What is the difference between Botox and Dysport?
⚠️ Contact your provider if you notice these after treatment
Call your injector promptly if you experience drooping of an eyelid or eyebrow, difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing, blurred or double vision, or muscle weakness spreading beyond the injection area. These can be signs of toxin spreading beyond the intended site and need prompt medical attention.
Short answer
Botox and Dysport are both botulinum toxin type A products that work the same way, but they are not interchangeable unit-for-unit. Studies show they produce similar results for cosmetic and medical uses, but Dysport typically requires a higher dose to match Botox, and there can be small differences in how quickly they kick in and how long they last.
What the research shows
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) and Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) are two brand-name versions of the same type of purified protein, botulinum toxin type A. They are made by different companies using slightly different manufacturing processes, which means their units of measurement are not the same. Most studies use a conversion ratio of roughly 1 unit of Botox to 2.5 to 3 units of Dysport when trying to give equivalent doses. [1]
For cosmetic uses like smoothing forehead and frown lines, a large Phase 3 clinical trial found that Dysport was non-inferior (meaning just as good) as Botox when used at appropriate doses. [6] A Cochrane review of 65 randomized controlled trials also evaluated these products for facial wrinkles and confirmed that multiple formulations of botulinum toxin type A are effective. [5]
In a head-to-head comparison for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), both products reduced sweating equally well at 2 weeks, but Botox had a faster onset (1 week vs. 2 weeks) and longer duration (9 months vs. 6 months) in that single-patient study. [2]
Key practical differences
Here is a simple summary of what the research suggests:
- Dosing: You need roughly 2.5 to 3 Dysport units to equal 1 Botox unit. Getting this conversion wrong can affect results. [1]
- Side effects: One randomized trial treating facial asymmetry found a higher rate of side effects with Dysport at the 1:3 ratio compared to Botox, though both achieved similar cosmetic outcomes. [4]
- Onset and duration: Small differences in how quickly each product works and how long it lasts have been reported, but these vary by the condition being treated and the individual patient. [2][1]
- Overall efficacy: For most cosmetic purposes, both products are considered clinically equivalent when dosed correctly. [6]
What to ask your provider
Both products are well-established and widely used. Your injector's experience with a specific product often matters more than which brand is chosen. Good questions to ask include:
- Which product do you use most often, and why?
- How do you determine the right dose for me?
- Have past patients noticed a difference in how long results last?
Keep in mind that results can also be influenced by factors like COVID-19 infection or vaccination history, which some observational data suggest may affect how long either toxin works. [8] Let your provider know your full health history before treatment.