Dysport vs Botox® vs Xeomin: Which is Better for You?

If you’ve searched for a way to treat unwanted wrinkles on your upper face (brows, crows’ feet, and the ‘Glabella’ between the eyes) you’ve likely come across three different injectable treatments: Dysport, Botox®, and Xeomin.

Similarities Between Dysport, Botox®, and Xeomin

All three of these of options are injectable forms of the Botulinum toxin and it is used cosmetically to reduce the appearance of unwanted wrinkles on the upper face. They are a quick and easy way to bring back or maintain a more youthful look. All three work by blocking the neurotransmitters to the muscles, allowing them to relax and the skin to smooth.

The biggest difference between Dysport, Botox®, and Xeomin seems to be their molecular weight, which affects dispersion once injected, the additives (proteins) in each injectable, and how quickly the results begin to take effect.

In general, Dysport takes more units than Botox® or Xeomin and starts to show results more quickly and costs less per unit. The onset of results takes longer with Botox® and Xeomin, but you will require fewer units to get the same results. All three produce results that last about the same amount of time.

Read on for some comparisons of the three based on their additives, units required, onset of results, and cost.

Additives in Dysport, Botox®, and Xeomin

As for the protein makeup of the three major injectables, Dysport and Botox® both have complex proteins added along with the botulinum toxin. Xeomin has no additives, as botulinum toxin is the only ingredient present.

The proteins found within each effect its molecular weight and diffusion. Botox® maintains a consistent molecular weight, while Dysport can vary, making the likelihood of diffusion into other areas higher with Dysport. This can be a positive or a negative. For instance, diffusion into other areas is positive if you have a lot of little wrinkles, but it can be a disadvantage if it diffuses too closely to the brow or eye and causes it to droop.

Units Required: Dysport vs Botox® vs Xeomin

To treat the Glabella area (the area between the eyes where the notorious “11’s” can form), each injectable would require, on average:

  • Dysport: up to 50 units
  • Botox®: 20 units
  • Xeomin: 20 units

*These are average units, and each patient’s needs will vary.

Onset of Results for Dysport, Botox®, and Xeomin

A major difference between Dysport, Botox®, and Xeomin is the onset of results. To compare, the onset of the results for each injectable would be:

  • Dysport: 24 hours
  • Botox®: 72 hours
  • Xeomin: 4 days

Since the onset of results just describes when you will start to see the results, keep in mind that for all three injectables, you will see full results in a week or two.

However, with all of these options, your results will last 3 to 6 months depending on how much you have injected into the treated area.

Cost: Dysport vs Botox® vs Xeomin

Injectable pricing can vary from practice to practice. Some will charge by the area, while others charge by the unit.

However, Xeomin and Botox® pricing is fairly comparable, and the number of units needed is also comparable. The price for Xeomin and Botox can range from $10 to $15/per unit on average.

Dysport is typically $4 to $6 per unit, but keep in mind that while on the surface the cost of Dysport looks substantially less than the cost of Botox and Xeomin, you will need almost double the units of Dysport vs. Botox® or Xeomin.


While Botox® remains the world leader in botulinum toxin, all three products in essence perform the same functions, so which to use often comes down to personal choice.

When choosing between Dysport, Botox®, and Xeomin, the best recommendation we can give you is to visit a highly experienced injector for any cosmetic injection and filler and find out which is right for you based on your specific desired results and personal preference.

To learn more about your treatment options and what to expect, contact us to schedule a consultation.