Botox and Dysport are similar injectable compounds used for the cosmetic treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, among other non-cosmetic uses. Both serums are taken from botulinum toxin, purified, and synthesized to create the injections that have become so widely used and beloved. Both are FDA-approved, but Dysport is newer, made by Medicis, and costs less. Botox is made by Allergan.
The following table shows a side-by-side comparison of the two:
| Botox | Dysport |
Chemical name | onabotulinumtoxin A | abotulinumtoxin A |
Manufacturer | Allergan | Medicis |
FDA Approval for cosmetic use | April, 2002 | April, 2009 |
Treatment | Forehead lines, crow’s feet, migraines, muscle spasms around the eyes, cervical dystonia, other muscle-related tension problems | Forehead lines, crow’s feet, migraines, muscle spasms around the eyes, cervical dystonia, other muscle-related tension problems |
Mechanism | Stops acetylcholine from activating nerve signal to contract muscles | Stops acetylcholine from activating nerve signal to contract muscles |
Duration | Lasts approximately 3 to 4 months | Lasts approximately 4 months, some report longer |
Typical side effects (not limited to) | Minor pain, dizziness, drowsiness, swelling in the injection area, indigestion, bruising, itching in the injection site, irritated eyes, headaches typically lasting a few hours post-injection, flu-like symptoms, droopy eyelids/brows if administered poorly | Minor pain, redness at injection site, nausea, dry mouth, flu-like symptoms, headaches typically lasting a few hours post-injection, swelling, droopy eyelids/brows if administered poorly |
Rare side effects requiring medical attention (not limited to) | Blurred vision, double vision, allergic reaction (itching, hives, rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue), trouble with urination, facial paralysis, fainting, seizures, botulism (extremely rare) | Blurred vision, double vision, allergic reaction (itching, hives, rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue), facial paralysis, fainting, seizures, botulism (extremely rare) |
Differences | Botox is a slightly thicker compound thus less likely to “run” once injected. However, it is less easily accepted into the body due to proteins within the chemical structure. | Dysport is thinner and can possibly “run” after being injected, causing unwanted side effects like droopy eyelids. However, due to fewer proteins surrounding the core molecule, it is better accepted by the body, thus more effective and possibly longer-lasting. |
Cost | $300 to $400 per treatment | $200 to $300 per treatment |