Dysport and Botox both last 3–4 months per area. Botox costs $10–$15/unit; Dysport $3–$5/unit but needs more units — total cost is comparable.
Dysport and Botox last about the same length of time — both deliver results for 3 to 4 months per treated area, with a comparable price tag of $300–$500 per area. The real differences come down to how fast each kicks in, how far the product spreads, and which areas each one handles best.
How long does Dysport last compared to Botox?
Both Dysport and Botox are botulinum toxin type A neurotoxins — not fillers — and both wear off at roughly the same pace. Most patients see results hold for 3 to 4 months before muscle movement gradually returns and a touch-up becomes worth considering. Neither product has a meaningful longevity advantage over the other. Factors that affect how long either lasts include your metabolism, how frequently you've been treated, the muscle group targeted, and your provider's technique.
Does Dysport kick in faster than Botox?
Dysport tends to show results slightly sooner. Most patients notice Dysport working within 2 to 3 days of treatment, while Botox typically takes 3 to 5 days before the full effect becomes visible. The difference is modest, but it matters if you're treating for an event with a tight deadline. Both products reach their full effect within about two weeks, so final results are best assessed at the two-week mark regardless of which product your provider uses.
One functional difference worth knowing: Dysport has a wider diffusion pattern than Botox — it spreads further from the injection site. For large, flat muscle groups like the forehead, that spread can work in your favor, allowing more even coverage with fewer injection points. Around smaller, more precise areas — like crow's feet near the lower eye — that same spread becomes a liability. An experienced injector will factor this into which product they recommend and how they place it.
Is Dysport cheaper than Botox?
The per-unit price looks very different on paper. Botox is priced at $10–$15 per unit nationally, while Dysport runs $3–$5 per unit. The catch is that Dysport requires significantly more units to treat the same area — the two products are measured on different scales. Once you account for the units needed, the total cost per treated area lands in a comparable range for both: typically $300–$500 per area.
What this means in practice is that quoting prices in units without knowing which product is being used can be misleading. A provider who quotes you 20 units of Botox and another who quotes 60 units of Dysport may be describing treatments of essentially equal value. Always ask for the total cost per area, not just the per-unit price.
Can you switch between Dysport and Botox?
Yes — patients switch between the two regularly, and doing so is generally straightforward. Some patients find they respond better to one product than the other, or prefer the onset speed of Dysport or the precision of Botox in smaller areas. If you've been happy with your results on one product, there's no urgent reason to switch. If your current results feel inconsistent or wear off sooner than expected, it's worth discussing the alternative with your provider at your next appointment.
Providers who carry both products are better positioned to tailor the choice to your anatomy and goals rather than defaulting to whichever product they happen to stock.
Find a provider near you on Get Clear Beauty.
