December 15, 2025 | Injectable Fillers
6 minute read
Injectable wrinkle relaxers were the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment in 2024, with nearly 10 million people taking advantage of their smoothing effects. BOTOX® Cosmetic was the first to be approved for cosmetic use; however, over time, options like Dysport® have become available. While they may seem interchangeable at first glance, subtle variations in formulation, dosing, and performance between BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® may make one a better fit for you than the other. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the key differences between BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® so that you can more easily determine which treatment aligns best with your goals and desired results.
Table of Contents
- How Do BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® Work?
- How Are BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® Different?
- Which Is Right For Me: BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport®?
How Do BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® Work?
Both BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® are FDA-approved neuromodulators, meaning that they temporarily interrupt the signals that tell your facial muscles to contract. They’re used to treat dynamic wrinkles, which are the lines that form when you make repetitive facial expressions like frowning, squinting, or raising your eyebrows. When carefully injected into targeted facial muscles, the active ingredient (botulinum toxin type A) prevents the chemical messenger responsible for creating lines and creases from being released. As those muscles relax, the overlying skin appears smoother and more refreshed.
Although BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® are derived from the same source and work through the same mechanism, their formulations differ, which can affect how they behave after injection. Both treatments allow you to maintain your natural facial expressions while still reducing the appearance of crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines. The result is a more youthful and relaxed look without surgery or downtime.
How Are BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® Different?
Composition of the Injection
While BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® each contain botulinum toxin type A, the proteins that surround the active molecule differ. These protective proteins affect how the product spreads once it’s injected and how your body interacts with it. Dysport® has a slightly smaller protein size, which may allow it to diffuse a bit more easily into surrounding tissue, which can be beneficial when treating larger areas like the forehead.
On the other hand, BOTOX® Cosmetic is known for its more localized, controllable placement. Because it doesn’t diffuse as easily, it’s often chosen to target smaller, precise muscles, such as the levator muscles, which are responsible for raising your eyebrows or creating the lines between your brows known as “elevens.” Neither product is objectively better; instead, each one offers advantages that depend on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Dosage
Another difference between BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® lies in how each product is measured. They’re both measured in units, but the number of units required to achieve optimal results isn’t interchangeable. Because of differences in their formulation and the size of their active molecules, Dysport® typically requires more units to produce effects similar to those of BOTOX® Cosmetic. This higher unit count doesn’t mean that Dysport® is less potent; it simply reflects how each product is formulated, structured, and calibrated.
Knowing the difference in how BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® units are measured can be invaluable when comparing the prices of each option. While the cost of the neuromodulator itself may be important to you, keep in mind that it is equally as important (if not more so) to see a trained and experienced injector who consistently achieves balanced, natural-looking results regardless of the neuromodulator used.
Onset of Results
One of the most noticeable differences between BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® is how quickly they begin working. Dysport® typically takes effect a bit sooner, with many people noticing less visible lines within 24 to 72 hours after their injections. This can be appealing if you have an event coming up or prefer a fast-acting wrinkle treatment.
Conversely, BOTOX® Cosmetic usually takes about 3 to 5 days to show noticeable improvements, with your full results developing around 7 to 10 days post-injection. This gradual progression of results may be ideal for patients who prefer a change that appears more subtle and natural over time.
Although the onset of Dysport® is often faster, once both products have fully activated, the difference in when your results peak is relatively minor.
Longevity of Results
Where BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® are most comparable is in the longevity of their results. Results from both typically last between three and four months for most people, though Dysport® may last up to five months for some patients. The duration of your results depends on several factors, including the area treated and how quickly you metabolize the neuromodulator.
Consistent neuromodulator treatments can help train the targeted muscles over time to remain more relaxed, potentially extending the time between appointments. Your injector may recommend varying the injection patterns or adjusting your treatment schedule based on how long your results last.
Which Is Right for Me: BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport®?
The best neuromodulator for you depends on several variables, including your aesthetic goals, your facial anatomy, and how quickly you want to see your results. If you prefer more precise injections best suited for treating smaller muscles, BOTOX® Cosmetic may be ideal. If you want quicker results or are looking to treat larger areas, Dysport® may be a better choice.
The best way to determine whether BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport® is right for you is to schedule a consultation with one of the expert nurse injectors at Bonaldi Aesthetics. They will listen to your goals, examine your face, and recommend the neuromodulator that will offer optimal results.
Explore the Differences Between BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® in Reno and Carson City
Are you ready to refresh your appearance and smooth away pesky wrinkles? Finding the right neuromodulator can make all the difference when it comes to achieving the most natural-looking, flattering results. To learn more about BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport®, schedule an appointment with one of the skilled and experienced nurse injectors at Bonaldi Aesthetics today by calling (775) 828-7400 or completing the online contact form.
