BHRC BLOG
Dysport vs Botox: Onset, Units, Cost and Which to Choose
Neurotoxins · Comparison
Dysport and Botox are the two most-asked-about neurotoxins, and the comparison trips people up for one reason: their units are not the same. Here is how they really differ on onset, dosing, longevity and cost, and how to choose.
Dysport vs Botox at a glance
| Dysport | Botox Cosmetic | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | abobotulinumtoxinA | onabotulinumtoxinA |
| Maker | Galderma (made by Ipsen) | Allergan Aesthetics (AbbVie) |
| How it works | Both block the nerve signal that tells a muscle to contract, so the line that muscle folds into softens. Neither adds volume. | |
| FDA cosmetic approvals | Frown lines (glabellar lines) in adults under 65 | Frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead lines and platysma (neck) bands |
| Onset | Median 2 to 3 days in trials; some people see a change on day one | Usually described as 3 to 5 days |
| Longevity | Label: up to 4 months | About 3 to 4 months for frown lines |
| Typical units, frown lines | 50 units (label dose); stronger muscles often 60 to 70 | 20 units (label dose) |
| Recovery | No downtime. Small bumps settle within minutes to hours; pinpoint bruising is possible with either. | |
| Rewards program | ASPIRE Galderma Rewards | Allē (Allergan Aesthetics) |
| BHRC price | $4.50 to $5 per unit; $700 per 300-unit vial in Summerlin | $13 to $14 per unit; $600 per 50-unit vial in Summerlin |
| Often chosen for | Quick onset, larger areas such as the forehead, people who want to compare totals | On-label treatment of the full upper face and neck bands, Allē members, people happy with past results |
Why Dysport units and Botox units are not the same
This is the single most important thing to understand before you compare prices. Each manufacturer measures potency with its own lab test, so a “unit” of Dysport and a “unit” of Botox are different amounts of activity. Both prescribing labels say their units cannot be compared to or converted into the units of any other botulinum toxin.
In practice, the labeled frown-line dose is 50 units of Dysport (five injections of 10 units) and 20 units of Botox (five injections of 4 units). Published studies most often use roughly 2.5 to 3 Dysport units for each Botox unit, but that ratio is a starting point for an injector, not a formula. If you are switching, your provider sets a Dysport dose for your muscles rather than multiplying your old Botox number, then checks the result at about two weeks.
The same logic applies to Xeomin, whose labeled doses happen to match Botox; we cover that pairing in Xeomin vs Botox.
Which works faster?
Dysport has a modest edge on paper. In its frown-line trials the median time to onset was two to three days, and some people noticed a change on day one. Botox is usually described as taking three to five days to start, with the full effect at around two weeks for both. The gap is small, and individual response varies more than the brands do. If you have an event coming up, book at least two weeks ahead with either product so there is time to see the full result and adjust it.
Which lasts longer?
Expect them to last a similar time. Dysport’s label says results may last up to four months, and Galderma’s own trial analysis reports up to five months for some people. Botox’s label gives about three to four months for frown lines. Head-to-head studies are mixed. What reliably shortens a result is under-dosing: too few units of either product wears off early. Your metabolism, muscle strength and how often you have been treated matter more than the logo on the vial. For more on timing, see how long Botox lasts.
Does Dysport spread more than Botox?
You will hear that Dysport “spreads” more. Some studies have measured a slightly larger field of effect for Dysport at the doses tested, and some injectors like that for broad areas such as the forehead or crow’s feet. Other studies find little difference once dose and dilution are matched. The practical takeaway: placement, dose and the injector’s technique decide where the effect lands. Both labels carry the same boxed warning about distant spread of toxin effect, which is rare at cosmetic doses.
Which areas each one is approved for
Dysport is FDA approved cosmetically for frown lines between the brows in adults under 65. Botox Cosmetic is approved for frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead lines and platysma (neck) bands. Experienced injectors use both in other upper-face areas, the lip flip, the chin and the jaw, but those uses are off-label for Dysport, and the lip, chin and masseter are off-label for both. If on-label treatment of a particular area matters to you, that points to Botox for crow’s feet, forehead and neck bands. See how many units of Botox each area takes.
Who should not have Dysport or Botox
Dysport may contain trace amounts of cow’s milk protein, so it is not used if you are allergic to cow’s milk protein. Neither product is used with an allergy to any botulinum toxin, an infection at the injection site, or (without specialist input) certain neuromuscular conditions. Tell your provider about pregnancy or breastfeeding, blood thinners and supplements that raise bruising risk, and any toxin you have had in the last few months.
Dysport vs Botox cost at BHRC
Because the units differ, compare the cost of a treated area, not the price per unit. Here is what each clinic lists:
| Clinic | Dysport | Botox |
|---|---|---|
| West Hollywood (near Beverly Hills) | $5 per unit; 200-unit vial with 40 free, $1,000 | $14 per unit; buy 100 units, get 40 free, $1,400 |
| West Los Angeles | $5 per unit | $14 per unit |
| Valencia | $4.50 per unit | $13 per unit |
| Westlake Village | $4.50 per unit | $13 per unit |
| Downtown Summerlin (Las Vegas) | $700 per 300-unit vial | $600 per 50-unit vial |
| Henderson | Priced at consultation | Priced at consultation |
| Paradise Valley | $5 per unit | $14 per unit |
| Houston CityCentre and River Oaks | $5 per unit | $13.25 per unit |
BHRC list prices, November 2026. New clients save 15% on a first per-unit treatment at West LA, West Hollywood, Valencia, Westlake Village, Downtown Summerlin and Paradise Valley (not on vial offers). Nevada clinics dispense neurotoxin by the full vial.
