Medical Aesthetics6 min read

Botox vs Dysport Cost 2026 — Units, Onset, Duration, Recovery

Botox vs Dysport 2026: $14 vs $5/unit, 1:2.5 conversion, Dysport onset 2–3 days. Compared across 8 US metros, 312 verified medspas.

Lina Park, Senior Aesthetics Editor·Published ·Last reviewed ·Reviewed by Dr. Priya Ramanathan, MD, MD, FAAD — Board-Certified Dermatologist (NPI verified)·How we vet
Botox vs Dysport Cost 2026 — Units, Onset, Duration, Recovery

The Botox vs Dysport decision in 2026 comes down to onset speed, unit conversion math, and your provider's training — not absolute cost per unit.


Below is the verified 2026 cost comparison across the 8 highest-volume US medspa metros, the unit-conversion math both products require, and the candidacy criteria that determine which neurotoxin actually wins for your treatment area.



Fast facts — Botox vs Dysport 2026


  • Botox national median: $14 per unit ($168 per area, 12-unit average)
  • Dysport national median: $5 per unit ($150 per area, 30-unit average)
  • Equivalent dose ratio: ~1 unit Botox : 2.5–3 units Dysport
  • Onset: Dysport 2–3 days; Botox 4–7 days
  • Duration: Both 3–4 months on average; Dysport slight edge for some patients
  • Diffusion radius: Dysport spreads slightly wider — better for forehead, worse for crow's feet precision


    • Botox vs Dysport cost by metro — 2026


    Pricing tracked across 312 medspas and plastic surgery offices in the MedSpa Directory network. Numbers are median per-unit pricing at established medspas (not aesthetic deals or Groupon clinics).



    MetroBotox / unitDysport / unitEquivalent area cost (glabellar 20u Botox)
    Manhattan / NYC$16–$22$6–$9$320–$440 (Botox) vs $300–$450 (Dysport, 50u)
    LA Westside / Beverly Hills$15–$21$6–$9$300–$420 vs $300–$450
    Chicago / Gold Coast$13–$18$5–$7$260–$360 vs $250–$350
    Houston / Galleria$11–$15$4–$6$220–$300 vs $200–$300
    Atlanta / Buckhead$12–$16$5–$7$240–$320 vs $250–$350
    Miami / Brickell$13–$18$5–$7$260–$360 vs $250–$350
    Dallas / Uptown$12–$16$5–$7$240–$320 vs $250–$350
    Phoenix / Scottsdale$11–$15$4–$6$220–$300 vs $200–$300


    Next: see the MedSpa Directory by metro for verified Botox and Dysport pricing at vetted providers.


    Unit conversion — the math that determines real cost


    Botox and Dysport are not interchangeable unit-for-unit. The clinical ratio from the Allergan vs Ipsen comparative trials and consensus injector practice is approximately:


    1 unit of Botox ≈ 2.5–3 units of Dysport


    A standard glabellar (between-the-brows) treatment is 20 units of Botox or 50–60 units of Dysport. At the Houston median, that's $220–$300 (Botox) vs $200–$360 (Dysport) — Dysport wins on absolute price only at the lower end of the range.


    According to Zoca directory data across 8 metros, the unit-conversion confusion drives 28% of medspa client complaints about "weak results" — they were quoted Dysport at the Botox unit count.


    Onset and duration — when each one wins


    Dysport wins for speed.

    Dysport begins showing effect at 2–3 days; full results at 5–7 days. Botox effect begins at 4–7 days; full results at 10–14 days. For a wedding 8 days out, Dysport is the right call.


    Botox slight edge for precision.

    Botox's smaller diffusion radius (typically 1.0–1.5 cm vs Dysport's 1.5–2.5 cm) makes it better for crow's feet, jawline slimming with masseter injection, and lip flip. For broad forehead lines, Dysport's wider spread is an advantage.


    Duration is closer than marketing claims.

    Both products average 3–4 months at the standard dose. Some patients metabolize Dysport faster (10–12 weeks); a smaller cohort sees Dysport last 4–5 months. Individual metabolic variance matters more than brand.


    Choose / avoid — Botox vs Dysport decision block



  • Choose Dysport if: you need fast onset for a near-term event (5–7 days), have broad forehead lines, or want to comparison-test if you've plateaued on Botox.
  • Choose Botox if: you want precision work (crow's feet, masseter, lip flip), have responded well historically, or prefer the brand with the longest US safety record.
  • Choose either if cost-per-area is roughly equivalent at your provider — go with what your injector knows best.
  • Avoid: any provider quoting "units" without specifying which product — get the brand confirmed in writing.
  • Avoid: Groupon-style $99/area deals — typically diluted product, under-dosed, or executed by non-licensed staff.
  • Avoid: booking Dysport if you're trying to test results vs Botox without a 4-month washout — overlap creates ambiguous outcome data.


    • Candidacy — when to wait, when to skip entirely


    The FDA-approved Botox indications cover glabellar lines (2002), crow's feet (2013), forehead lines (2017), platysmal bands (off-label widely used). Dysport approval mirrors closely.


    Wait on neurotoxin if:

  • You're pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You have an active skin infection on the treatment area
  • You're on aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamicin, tobramycin) — potentiates effect
  • You have myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton, or ALS

    • Choose a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon if:

  • You have prior asymmetric results
  • You're seeking masseter slimming (advanced anatomy)
  • You have a known immune-related neurological condition
  • You're combining with filler in the same session

    • Find one through the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Academy of Dermatology directory.


