Dysport vs. Botox (and Xeomin and Daxxify): What’s Actually Different, How Long Each Lasts, and How I Choose
Wondering whether Dysport, Xeomin or Daxxify is better than Botox? Dr. Liza Wakim explains what is actually different between the brands, why units are not one-to-one, how long each lasts, and how to choose.
Patients often come to me already sold on “Botox,” then hear a friend swear by Dysport, or see a price list with four different names. It is understandable to wonder whether one is better, or whether you are being upsold.
The short version is that they are more alike than different. All four are versions of botulinum toxin type A, and all four relax muscles to soften expression lines. But they are not identical products, and that matters for dosing, price comparisons and planning your treatment.
The short version
- Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Daxxify are all botulinum toxin type A, used to relax muscles and soften lines.
- Their units are not interchangeable, so comparing price per unit is misleading. Compare price per treatment area instead.
- For most people, results and duration are broadly similar; Daxxify is the brand studied for longer-lasting results.
- The “best” one depends on the area, your history and your provider’s experience.
Short answer: are Dysport and Botox the same?
No, but they are close cousins. Both contain botulinum toxin type A and both temporarily relax the muscles that cause frown lines and other expression lines. They differ in how they are manufactured, the proteins that come with the toxin, and how they are dosed. A review of the evidence on botulinum toxin products concluded that the different brands are not interchangeable, and that doses cannot be converted using a simple ratio.
Side-by-side comparison
The BOTOX Cosmetic prescribing information lists its FDA-approved cosmetic uses. Many treatments on the face, for any brand, are performed off-label, which is common and legal in aesthetic practice.
Units and dosing: why 1 unit is not 1 unit
This is the most important practical difference. A “unit” is measured differently for each brand, so 20 units of one product is not the same amount of effect as 20 units of another. Dysport, for example, is typically dosed with a higher number of units than Botox for the same area. That does not mean you are getting more, or paying more.
Cost per area, not per unit
Because units differ, the fair way to compare is price per treatment area (for example, frown lines), not price per unit. Our Botox page explains how we price treatment.
Dysport vs. Botox
These are the two brands people compare most. In practice, both soften frown lines and other expression lines with broadly similar results. Dysport is often described as kicking in a little sooner for some patients, and as spreading slightly more within the treated area, which some injectors find helpful for larger areas and avoid in very precise spots. Botox has the longest track record and the widest range of FDA-approved cosmetic uses. Many patients do well on either.
Xeomin vs. Botox: the “naked” toxin
Xeomin contains the botulinum toxin without the accessory proteins that come with some other brands. That is why it is sometimes called a “naked” toxin. It is used for the same frown lines, and some providers consider it for patients who seem to be responding less to another brand over time. Whether accessory proteins play a meaningful role in that is still discussed, so I keep expectations cautious.
Daxxify vs. Botox: the longer-lasting option
Daxxify was approved by the FDA in 2022 for frown lines. It is made with a peptide rather than human albumin, and it is the brand that has been studied specifically for longer-lasting results. For patients who want fewer visits, it can be worth discussing. Results still vary from person to person.
Which one is best for each area?
As a dentist, I spend my days working with the muscles of the jaw and mouth, so for masseter, TMJ and lip treatments, knowing the anatomy is often more important than which brand is in the syringe.
Side effects and safety
All four brands share similar possible side effects: bruising, swelling or tenderness at the injection site, headache, and, less often, a drooping eyelid or brow if the product affects nearby muscles. These are usually temporary. All botulinum toxin products carry a boxed warning about the effect spreading beyond the injection site. Seek care right away if you have trouble swallowing, speaking or breathing, or new muscle weakness after treatment.
When to talk to a provider
Book a consultation if you are considering your first treatment, want to switch brands, or feel your current treatment is not lasting as long as it used to. Bring a list of what you had before, how many units, and how long it lasted. My posts on how long Botox lasts and what to do and avoid after Botox are good next reads.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dysport the same as Botox?
Both are botulinum toxin type A and both relax muscles to soften lines, but they are different products with different formulations and dosing. Their units do not convert one to one, so a provider plans the dose for each brand separately.
Which lasts longer, Dysport or Botox?
For most people, the difference in duration is small; both typically last about three to four months. Daxxify is the brand that has been studied specifically for longer-lasting results. How long any brand lasts also depends on the area, the dose and your own muscles.
Does Dysport work faster than Botox?
Some patients and injectors notice a slightly faster onset with Dysport, often within a few days. Results vary by person and by area, and the full effect of any brand is usually seen at around two weeks.
Why do I need more units of Dysport?
Dysport is measured on a different unit scale, so a higher number of units does not mean a stronger or more expensive treatment. That is why it is best to compare the price per treatment area rather than the price per unit.
What is Xeomin and how is it different?
Xeomin contains the toxin without the accessory proteins found in some other brands. It is used for the same frown lines and is sometimes considered for patients who seem to respond less to another brand over time.
Can I switch between brands?
Yes, many patients do. Tell your injector which brand you had before, how many units, and how long it lasted, so they can plan your dose. Results with a new brand may feel slightly different at first.
Not sure which brand is right for you?
If you are in or around Washington, PA, you can request a consultation at Enhanced Wellness or call us at (724) 225-5070. Results vary, and we will recommend the option that fits your face, your history and your goals.
Sources
- Botulinum toxin type A products are not interchangeable: a review of the evidence. Biologics: Targets and Therapy. 2014.
- BOTOX Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) prescribing information. DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Not sure which brand is right for you?
Dr. Liza plans your dose around your muscles, your history and your goals, not just the name on the vial. Bring a list of what you had before and how long it lasted.
Dr. Elizabeth Wakim, DDS, is the founder of Enhanced Wellness. She’s a compassionate and highly-regarded dentist with her own practice in Washington, Pennsylvania, known for providing modern, comprehensive dental care, botox and facial aesthetics with a focus on patient comfort and anxiety reduction, serving general, cosmetic, and pediatric dentistry needs.
