Procedure Guide

    Are Botox and Dysport Interchangeable?

    By Haute MD Editorial Team · January 2026 · 6 min read · Last updated: October 5, 2026

    Direct Answer

    No. Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) and Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) are both botulinum toxin type A products used to soften dynamic wrinkles, but their potency units are product-specific. FDA labeling states the units cannot be compared or converted between botulinum toxin products — they are not interchangeable.

    Who It's For

    • Adults with dynamic wrinkles such as frown lines (glabellar lines)
    • Adults considering crow's feet, forehead lines or platysma bands, which are FDA-approved cosmetic uses of Botox Cosmetic
    • Patients already treated with one product who want to understand why doses are not converted between brands

    How It Works

    Both products temporarily reduce the muscle activity that creates dynamic lines.[3] Both labels carry a Lack of Interchangeability / Lack of Equivalency warning: units of biological activity are tied to each product's own assay, so "20 units of Botox" is not equal to "20 units of Dysport."[1][2] For glabellar (frown) lines, the labeled adult dose is 20 Units of Botox Cosmetic (4 Units at each of 5 sites) and 50 Units of Dysport (10 Units at each of 5 sites).[1][2] Both products carry an FDA boxed warning on distant spread of toxin effect.[1][2]

    FDA-approved cosmetic uses (adults)

    UseBotox CosmeticDysport
    Glabellar (frown) linesYes[1]Yes[2]
    Lateral canthal lines (crow's feet)Yes[1]Not a labeled cosmetic indication on the Dysport label reviewed[2]
    Forehead linesYes[1]Not a labeled cosmetic indication on the Dysport label reviewed[2]
    Platysma bandsYes[1]Not a labeled cosmetic indication on the Dysport label reviewed[2]
    Labeled frown-line dose (units not interchangeable)20 Units (4 Units × 5 sites)[1]50 Units (10 Units × 5 sites)[2]

    Ask which uses are on-label for the product being injected.

    Recovery & What to Expect

    The American Academy of Dermatology says most people see results within 3 to 7 days, and improvements typically last about 3 to 4 months, sometimes longer.[3][4] Dysport labeling states the clinical effect for glabellar lines may last up to four months, with re-treatment no more frequently than every 3 months.[2] In Botox Cosmetic frown-line trials, eyelid ptosis occurred in about 3% of treated patients.[1] Common Dysport glabellar adverse reactions (≥2%) include nasopharyngitis, headache, injection-site reactions, eyelid edema and eyelid ptosis, among others.[2]

    How to Choose a Provider

    Switching products is a decision for your injector. Both labels warn that the effect of giving different botulinum neurotoxin products at the same time or within several months of each other is unknown, and that weakness may worsen if another toxin is given before prior effects resolve.[1][2] Choose a board-certified dermatologist, facial plastic surgeon, plastic surgeon or oculoplastic surgeon, or an injector working under direct medical supervision, and ask which product and dose they are using.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are Botox and Dysport interchangeable?

    No. Units are not interchangeable or convertible across products.[1][2]

    Is Botox or Dysport better?

    Neither is universally better. The choice depends on anatomy, goals, labeled indications and injector experience. Botox Cosmetic is FDA-approved for frown lines, crow's feet, forehead lines and platysma bands; Dysport's labeled cosmetic use is frown lines.[1][2]

    What are the labeled doses for frown lines?

    Botox Cosmetic: 20 Units total (4 Units at each of 5 sites). Dysport: 50 Units total (10 Units at each of 5 sites). These numbers are not a conversion ratio — units are product-specific.[1][2]

    How long do results last?

    Often about 3–4 months, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.[3]

    Can I switch from Botox to Dysport?

    That is a decision for your injector. Labels warn that the effect of giving different botulinum toxin products at the same time or within several months of each other is unknown.[1][2]

    Are there safety warnings?

    Yes. Both products carry an FDA boxed warning on distant spread of toxin effect.[1][2]

    References

    Sources

    1. 1.BOTOX Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) label — DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (revised 10/2024).
    2. 2.DYSPORT (abobotulinumtoxinA) label — DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
    3. 3.Botulinum toxin therapy: Overview — American Academy of Dermatology.
    4. 4.Botulinum toxin therapy: FAQs — American Academy of Dermatology.

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