Botox vs Dysport: Which Anti-Wrinkle Injection Wins in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Best for Precision: Botox is the winner for targeted areas like crow’s feet and vertical lip lines due to its lower diffusion rate.

• Best for Speed: Dysport is the winner for those needing quick results (e.g., for an event), with an onset typically appearing in 2–3 days compared to Botox’s 5–7 days.

• Best for Large Areas: Dysport’s higher spread makes it ideal for broad forehead lines, often providing a "softer," more natural finish.

• Overall Recommendation: At Gold Beautique, we recommend Botox for the majority of first-time and precision-focused clients, but suggest Dysport for those who have developed a "Botox resistance" or need rapid onset.

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Choosing between Botox and Dysport is the ultimate dilemma in modern aesthetics. Both are titans of the anti-wrinkle world, but they are not interchangeable "clones."

If you are looking for the absolute best way to freeze time, the answer depends on your specific anatomy and timeline.

Botox remains the global gold standard for precision, while Dysport is the high-speed alternative that excels at treating broader facial planes.

In this guide, we break down the clinical data, unit conversions, and real-world results of Botox vs Dysport to help you decide which neuromodulator belongs in your 2026 grooming routine.

Whether you're visiting us in Wandsworth for a subtle "baby botox" refresh or a full-face transformation, here is everything you need to know.

Comparison Overview: Botox vs Dysport

Feature	Botox (OnabotulinumtoxinA)	Dysport (AbobotulinumtoxinA)	Best For
Stand Out Feature	High Precision / Lower Diffusion	Faster Onset / Wider Spread	Botox: Targeted Lines
Price (per area/unit)	~£150 - £350 per area	~£140 - £300 per area	Dysport: Speed & Volume
Onset Time	5 – 7 Days	2 – 3 Days	Dysport: Quick Results
Longevity	3 – 5 Months	3 – 5 Months	Tie
Diffusion Rate	Low (Stays where injected)	High (Spreads slightly)	Botox: Small Areas
Molecule Size	Uniform 900 kDa	500 – 900 kDa (Variable)	Botox: Consistency
FDA Approved For	Glabellar, Crows Feet, Forehead	Glabellar Lines (Frown)	Botox: Versatility

Who is Botox best for?

Botox is the "scalpel" of the neuromodulator world. Because it has a higher molecular weight and lower diffusion rate, it stays exactly where the injector places it.

• Precision Seekers: If you want to treat "bunny lines" on the nose or a "lip flip" without affecting your smile, Botox is the only choice.

• Heavy Foreheads: For those with naturally heavy brows, Botox’s precision prevents the "droop" that can occur if a product spreads too far.

• Medical Treatments: Botox is the most extensively studied for medical uses like chronic migraines and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

For whom is Dysport useful for?

Dysport is often described as the "sheet" of the aesthetic world. It spreads more easily across muscle groups.

• Broad Foreheads: It creates a very smooth, "airbrushed" look on wide foreheads where multiple small injections might otherwise look patchy.

• Fast-Track Results: If you have a wedding or event in 72 hours, Dysport’s 48-hour onset is a lifesaver.

• Natural Movement: Many clients feel Dysport feels "lighter" and less "frozen" because of how it integrates into the muscle tissue.

Gold Beautique: The Premium Alternative

While choosing a product is important, the injector’s technique is what actually determines your face's future.

Our style:

• Precision Mapping: We use anatomical marking to ensure every unit hits the muscle belly perfectly.

• Holistic Aesthetics: We often combine neuromodulators with Polynucleotides to treat skin texture alongside muscle movement.

• Discretion: Our Wandsworth clinic is designed for those who want professional results without the "clinic" feel.

Plan	Pricing
1 Area	Consult for pricing
2 Areas	Consult for pricing
3 Areas	Consult for pricing

Price Comparison: Units vs Areas

One of the biggest points of confusion in the Botox vs Dysport debate is the pricing model.