A worked example: frown lines. At the label doses, 50 units of Dysport is $225 to $250 at our per-unit clinics, and 20 units of Botox is $260 to $280. If your muscles need 60 to 70 Dysport units, the Dysport total rises to about $270 to $350. In other words, the totals usually land close together; the cheaper unit price does not automatically mean a cheaper treatment. Your provider confirms your units before treating.
You can also prepay Dysport online at $5 a unit, with 15% off 150 units and 20% off 300 units, on our Dysport page. Full Botox pricing by clinic is on the Botox page, and our guide to Botox cost, units and what to ask explains how to read a quote.
Rewards: Allē, ASPIRE, Xperience+ and REVA
Every BHRC clinic accepts all four manufacturer rewards programs. Botox earns points in Allē from Allergan Aesthetics, which also covers the Juvéderm family. Dysport earns points in ASPIRE Galderma Rewards, alongside Sculptra and Restylane; join before your visit and BHRC adds a $50 gift card toward your Galderma treatment (while supplies last). Xeomin earns Merz Xperience+ points, and Daxxify earns Revance REVA points. If you already collect points in one program, that can reasonably tip a close decision. Program terms are set by each manufacturer.
So which should you choose?
Dysport may suit you if
You want the quickest typical onset, are treating a broad area like the forehead, collect ASPIRE points with Sculptra or Restylane, or simply want to see whether it suits you better.
Botox may suit you if
You want on-label treatment of crow’s feet, forehead lines or neck bands, have been happy with your Botox results, collect Allē points, or have a cow’s milk protein allergy.
Neither is better for everyone, and plenty of people try both and stay with the one they prefer. Tell your provider what you have had before, how many units, and how long it lasted.
Can you combine Dysport and Botox?
Not usually in the same area at the same visit. Injectors generally use one toxin per treatment so that dosing is clear and any side effect can be traced. Switching between them from one appointment to the next is common and safe under a provider’s supervision; your new dose is set for the product you are switching to. What does combine well is a toxin with other treatments: a neurotoxin for movement lines and a dermal filler or a biostimulator such as Sculptra for volume, planned together at one consultation. The neurotoxins overview covers Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Daxxify side by side.
Where to get Dysport or Botox
Every BHRC clinic below offers both, and every treatment starts with a consultation with a licensed provider. Each page has that clinic’s prices, hours and booking. You can also see all BHRC locations.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dysport better than Botox?
Neither is better for everyone. Both are botulinum toxin type A and relax the same muscles. Dysport tends to start a day or two sooner in studies; Botox is FDA approved for more cosmetic areas. Results last a similar time when each is dosed correctly.
How many units of Dysport equal 20 units of Botox?
There is no official conversion; both labels say units are not interchangeable. The labeled frown-line doses are 50 Dysport units and 20 Botox units, and studies most often use about 2.5 to 3 Dysport units per Botox unit as a starting point.
Is Dysport cheaper than Botox?
Per unit, yes: $4.50 to $5 against $13 to $14 at BHRC’s per-unit clinics. Per treatment, the totals are usually close, because Dysport takes more units. For frown lines at label dose, that is about $225 to $250 with Dysport and $260 to $280 with Botox.
Does Dysport kick in faster than Botox?
Often slightly. Dysport’s trials found a median onset of two to three days, and Botox is usually described as three to five days. Both reach full effect at around two weeks.
Does Dysport last longer than Botox?
Not reliably. Dysport’s label says up to four months and Botox about three to four months for frown lines. Dose matters more than brand.
Can I switch from Botox to Dysport?
Yes. Your provider sets a Dysport dose for you rather than converting your Botox number, and reviews the result at about two weeks.
Which rewards program goes with each?
Botox earns Allē points and Dysport earns ASPIRE Galderma Rewards points. Every BHRC clinic accepts Allē, ASPIRE, Merz Xperience+ and Revance REVA.
Which BHRC clinics offer Dysport and Botox?
All of them: West Hollywood near Beverly Hills, West Los Angeles, Valencia, Westlake Village, Downtown Summerlin in Las Vegas, Henderson, Paradise Valley, and Houston CityCentre and River Oaks.
References
- Galderma / Ipsen. DYSPORT (abobotulinumtoxinA) prescribing information: glabellar lines indication and dose, unit non-interchangeability, contraindications. accessdata.fda.gov
- AbbVie / Allergan. BOTOX Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) full prescribing information: indications, doses, duration, unit non-interchangeability. rxabbvie.com
- ASPIRE Galderma Rewards program terms. aspirerewards.com
- Allē loyalty program (Allergan Aesthetics). alle.com
Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center. This content is general education and does not create a provider-patient relationship or constitute medical advice. Candidacy, dosing, results and pricing vary by person and by clinic and are confirmed at your consultation. Prices shown are standard list prices as of November 2026 and exclude promotions. Written and reviewed by the BHRC clinical team.
