What Is Dysport?
Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) is an injectable medicine made from botulinum toxin type A that temporarily relaxes the muscles it is injected into. In cosmetic care, the FDA has approved it to temporarily improve moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in adults younger than 65.
Dysport was first approved in the US in 2009. It is also approved to treat cervical dystonia (involuntary tightening of the neck muscles) in adults and muscle stiffness (spasticity) in patients 2 years and older. One brand of botulinum toxin can't be substituted for another.
Dysport at a Glance
| Cosmetic use (FDA-approved) | Moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows in adults under 65 |
|---|---|
| How it works | Blocks the nerve signals that make targeted muscles contract |
| How it's given | Injected into the muscle by a clinician |
| When results appear | Median of 2 to 4 days in clinical trials, sometimes within 24 hours |
| How long it lasts | Up to 4 months per the FDA label; up to 5 to 6 months in some studies |
| Downtime | Most people return to everyday activities right away |
| Common side effects | Injection-site pain or reaction, headache, eyelid swelling, drooping eyelid |
| FDA status | Approved in 2009; carries a boxed warning about spread of toxin effect |
What Is Dysport Used For?
Dysport's only FDA-approved cosmetic use is softening the vertical frown lines between the brows, which form when the corrugator and procerus muscles contract. Expert panels have also issued guidance on using abobotulinumtoxinA in other facial areas. International consensus recommendations for a ready-to-use form sold in Europe cover crow's feet, forehead lines, bunny lines, a dimpled chin and neck bands, but these uses are not on the US label.
How Does Dysport Work?
Dysport works by blocking the nerve signals that make targeted muscles tighten; its label classifies it as an acetylcholine release inhibitor. When the muscles between the brows relax, the lines over them soften. Botulinum toxin treatment does not affect your ability to feel. The effect is temporary, so treatment is repeated to maintain results.
What to Expect From Dysport Treatment
A Dysport treatment can be done in a single office visit, and most people return to everyday activities right away.
Before
Tell your provider about all medicines, including blood thinners and aspirin, plus herbs and supplements. Also mention past eye or face surgery and pregnancy or plans to become pregnant.
During
For frown lines, the label calls for 50 units given as five injections of 10 units: two in each corrugator muscle and one in the procerus muscle.
After
- Don't rub or massage the treated areas, and apply makeup gently.
- Wait two hours before strenuous activity, such as working out or heavy lifting.
- Repeat treatments should be given no more often than every 3 months.
Results
In a study of 158 adults with moderate to severe frown lines, 89.5% of those given Dysport had no or mild frown lines at day 30 by investigator assessment, compared with 7.5% given placebo.
Dysport Side Effects
Side effects of botulinum toxin treatments such as Dysport tend to be mild and temporary. In frown-line trials, the most common (2% or more) were colds (nasopharyngitis), upper respiratory infection, headache, injection-site pain or reaction, eyelid swelling, drooping eyelid, sinusitis, nausea and blood in the urine. Call your clinician right away if you notice vision changes, eye dryness, hives, dizziness, or trouble swallowing, speaking or breathing.
Dysport Warnings
Dysport's FDA label includes these key warnings:
- Boxed warning: the effect of any botulinum toxin may spread beyond the injection site and cause botulism-like symptoms hours to weeks later. Swallowing and breathing problems can be life-threatening.
- Units aren't interchangeable: Dysport units can't be compared with or converted into units of other botulinum toxin products.
- Dry eye: may occur after frown-line treatment.
Who Shouldn't Get Dysport?
You should not receive Dysport if you are allergic to any botulinum toxin product or its ingredients, are allergic to cow's milk protein, or have an infection at the planned injection site. Tell your provider if you have a nerve or muscle condition such as ALS, myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome, or a history of swallowing or breathing problems.
