Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are the three most popular neuromodulators on the market—but they're not identical. Each has distinct onset times, duration, spread patterns, and price points that can make a real difference in your results and budget.
What's Actually Different About These Three Injectables
All three products use botulinum toxin type A to relax facial muscles and smooth wrinkles, but their formulations differ in meaningful ways. Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is the original and still the most widely used. Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) spreads slightly more within the tissue, which some injectors prefer for treating larger areas. Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) is the purest form—it contains no additives—which theoretically reduces the chance of your body building antibodies to the product over time.
The differences sound technical, but they translate directly into how your face looks and feels after injection.
Speed: Which Works Fastest
Dysport typically shows results within 24–48 hours, making it the quickest option. Botox usually takes 3–7 days to show noticeable effects, with full results by two weeks. Xeomin falls somewhere in between, usually visible by days 5–7.
If you have an event coming up in a few days and want immediate softening, Dysport is your best bet. For routine maintenance, the difference is negligible.
Duration and How Long Results Last
- Botox: 3–4 months on average (some people report 4.5 months)
- Dysport: 3–4 months, though it may fade slightly faster for some patients
- Xeomin: 3 months, sometimes closer to 2.5–3 months
The difference is small enough that it shouldn't be your primary deciding factor. What matters more is finding an injector who can maintain your results consistently.
Spread and Treatment Area Considerations
Dysport's wider diffusion is useful if you're treating a large forehead or want a softer, less frozen look across a broader area. However, this also means it can migrate slightly beyond the injection site—important to know if you're treating crow's feet near the eyes.
Botox stays more localized, giving you tighter control over which muscles relax. This precision is why many injectors prefer Botox for detailed work around the eyes or lips. Xeomin behaves similarly to Botox in terms of precision.
Price: What You'll Actually Pay
Prices vary by location and injector credentials, but here's a realistic range:
- Botox: $12–20 per unit (typically 20–60 units per treatment)
- Dysport: $4–8 per unit (you need 2.5–3x more units than Botox for equivalent results)
- Xeomin: $10–15 per unit (similar unit count to Botox)
A full forehead-and-brow treatment might cost $200–400 with Botox, $150–300 with Dysport, or $200–350 with Xeomin. Always ask your injector for the total cost upfront, not just the per-unit price.
Antibody Resistance: A Real Consideration
If you've been getting Botox for 10+ years, your body may develop antibodies that reduce its effectiveness. Switching to Xeomin—which has no additives—can sometimes restore responsiveness. Dysport has fewer additives than Botox but more than Xeomin. If you're new to injectables, this isn't an immediate concern, but it's worth discussing with your injector if you're planning long-term treatments.
How to Choose
Pick Botox if: You want the most predictable results, have a trusted injector experienced with it, or need precise control for delicate areas.
Pick Dysport if: You have a larger treatment area, want faster onset, or prefer the softer diffusion effect.
Pick Xeomin if: You've been getting Botox for years and feel it's losing effectiveness, or you want to minimize additive exposure.
The honest truth: the injector's skill matters far more than which product you choose. A mediocre injector with Botox will deliver worse results than an expert using Dysport. When comparing providers, check their before-and-afters, ask about their training, and verify they're licensed and medically supervised.
Mercoly makes it easy to compare board-certified injectors and med-spas in your area—read real reviews, see their work, and book consultations to discuss which product makes sense for your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I switch between Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin? Yes—you can switch freely between products. Just make sure your new injector knows your previous treatment history and the amount of product used, so they can adjust dosing if needed.
Q: Will my face look "frozen" with any of these products? Not if the injector doses conservatively. Frozen results come from overtreatment, not the product itself. Dysport's wider spread can feel slightly softer, but a skilled injector can achieve natural results with any of the three.
Q: How long should I wait between treatments? Most injectors recommend 10–14 days between treatments to avoid overtreatment. Results typically last 3–4 months, so space treatments 12 weeks apart for maintenance.
Start your search for a qualified injector today—your best results are waiting.