Botox vs. Dysport: Which Is Right for You? A Laguna Niguel Guide

"Should I get Botox or Dysport?" We hear this one almost every day at Enclave Med Spa in Laguna Niguel. The short answer is that both work well, and the best choice depends more on you than on the brand. Here is a plain-English breakdown to help you go into your consultation with a sense of what to ask.

What They Have in Common

BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® are both FDA-approved prescription neuromodulators made from botulinum toxin type A. Both temporarily relax the muscles behind expression lines like frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet. Both are quick injections with little to no downtime, and both wear off gradually over a few months.

In other words, they are more alike than different. The differences are in the details.

Where They Differ

How fast they kick in

Some patients notice Dysport working a little sooner, sometimes within two to three days. Botox often takes three to five days to start showing. Both usually reach full effect around two weeks.

How they spread

Dysport tends to diffuse a bit more after injection. That can be helpful for larger, flatter areas like the forehead, where a smoother, more even look is the goal. Botox tends to stay more precisely where it is placed, which some injectors prefer for small or delicate areas. A skilled injector can get great results with either.

How the units compare

This is the one that confuses people. Dysport and Botox units are not the same size. A Dysport treatment generally uses more units than a Botox treatment for the same area. So a lower price per unit for Dysport does not automatically mean a cheaper treatment, and comparing the two by unit price alone can be misleading. Always compare the total cost for your areas.

How long they last

Both commonly last around three to four months. Some patients swear one lasts longer for them, and individual response really does vary. Metabolism, muscle strength, dose and activity level all play a role.

So Which One Should You Choose?

A few rules of thumb we share with patients: 

• If you have had great results with one, there is usually no reason to switch. 
• If one has felt like it wore off fast, trying the other is a reasonable experiment. 
• If you want a softer, more blended forehead, Dysport is often a nice option. 
• If you are treating small, precise areas, your injector may lean toward Botox. 
• If you are not sure, that is what the consultation is for. We will recommend based on your face and goals.

Pricing at Our Laguna Niguel Location

We will always give you a unit estimate and total before treatment. For our grand opening, new patients at Enclave Laguna Niguel can get Dysport at $3.95 per unit (good faith exam required), and new patients can also use our $100 welcome credit on services of $200 or more.

Talk It Through With an Injector

Our licensed nurse injectors work under physician oversight at 27261 La Paz Rd, Suite L, Laguna Niguel, serving Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Dana Point and Laguna Beach too.

Book a complimentary consultation or call (949) 594-2200, and we will help you pick the right one.

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Individual results vary. BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® are prescription medications and require a medical evaluation. Possible side effects include headache, bruising and, rarely, temporary eyelid or brow drooping.