DYSPORT VS. BOTOX – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Dr. A’s Answer:
Dysport and Botox, Seem to Be About the Same.

I have been using Botox for 13 years and Dysport for about 3 years. Clinically, they both make the muscle stop moving when used in appropriate doses. I do see Dysport taking effect quicker, about one day. I have not perceived any difference in longevity, about 3 to 5 months. Dysport is slightly less expensive.

You need to realize that a Botox “unit” and a Dysport “unit” are two different things. Think of metric versus English measurements. Each system has their own way of determining what a unit is. The same effect can be achieved with somewhere around 2.5 to 3 units of Dysport compared to 1 unit of Botox. Dysport units are about 1/3 the price of Botox units so the price isn’t that much different.

Both products are made of a protein called botulinum toxin type A. There are some differences but that discussion is a bit complicated for this format. They both function in the same way by disabling the nerve that signals muscles to move. Your body recovers from both by building new nerve tips.