Botox vs. Dysport: What’s the Difference?
Botox Cosmetic and Dysport are prescription injectables that temporarily soften certain facial lines. At Ardan, both are available after a consultation with Susan Fallon, RN, and both are $15 per unit. Choosing between them can feel confusing, so here’s a plain-language comparison. For the full menu, see our injectables page.
How are Botox and Dysport alike?
Both contain botulinum toxin type A, which temporarily relaxes the muscles that cause certain lines. Both are given as small injections, and results are temporary, so most people return for repeat treatments.
How are they different?
| Botox Cosmetic | Dysport | |
|---|---|---|
| Treats | Frown lines between the brows, crow’s feet, forehead lines, and vertical neck bands (platysma bands) | Frown lines between the brows |
| Approved for | Adults | Adults under 65 |
| Results begin | You may start to see results in 1 to 2 days, with full results in about 30 days | Changes can show in as little as 24 hours, and many people see improvement in 2 to 3 days |
| How long it lasts | Up to 4 months | Up to 4 months |
| Treatment time | About 10 to 15 minutes | About 10 to 20 minutes |
| Price at Ardan | $15 per unit | $15 per unit |
Units aren’t interchangeable between the two products, so you can’t compare doses unit for unit. Your provider will decide how many units you need. Treatments should be spaced at least 3 months apart.
Which one is right for me?
Susan will recommend one based on the areas you want to treat, your goals, and your health history. If you aren’t sure, that’s a great question for your consultation. You can also read more on our Botox and Dysport questions page.
What does it feel like?
Most people describe a quick pinch. There’s minimal downtime, so most guests go right back to their day. Plan a little extra time for your consultation.
What are the common side effects?
For Botox Cosmetic:
- Pain or discomfort where you were injected
- Headache, tiredness, or neck pain
- Dry mouth
- Eye problems, including drooping eyelids or brows, swollen eyelids, dry eyes, and blurred or double vision
For Dysport:
- Pain or a skin reaction where you were injected
- Headache
- Nose and throat irritation, upper respiratory infection, or sinus inflammation
- Eyelid swelling or drooping
- Nausea
What should I know after my treatment?
- If you notice weakness, vision problems, or dizziness afterward, don’t drive or do other risky activities.
- Rarely, the effect can spread beyond the injection area hours to weeks later. Get medical help right away if you have trouble swallowing, speaking, or breathing, or if you have double vision or drooping eyelids.
- Tell any other provider who treats you that you’ve had a botulinum toxin injection.
- Susan will give you Ardan’s prep and aftercare instructions at your consultation.
Who shouldn’t be treated?
Tell Susan about anything on this list, and she’ll decide with you whether treatment is right.
- Allergy to any botulinum toxin product or its ingredients
- A skin infection where you’d be injected
- An allergy to cow’s milk protein (Dysport)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Dysport isn’t for anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, and it isn’t known whether Botox Cosmetic can harm an unborn baby or passes into breast milk.
- Any muscle or nerve condition, such as ALS or myasthenia gravis
- Any botulinum toxin treatment in the last 4 months
Do I need a consultation first?
Yes. Injectables start with a required consultation with Susan Fallon, RN, who sees injectable guests on Tuesdays. Your provider will review your health history with you, and you’ll fill out a short medical intake form if you’re new to our medspa.
Call 781-235-7788 or book online.