Dysport vs. Botox
Dysport and Botox Cosmetic are both botulinum toxin type A products, but their doses and approved cosmetic uses differ.
| Dysport | Botox Cosmetic | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | AbobotulinumtoxinA | OnabotulinumtoxinA |
| FDA-approved cosmetic uses | Frown lines (adults under 65) | Frown lines, crow's feet, forehead lines and neck (platysma) bands |
| Labeled frown-line dose | 50 units | 20 units |
| Labeled duration for frown lines | Up to 4 months | About 3 to 4 months |
| Cow's milk protein allergy | Listed as a contraindication | Not listed |
Because units can't be compared, a higher Dysport number doesn't mean a stronger treatment. A network meta-analysis of frown-line trials found no significant differences in treatment-related side effect rates among botulinum toxin type A products, including Dysport and Botox.
Dysport at GENEVA
At GENEVA Primary Care & Med Spa in Alpharetta, GA, a provider evaluates whether Dysport suits your frown lines or other concern and reviews your health history and medicines. Based on that evaluation, your provider recommends treatment at GENEVA or a referral to a specialist.
Learn more on our Dysport treatment and Botox pages. GENEVA serves patients from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell and Cumming.
Related Terms
Dysport FAQs
Is Dysport safe?
Dysport is FDA-approved for frown lines, and side effects of botulinum toxin treatment tend to be mild and temporary. In frown-line trials, common side effects included headache, injection-site pain, eyelid swelling and drooping eyelid. Dysport carries a boxed warning that the effects of Dysport and all botulinum toxin products can spread and cause swallowing or breathing problems hours to weeks later. The American Academy of Dermatology warns against toxin bought online or injected at a salon, party or someone's home. Get care right away for any trouble swallowing, speaking or breathing.
How long does Dysport last?
Dysport for frown lines may last up to four months, according to its FDA label, and some studies report longer results. A 2024 review found that pivotal trials showed effects lasting up to 5 months, and newer studies up to 6 months. Repeat treatments should be given no more often than every 3 months. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that with repeated treatment the muscle may thin, which can lead to longer-lasting results.
How long does Dysport take to work?
Dysport typically starts working in 2 to 4 days, and some people see a change within 24 hours. In an analysis of phase 3 frown-line trials, median onset was 3 days, and 19.7% of participants noticed an effect by day 1. A later trial reported a median onset of 2 days, with 34% noticing results on day 1. Men responded less often in fixed-dose studies than in a study that adjusted the dose for muscle mass, so talk with your provider if results seem weak.
What is the difference between Dysport and Botox?
Dysport and Botox Cosmetic are both botulinum toxin type A injections that relax muscles, but they are different products with different doses and approved uses. Dysport is FDA-approved for frown lines in adults under 65, while Botox Cosmetic is approved for frown lines, crow's feet, forehead lines and neck bands. The labeled frown-line dose is 50 units of Dysport versus 20 units of Botox Cosmetic. In a trial of 520 Chinese adults, Dysport worked about as well as Botox (non-inferior) for frown lines.
How many units of Dysport equal one unit of Botox?
No exact conversion exists, because the FDA labels state that units of each botulinum toxin product can't be compared with or converted into units of another. Researchers have still studied rough ratios. A systematic review of movement-disorder trials found that roughly 2.5 to 3 units of Dysport for each unit of Botox gave comparable safety and effectiveness. That research looked at medical uses, not cosmetic ones. Your provider doses each product on its own scale, so a bigger Dysport number does not mean a stronger treatment.
What should I avoid after Dysport?
After Dysport, avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas and wait two hours before strenuous exercise, so the toxin doesn't spread to muscles you didn't want treated. The American Academy of Dermatology says most people return to everyday activities right away and can apply makeup immediately, as long as they don't press or rub it in. Any bruising usually lasts about a week. If you develop blurred vision, drooping eyelids or muscle weakness, don't drive or operate machinery, and call your clinician.
Can a primary care provider evaluate me for Dysport?
Yes. A primary care provider can review your health history, medicines and allergies to see whether Dysport is a reasonable option for you. At GENEVA in Alpharetta, a provider evaluates your concern and then recommends either treatment at GENEVA or a referral to a specialist. Mention any nerve or muscle disorder, swallowing or breathing problems, cow's milk protein allergy, past face or eye surgery, or pregnancy. Dysport may not work well on drooping eyelids, excess eyelid skin, or deeply scarred, thick or oily skin.