Botox vs Dysport: Key Differences, Cost & Which to Choose

By Natasha Pomelova, Founder of MedicalSpaLocator.com and melov.ai — 15 years in pharmaceutical commercialization at Takeda, Amgen, Astellas, and Horizon Therapeutics.

How Botox and Dysport work

Same toxin, different packaging. Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA, made by Allergan) and Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA, made by Galderma) are both FDA-approved neuromodulators that temporarily block acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. The muscle can't contract, so the wrinkle relaxes.

The difference is structural. Dysport has a smaller protein complex and lower molecular weight, which changes how it spreads after injection. Neither is "better." They're suited to slightly different situations.

Head-to-head comparison

Unit conversion: why Dysport looks cheaper (and mostly isn't)

Dysport units aren't the same as Botox units. The standard conversion is roughly 2.5:1 to 3:1. So 20 units of Botox equals about 50 to 60 units of Dysport. A 2016 split-face randomized controlled trial in Dermatologic Surgery (n=90) confirmed the 2.5:1 ratio produces equivalent outcomes in forehead and glabellar lines.

Dysport costs $4 to $8 per unit. Botox costs $10 to $25. Once you multiply out the conversion, total cost per treatment area is usually close. Dysport does work out about 10 to 20 percent cheaper for larger areas like the forehead in some markets. In Houston, for example, a full forehead treatment might run $120 with Dysport versus $150 with Botox at the same practice.

Onset and spread

Dysport shows up faster. Two to three days versus Botox's three to five. If you're getting treated on Wednesday before a Saturday event, Dysport is the practical choice.

Dysport also diffuses more widely from the injection point because of its smaller molecular size. On a large, flat muscle like the frontalis, that's a plus. You get smooth, even coverage without as many injection points. But near the eyes or lips, where precision matters, that same spread can be a problem. Botox's more localized effect gives better control there.

The injector matters more than the product. A skilled provider with Dysport will outperform an inexperienced one with Botox every time. Pick the person, not the brand.

Which areas suit each product

These are general guidelines from the injectors listed across our 18,000+ provider network. Your anatomy matters more than any chart.

Cost comparison by treatment area

Prices are 2026 national averages. Search for Botox providers or Dysport providers near you, or take our treatment quiz to see which neuromodulator fits your goals. We list 18,000+ verified providers across 1,000+ cities.

How to decide

Clinically, these products are close to interchangeable. A 2019 systematic review in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (n=1,577 across 8 RCTs) found no statistically significant difference in efficacy or duration between the two when properly dosed.

So it usually comes down to: what does your provider carry, what have you tried before, and what's priced better in your area. Many patients try both over a few rounds and develop a preference. Some find Dysport gives them a slightly softer look; others swear Botox lasts a week or two longer for them. (The data doesn't support a consistent difference, but individual responses vary.) Ask your provider if they stock both and which they'd recommend for your treatment areas. Use our provider search to find injectors near you.