Dysport: The Complete Patient Guide

What Is Dysport?

Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) is an FDA-approved injectable neurotoxin manufactured by Galderma. Like Botox, it's derived from botulinum toxin type A and works by temporarily relaxing facial muscles that cause wrinkles. Dysport was first developed in the United Kingdom in the early 1990s and received FDA approval in April 2009 for the treatment of moderate to severe glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows).

While Botox remains the most recognized neurotoxin brand, Dysport has become the second most popular choice among injectors and patients, with a devoted following that prefers its faster onset, broader natural spread, and often softer aesthetic result.

How Dysport Works

Dysport works through the same fundamental mechanism as all botulinum toxin type A products:

1. Injection: Small amounts of abobotulinumtoxinA are injected directly into specific facial muscles using a fine needle.
2. Nerve Signal Blockade: The toxin binds to nerve endings at the neuromuscular junction, blocking the release of acetylcholine — the chemical messenger that tells muscles to contract.
3. Muscle Relaxation: Without acetylcholine, the treated muscles can no longer contract forcefully. They relax, and the overlying skin smooths out.
4. Wrinkle Reduction: Dynamic wrinkles (those formed by repeated muscle movement) soften or disappear entirely. Static wrinkles (those visible at rest) may also improve over time.
5. Natural Fade: Over 3-4 months, your body naturally regenerates new nerve endings and the muscle function gradually returns, requiring retreatment.

Dysport vs Botox: Complete Comparison

This is the most frequently asked question about Dysport. Here's a detailed, honest comparison:

Unit Conversion Guide (Dysport to Botox)

Dysport units and Botox units are NOT interchangeable. The generally accepted conversion ratio is 2.5:1 to 3:1 (Dysport : Botox). This means if your usual Botox dose is 20 units, the equivalent Dysport dose would be 50-60 units.

Treatment Areas & Units

Dysport is FDA-approved for glabellar lines but widely used off-label across many facial areas. Here are the most common treatment areas with typical Dysport unit ranges:

Full Upper Face: Units Summary

How Long Does Dysport Last?

Dysport results typically last 3-4 months (12-16 weeks). Some patients experience results lasting up to 5 months, particularly with consistent retreatment over time. Here's a breakdown by area:

Tips to Make Dysport Last Longer

• Stay on schedule: Regular treatments every 3-4 months can train muscles to require less product over time.
• Protect your skin from the sun: UV damage breaks down the effects faster and ages skin.
• Reduce stress: High cortisol levels and facial tension can accelerate wear-off.
• Avoid excessive exercise immediately after treatment (48 hours), though regular exercise long-term doesn't significantly affect duration.
• Don't wait until it's completely worn off: Retreating before full movement returns (around 2.5-3 months) can extend the cumulative effect.
• Maintain good skincare: Retinol, antioxidants, and moisturizers support overall skin health.

How Fast Does Dysport Work?

This is Dysport's biggest clinical advantage over Botox. Here's the timeline:

How Much Does Dysport Cost?

Dysport is priced per unit, and since it requires more units than Botox (2.5-3x), the per-unit price is lower. The total cost per treatment area is generally comparable to or slightly less than Botox.

All 5 FDA-Approved Neurotoxins Compared

As of 2026, there are five FDA-approved botulinum toxin type A products for cosmetic use. Here's how Dysport stacks up against the competition:

Side Effects & Risks

Common Side Effects (Mild, Temporary)

• Injection site pain: Brief stinging during injection, mild tenderness for hours afterward
• Swelling: Mild swelling at injection points, resolving within 24-48 hours
• Bruising: Occurs in 10-25% of treatments, lasting 3-7 days
• Headache: Reported by approximately 15% of patients in clinical trials; usually mild and resolves within 24 hours
• Redness: At injection sites, resolving within hours

Less Common Side Effects

• Eyelid drooping (ptosis): Occurs in 1-2% of patients when product migrates to the levator muscle. Resolves in 2-4 weeks. More common with Dysport than Botox due to broader spread — an experienced injector mitigates this by proper placement and dosing.
• Eyebrow asymmetry: One brow may drop or lift more than the other. Correctable with a small touch-up injection.
• Heavy brow / "Spocking": Overactivity of the lateral frontalis creating peaked brows. Correctable with additional units to the lateral forehead.
• Numbness or tingling: Temporary altered sensation near injection sites.

Rare but Serious Risks

Aftercare Instructions

Am I a Good Candidate?

Dysport Is Ideal For

• Patients who want faster results than Botox (event in 2-3 days? Dysport)
• Those treating large areas like the forehead where Dysport's natural spread is an advantage
• Patients who prefer a softer, more natural look with some preserved movement
• Anyone who has developed resistance to Botox (antibodies to onabotulinumtoxinA)
• Cost-conscious patients who want results comparable to Botox at potentially lower cost
• Patients already in the ASPIRE rewards ecosystem (also covers Restylane and Sculptra)
• Adults 18+ with moderate to severe dynamic wrinkles

Who Should NOT Get Dysport

• Patients with cow's milk protein allergy — this is unique to Dysport and a firm contraindication
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Patients with neuromuscular disorders (myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, ALS)
• Those with active skin infections at the injection site
• Patients with a known allergy to botulinum toxin of any type
• Those taking aminoglycoside antibiotics or other drugs that interfere with neuromuscular transmission

Frequently Asked Questions

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