Treatment Comparison
Botox vs Dysport
What's the actual difference?
Both are botulinum toxin type A. Both relax facial muscles to soften dynamic wrinkles. The differences are smaller than the marketing suggests — but they exist. Here's an honest, practitioner-led comparison.
Botox and Dysport are both botulinum toxin type A injectables that relax facial muscles for 3–4 months. Dysport tends to show effect 1–2 days faster and diffuses slightly more (helpful in larger areas like the forehead). Botox stays more localised, often preferred for precision around the eyes and lips. Both cost from £300 per area at Beyond The Face.
Side-by-side comparison
| Botox | Dysport | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand / manufacturer | Botox® (Allergan) | Dysport® (Galderma) |
| Active ingredient | Botulinum toxin type A | Botulinum toxin type A |
| Formulation | OnabotulinumtoxinA | AbobotulinumtoxinA |
| Onset of effect | 3–7 days | 2–3 days |
| Peak effect | ~14 days | ~10–14 days |
| Duration | 3–4 months | 3–4 months |
| Diffusion | More precise / localised | Slightly more diffusion |
| Often preferred for | Crow's feet, lip lines, precise areas | Forehead, larger zones |
| Price (Tunbridge Wells) | From £300 per area | From £300 per area |
Which one should you choose?
Botox might suit you if…
- You want precision in small areas (lip lines, crow's feet)
- You've had Botox before and you like it — stick with what works
- You prefer the most established product (longest track record cosmetically)
Dysport might suit you if…
- You want quicker initial onset (especially before an event)
- You're treating a larger area like the forehead
- You've had Dysport before and you like it
Honestly? In skilled hands, the difference between the two is marginal for most clients. Technique, dosing and placement matter far more than the brand on the bottle.
Frequently asked questions
Are Botox and Dysport the same thing?
Both are botulinum toxin type A injectables used to relax facial muscles and soften dynamic wrinkles, but they're different products from different manufacturers (Allergan and Galderma respectively). They're measured in different units, diffuse slightly differently, and can act at slightly different speeds.
Which one kicks in faster?
Dysport often shows initial effects within 2–3 days, while Botox typically takes 3–7 days to start working and 7–14 days to settle fully. Both reach peak effect by around two weeks.
Which one lasts longer?
Both products typically last 3–4 months. Individual response varies more than the brand difference — your metabolism, muscle strength and how often you have treatment all matter more than which one you choose.
Is one better for forehead lines, the other for crow's feet?
Dysport is sometimes preferred for larger areas like the forehead because it diffuses slightly more, giving a softer spread. Botox is sometimes preferred for precise areas like crow's feet or lip lines for the same reason. In skilled hands, both work well across all areas.
Which one do you offer in Tunbridge Wells?
At Beyond The Face we use the product that's clinically right for the area being treated and the result you're after. We'll discuss this in your consultation. Pricing starts from £300 per area regardless.
Want a second opinion before booking?
Maryna will assess your face, talk through expectations, and recommend whichever product fits the result you want.