Botox vs Dysport: Which is Right for You?

Both are botulinum toxin type A. Both work. Here's the actual difference — and which we recommend for which face.

The same active ingredient, different formulations

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA, Allergan) and Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA, Galderma) are both purified neurotoxins from the same bacterial source. Botox cleared FDA in 2002, Dysport in 2009. They behave 95% identically, but the 5% difference matters.

Onset

Dysport tends to kick in faster — many patients see early changes by day 2 to 3. Botox typically takes 5 to 7 days for noticeable effect, peaking at day 14. If you have an event in 5 days and want results, Dysport is the safer pick.

Diffusion

Dysport spreads slightly more from the injection site than Botox. For broad areas like the forehead this is a feature — smoother results across larger zones. For tight, precise work like lip flips, masseter slimming, or brow lifts, Botox’s tighter diffusion is preferable.

Duration

Both last 3 to 4 months. Slight individual variation either direction.

Cost

At Bar Beauty Medical we price by treatment area, not unit, so cost is comparable for both. Some Toronto clinics charge per unit which makes Dysport look cheaper (it’s dosed in different units). Always ask for total cost per area to compare apples to apples.

Loyalty programs

Botox stacks with Allergan’s Allē Rewards. Dysport stacks with Galderma’s Aspire Rewards. We enrol every patient in both.

Our default recommendation

For first-timers, we usually start with Botox — broader research base, more predictable for novel patients. For patients whose Botox results have started fading faster, we often switch to Dysport. For lip flips and masseter we lean Botox. For forehead and crow’s feet, either works beautifully.

Written by the Bar Beauty Medical clinical team. We’re a medical aesthetics clinic at 46 Fort York Blvd, Toronto. All treatments are performed by licensed nurses, doctors, or laser technicians. Information here is general; for advice specific to your skin and goals, book a free consultation.