What they have in common
Same mechanism: botulinum toxin type A blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, temporarily preventing muscle contraction. Same indication: treatment of dynamic wrinkles — lines that appear with movement rather than at rest. Same safety profile: both are FDA-approved, extensively studied, and well-tolerated. Same general contraindications.
How they differ
Formulation. Dysport has a smaller molecular weight and lower protein load per unit than Botox. This affects diffusion behavior and unit-to-unit conversion.
Diffusion pattern. Dysport spreads slightly more broadly from the injection point than Botox. This can be an advantage in large surface areas (forehead) and a reason for additional precision in smaller, more confined areas (orbicularis oculi for crow's feet in certain patients).
Unit conversion. Dysport units and Botox units are not equivalent. The typical conversion is approximately 2.5-3 Dysport units per 1 Botox unit, though this varies by product lot and clinical context. This does not mean Dysport is cheaper or more dilute — it means the dosing systems are different.
Onset and duration. Both products have similar onset (3-7 days to initial effect, full effect at 2 weeks) and similar duration (3-4 months on average). Some clinicians and patients report slightly earlier onset with Dysport; evidence is mixed.
When does the choice actually matter?
For most patients in most treatment areas, the clinical outcome is indistinguishable between the two products when administered by an experienced provider who accounts for the unit conversion. The choice is more relevant in specific scenarios:
Large forehead: Dysport's diffusion pattern can be advantageous, reducing the number of injection points needed for even distribution.
Precise confinement needed: Botox's more contained diffusion pattern may be preferred in areas where exact localization matters — upper lip lines, for example.
Patient history: If a patient has had an excellent response to one product, clinical continuity favors maintaining that choice absent a specific reason to switch.
The Revitalize approach
At Revitalize, both Botox and Dysport are available. The choice is made during consultation based on the treatment area, the patient's anatomy, and clinical judgment. There is no default; there is no premium product. There is the product that makes the most clinical sense for your specific face and treatment goals. Every neuromodulator treatment at Revitalize begins with a clinical assessment, not a menu selection. The provider assesses muscle activity patterns, skin quality, prior treatment history, and natural movement before recommending a dosing approach.