Dysport is the second-biggest name in wrinkle relaxers and the injectable most often offered alongside Botox — same molecule family, same appointment, same duration, with a couple of practical differences that make many patients and injectors actively prefer it.
How Dysport works
Like Botox, Dysport is botulinum toxin type A. Injected into specific facial muscles, it blocks the nerve signal that tells the muscle to contract. The muscle relaxes, and the skin above it stops creasing — smoothing frown lines (the ”11s”), forehead lines, and crow’s feet.
The FDA approved Dysport for frown lines in 2009, and it’s been a mainstay ever since. The practical differences from Botox:
- Faster onset. Many people see Dysport working in 2–3 days, versus 4–7 for Botox. If you have an event on a tight timeline, that matters.
- Slightly wider spread. Each injection covers a bit more area — an advantage across the broad plane of the forehead, and the reason precise, tiny-muscle work is sometimes still done with Botox.
- Different unit math. Roughly 2.5–3 Dysport units equal 1 Botox unit, which is why per-unit prices look dramatically cheaper than they really are. Compare total treatment cost.
What to expect
A Dysport appointment is the classic lunchtime treatment: a 10–20 minute visit, a series of small injections with a fine needle, and no real downtime. Tiny bumps at the injection sites settle within half an hour. Avoid rubbing the area, lying flat, or hard workouts for the rest of the day so the product stays where it was placed.
Results build over the first week and settle fully by day 14 — most injectors book any touch-up at the two-week mark.
Results and how long they last
Expect 3–4 months of smoothing per treatment, identical to Botox. Consistency pays: regular users often find lines soften even at rest over time, because the skin gets months-long breaks from creasing.
Is Dysport right for you?
Strong candidates:
- Moderate to severe frown lines, forehead lines, or crow’s feet
- People who felt Botox took too long to kick in, or didn’t settle evenly on their forehead
- Anyone comparing pricing — in many markets Dysport runs 10–20% less per treatment for equivalent effect
Same exclusions as all botulinum toxins: pregnancy/breastfeeding, certain neuromuscular conditions, active infection at the site.
What affects the cost
- Dose and areas treated. One area (frown lines) runs at the low end; three areas at the high end.
- Unit pricing vs total pricing. Insist on the total per-area cost when comparing against Botox quotes.
- Injector expertise. Experienced injectors dose accurately — you’re paying for judgment, not just product.
- City and clinic tier. Major-metro medical practices price above suburban med spas.
Browse Dysport providers near you on ClinicCompass to compare local pricing, and if you’re weighing it against Botox directly, see our Botox guide for the full comparison.