix. Botox reduces muscle action. Fillers replace volume or support structure. The difference between Botox and fillers shows clearly when treating the midface. If your cheeks have deflated, no amount of toxin brings that volume back. Conversely, if your forehead lines appear only when you raise your brows, filler is not the answer. The best results come from a plan that uses both tools when appropriate, staged over time.
Choosing between Botox and Dysport: practical guidance
When a patient sits down and asks which to pick, I look at history first. If you have used one brand with reliable results and no side effects, your skin and schedule are already optimized. If you feel the onset is too slow for your lifestyle or the smoothing fades a week earlier than you would like, we can trial the other. Brand loyalty matters less than outcome. Consistency builds confidence.

Here is a simple comparison many patients find helpful.
If you need a faster onset for an event, Dysport often shows earlier action. If you want tighter, precise control in small zones, Botox’s behavior can be reassuring. If you have strong, broad muscles like the masseter, both work well when dosed correctly. If you have a history of excellent, long-lasting results with one brand, stick with it. If you felt a heavy brow previously, adjust technique first, then consider brand changes if needed. Tailoring to men and women, and to different ages
Men typically have denser muscle mass, so doses increase. The goal remains natural, not frozen. A man who lifts his brows while speaking professionally still needs some frontalis function. I often extend retouch intervals slightly for men to preserve a hint of movement. Women can lean into a softer or more lifted aesthetic, depending on fashion and personal preference. Both sexes benefit from a staged approach the first time. A conservative initial dose with a planned touch up at two weeks yields a custom fit rather than an all-or-nothing outcome.

For younger patients considering preventative botox, think in terms of habit correction. If you crease your glabella while reading, light dosing two or three times a year maintains smoothness without announcing that you had anything done. For mature patients with etched lines, combine neurotoxin with resurfacing or collagen-stimulating treatments to address texture and static creases. Neurotoxins are not sandpaper; they relax motion. Layering yields a refreshed, not “done,” look.
Before and after: reading results with a critical eye
Botox before and after photos online can mislead. Lighting, facial expression, and makeup play large roles. When evaluating your own progress, compare neutral face to neutral face, and the same expression to the same expression. Look for reductions in crow’s feet lines at full smile, softening of the 11 lines at a deliberate frown, and smoother forehead lines when lifting the brows. Expect the skin to look more polished by week two. If you see small corrugation lines lingering near the tail of the brow or a diagonal crease under the lateral eye when you smile, these are fine-tune cues, not failures.
Maintenance for the long arc
Successful Botox maintenance lives in steady habits. Most patients return every 3 to 4 months. A few stretch to 5 with disciplined scheduling. Think of it like dental cleanings for your facial muscles. The payoff is cumulative. By reducing repetitive folding over years, the skin retains resilience longer. When people share Botox testimonials about a confidence boost or a Botox transformation, they are often describing this quiet, compounding effect, not a single dramatic session.

Between visits, focus on sleep, SPF, and a reasonable skincare routine. Skin quality amplifies neurotoxin results. Retinoids, vitamin C serums, and daily sunscreen help as much as the perfect injection map. Hydration and a balanced diet contribute, even if they do not make for flashy social posts.
Safety, credentials, and the clinic experience
Choose a qualified Botox provider who knows anatomy cold and respects conservative dosing, especially if it is your first treatment. Credentials matter. A Botox certified injector may be a physician, nurse injector, or physician assistant who has advanced training. Ask how many injections they perform weekly, how they manage asymmetry, and what their plan is for touch ups. You are looking for a calm, methodical approach, not bravado. A well-run Botox clinic or medical spa stores product correctly, uses single-use needles, and documents lot numbers. You should feel welcome to ask questions without being rushed.

When you search “Botox near me,” read reviews for patterns, not perfection. Look for mentions of careful listening, natural results, and responsive follow-up. If a practice runs Botox specials or offers Botox deals, that is fine, as long as it does not drive shortcuts. The right injector will tell you when neurotoxin is not the best solution and steer you to fillers, lasers, or simply waiting until a better window in your schedule.
Common myths that deserve retiring
Several myths still circulate. First, Botox or Dysport do not “build up” in the skin indefinitely. Your body metabolizes the protein over months. Second, stopping treatment does not make you look worse than baseline. You simply return to your natural muscle function over time. Third, neurotoxins do not erase all lines. Static creases need additional strategies. Fourth, starting earlier does not guarantee frozen features. It usually means lower doses and lighter maintenance. Fifth, bargain hunting across town for the lowest botox price can cost you more in fixes later. Reliable product, trained hands, and honest follow-up are the value.
What to ask at your consultation
Bring your goals and your calendar. If you have a reunion, wedding, or photo shoot, say so. Share any previous treatments and how long they lasted. Tell your injector what you liked and what felt off. If you are undecided about Botox or Dysport, ask whether your anatomy or timeline nudges the plan toward one brand. Clarify the plan for touch ups, total botox units expected, and the price structure. Finally, ask what to expect from Botox or Dysport in your specific case: onset range, the feel during the first week, and the next maintenance date.
Final thought: fit the product to the person, not the other way around
Botox and Dysport are both excellent tools. The difference between them shows up as shading, not black and white. Fast onset favors Dysport, surgical precision in tiny zones often favors Botox, and muscle size, skin quality, and animation patterns shape the rest. If your goal is a smooth forehead, softened frown lines, or lighter crow’s feet without sacrificing expression, you can achieve it with either brand in skilled hands. Focus on the injector, communicate your priorities, and commit to a thoughtful maintenance schedule. That combination, more than any brand name, delivers the refreshed, confident look people seek from a safe, well-executed botox treatment.