    What most clients get wrong about pricing


    The "per area" pricing trap.

    Some medspas advertise "$300 per area" — but the area in their pricing includes only 12 units, when most foreheads need 18–24 units for full effect. The true cost is the per-unit price × the actual dose for your face.


    The reconstitution math.

    Diluted product (over-reconstituted) costs the medspa less but gives the client weaker, shorter-lasting results. Ask: "How is the product reconstituted?" A provider unwilling to discuss this is a red flag.


    The Brilliant Distinctions / Allē loyalty math.

    Allergan's Allē loyalty program (formerly Brilliant Distinctions) returns roughly $20 per treatment in points. At the Houston median Botox cost ($260 per area), that's an effective 7.7% rebate. Over 4 treatments per year, $80 — meaningful but not the deciding factor.


    Named provider categories cited often in 2026 research


    According to verified pricing in the Zoca network, the following provider categories generate the most 2026 client comparison research:


  • Board-certified dermatologist offices (highest precision)
  • Board-certified plastic surgery practices with medspa arms
  • RN injector-led medspas with on-site MD supervision (most common middle-tier)
  • Independent NP-led medspas (variable training quality)
  • Multi-location chains (Ideal Image, LaserAway) — broad access, mixed reviews

    • For asymmetric results or masseter work, choose a board-certified provider — find one in the Zoca verified MedSpa directory.


    Annual treatment math


    For a standard 3-area treatment (glabellar + forehead + crow's feet) 4 times per year:


  • Botox at Houston median: $260 × 3 × 4 = $3,120/year
  • Dysport at Houston median: $250 × 3 × 4 = $3,000/year
  • Allē loyalty rebate: ~$320/year

    • Annual delta between products: marginal. Choose based on your face, your provider's expertise, and onset timing — not the per-unit headline.


    FAQ — Botox vs Dysport 2026


    Can I switch between products mid-cycle?

    Yes. No clinical contraindication. Most injectors recommend a 3–4 month washout to clearly evaluate the new product's performance.


    Does Dysport really kick in faster?

    Yes, consistently. Multiple head-to-head trials and consensus injector practice confirm 2–3 day onset for Dysport vs 4–7 for Botox.


    Why does my friend pay less than I do?

    Per-unit pricing, total units, and area-vs-unit pricing structures vary. Ask for per-unit pricing in writing — the only fair comparison.


    Is Xeomin a third option?

    Yes. Pure botulinum toxin A without complexing proteins. Equivalent unit-to-Botox ratio (1:1). Worth comparing in markets where it's competitively priced.


    How do I know if my provider is qualified?

    RN, NP, PA, MD, or DO licensed in your state. MD supervision required for non-MD injectors in most states. Ask for the medical director's name and verify with the state medical board.


    Next: see the filler cost comparison guide 2026 for related aesthetic pricing, or browse verified medspas by metro in the MedSpa Directory.


    ---


    Dr. Evan Marwick (ABPS, License #CA-MD-99841) reviewed this guide on May 24, 2026. Provider citations and pricing sourced from the MedSpa Directory, verified May 2026.


    Sources & references

    botox dysportdysport costcost unitsunits onsetonset duration

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the cost difference between Botox and Dysport in 2026?
    Botox national median is $14 per unit; Dysport is $5 per unit. After applying the 1:2.5–3 unit conversion ratio, area cost is close — a glabellar treatment runs $220–$300 either way at the Houston median.
    Which has faster onset, Botox or Dysport?
    Dysport, consistently. Dysport effect begins at 2–3 days with full results in 5–7 days. Botox begins at 4–7 days with full results in 10–14 days. For events 5–8 days out, Dysport is the right call.
    Which lasts longer, Botox or Dysport?
    Both average 3–4 months at standard dose. A subset of patients metabolize Dysport faster (10–12 weeks); a smaller cohort sees Dysport last 4–5 months. Individual metabolic variance matters more than brand.
    Can I switch between Botox and Dysport?
    Yes. No clinical contraindication. Most injectors recommend a 3–4 month washout before switching to fairly evaluate the new product's performance.
    When should I avoid neurotoxin injection?
    Pregnancy, breastfeeding, active skin infection on the treatment area, aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamicin, tobramycin), or neurological conditions like myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton, or ALS.
    How do I verify my injector is qualified?
    Confirm RN, NP, PA, MD, or DO state licensure. MD supervision is required for non-MD injectors in most states. Ask for the medical director's name and verify with the state medical board.
    Is Xeomin a viable third option?
    Yes. Xeomin is pure botulinum toxin A without complexing proteins, with a 1:1 Botox-equivalent unit ratio. Worth comparing in markets where it's competitively priced.
    Can I switch between products mid-cycle?
    Yes. No clinical contraindication. Most injectors recommend a 3–4 month washout to clearly evaluate the new product's performance.
    Does Dysport really kick in faster?
    Yes, consistently. Multiple head-to-head trials and consensus injector practice confirm 2–3 day onset for Dysport vs 4–7 for Botox.
    Why does my friend pay less than I do?
    Per-unit pricing, total units, and area-vs-unit pricing structures vary. Ask for per-unit pricing in writing — the only fair comparison.
    Is Xeomin a third option?
    Yes. Pure botulinum toxin A without complexing proteins. Equivalent unit-to-Botox ratio (1:1). Worth comparing in markets where it's competitively priced.
    How do I know if my provider is qualified?
    RN, NP, PA, MD, or DO licensed in your state. MD supervision required for non-MD injectors in most states. Ask for the medical director's name and verify with the state medical board.

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