Botox

In the UK, Botox is typically priced by "area" (e.g., Forehead, Frown, Crows Feet). If priced by unit, it usually costs between £10–£15 per unit. A standard forehead treatment might require 20 units.

Dysport

Dysport molecules are smaller, meaning you need more units to achieve the same strength as Botox. The industry standard ratio is 3:1 (3 units of Dysport = 1 unit of Botox). While Dysport often costs less per unit (£4–£7), the total cost per area remains nearly identical to Botox because you use three times as much.

Verdict

Winner: Tie. While Dysport appears cheaper on a price list, the 3:1 unit requirement means you’ll spend roughly the same amount for a full-face treatment at any reputable London clinic.

Ease of Use & Onset

How quickly do you need to look your best?

Botox

Botox is reliable but slow. It usually takes 3 days to feel a "tightness" and a full 14 days to see the final result. If you are a first-time patient, this gradual change can be less jarring.

Dysport

Dysport is the "sprinter." Studies show that over 50% of patients see results within 2 days. This makes it the superior choice for last-minute grooming.

Verdict

Winner: Dysport. 

The significantly faster onset gives it the edge for clients with busy schedules or upcoming events.

The Diffusion Factor: Precision vs Spread

This is where the science of Botox vs Dysport truly diverges.

Botox

Botox has a low "field of effect." If an injector puts it in a specific spot in the crow's feet, it stays there. This reduces the risk of ptosis (eyelid drooping) or affecting the muscles that control your smile.

Dysport

Dysport has a higher diffusion rate. It "drifts" slightly from the injection site. In the forehead, this is a benefit, as it creates a seamless transition between treated and untreated areas. However, in small, crowded areas of the face, this spread can be a liability.

Verdict

Winner: Botox. 

For safety and precision—especially for new patients—the controlled nature of Botox makes it the more reliable tool in an injector's kit.

Why "Botox Resistance" Matters

A growing topic in 2025 is immunogenicity—the idea that your body can develop antibodies to the proteins in Botox, making it less effective over time.

If you find that your Botox used to last 4 months but now only lasts 6 weeks, your body may have become "immune" to that specific formulation. Switching to Dysport (or Xeomin) often solves this problem, as the protein structure is different enough to bypass your body's developed defenses.

How to choose the right Injectable for you

When deciding between these two giants, consider these three factors:

1. The "Frozen" vs "Natural" Goal

If you want zero movement (the classic "frozen" look), Botox’s concentration is excellent. If you want a "softening" where you can still express emotion, Dysport’s spread provides a more natural, feathered result.

Pro Tip: At Gold Beautique, we often recommend Dysport for men who want to reduce deep forehead furrows without looking like they've "had work done."

2. Treatment Area

• Crows Feet & Eyes: Botox (for precision).

• Forehead Lines: Dysport (for a smooth "sheet" effect).

• Masseters (Jaw Slimming): Either, but Dysport may require a very high volume.

  
  

3. Your Body's Metabolism

Every person processes botulinum toxin differently. If you are a high-level athlete or have a fast metabolism, you might find one brand lasts significantly longer than the other. This is purely biological and requires a "trial and error" approach.

Alternative To Both: Polynucleotides & Skin Boosters

If you are hesitant about "freezing" your muscles, or if you want to enhance your injectable results, consider a regenerative approach.

Polynucleotides (Ameela/Vitaran)

Unlike Botox, which paralyzes the muscle, Polynucleotides repair the skin at a cellular level. They are excellent for under-eye hollowing where Botox cannot go.

• Where it shines: Improving skin elasticity and "snap-back."

• The Edge: Using Polynucleotides as a "primer" for the skin, making your Botox results look more natural.

What will you choose?

The battle of Botox vs Dysport doesn't have a single winner—it has a "best fit."

If you are looking for maximum precision and a tried-and-tested reputation, Botox is your winner. If you are in a hurry for results or want a softer, wider spread on the forehead, Dysport takes the crown.

Ready to see which one your skin prefers? Book a consultation at Gold Beautique in Wandsworth today and let our experts map out a bespoke treatment plan for your face.