A good neuromodulator treatment looks effortless from the outside. Your forehead smooths, your frown softens, your crow’s feet relax. Underneath, though, there’s careful product choice, placement, and dosing. Patients often arrive asking for “Botox,” the way we ask for a Kleenex rather than a tissue. Yet Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are three distinct products with meaningful differences. Picking the right one can nudge your results from good to quietly excellent.
I have injected all three across hundreds of faces and a fair share of necks, masseters, and scalps. The takeaways below come from that experience, combined with what the literature supports. None of these products is categorically better. Each has strengths, quirks, and specific clinical “sweet spots.” The best match depends on your goals, your anatomy, your timeline, and yes, your budget.
What these products have in common
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are all botulinum toxin type A. They temporarily relax targeted muscles by blocking acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. In plain terms, they reduce the mechanical folding of skin caused by expression, which helps soften lines that form from repeated movement. All three are FDA approved for glabellar lines between the eyebrows and used widely off-label for forehead lines, crow’s feet, bunny lines on the nose, lip flips, chin dimpling, neck bands, jawline slimming from masseter reduction, and more. They are also used medically for migraines, muscle spasms, and hyperhidrosis.
They share the same general benefits and risks:
- Benefits: Smoother skin, softer expression lines, preventive effect on deeper creases, and a fresher look without surgery. Risks: Bruising, swelling, headache, temporary eyelid or brow droop if product drifts, asymmetry until a touch up, and very rarely, antibody formation that makes future treatments less effective.
Onset, dosing, and duration overlap, but each brand behaves slightly differently in real life. Those nuances matter if you have a photo shoot next week, a low pain tolerance, or a history of heaviness in the brows.
The molecule behind the brand name
All three products contain the same active neurotoxin core. The difference lies in the surrounding proteins and how those proteins affect diffusion, stability, and potential immunogenicity.
- Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) includes accessory proteins that form a complex with the neurotoxin. Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) also includes accessory proteins, in a formulation with a different molecular behavior and a lower unit potency per volume. Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) is “naked” toxin, stripped of accessory proteins to reduce the risk of neutralizing antibody formation.
Think of units as brand-specific, not interchangeable. One unit of Botox is not equal to one unit of Dysport. Clinicians commonly use a conversion ratio, often in the range of 2.5 to 3 Dysport units for each Botox unit, though experienced injectors sometimes adjust based on area and patient response. Xeomin units track closely to Botox units one-to-one. Patients do not need to memorize conversions, but it helps to know that unit counts on your quote are not apples to apples when comparing prices across clinics.
How fast they work
Onset speed frequently guides product choice for events and tight schedules. In my practice:
- Dysport tends to “kick in” the quickest. Some patients notice softening within 24 to 48 hours, with a clear effect by day 3 or 4. That makes it convenient for last-minute smoothing when a wedding or headshot session sneaks up. Botox usually shows a measurable change by day 3 to 5, settling over 7 to 10 days. Xeomin typically falls in the same window as Botox, often a touch closer to the 4 to 7 day mark for visible change.
These are typical ranges, not guarantees. Individual physiology makes a difference. People with robust metabolism, intense workouts, or highly active facial muscles may notice slightly slower onset or need a higher dose to achieve the same calm in the muscle.
How long they last
Duration lives in a band rather than a fixed number. For most patients:
- Botox holds well for 3 to 4 months in the forehead, frown, and crow’s feet, with some seeing 4 to 5 months depending on dose, muscle mass, and expression habits. Dysport tracks similarly, often in the 3 to 4 month range. Some patients report a strong start and a slightly faster taper in the last few weeks, especially in high-movement areas. Xeomin’s longevity is comparable to Botox in standard areas, commonly 3 to 4 months. A subset of patients sees a clean, crisp fade rather than a slow taper, which some prefer because the return of movement feels more predictable.
Outliers exist. Masseter reduction for jawline slimming can last 4 to 6 months or longer once the dose is dialed in. Crow’s feet in endurance athletes can wear off on the earlier side. If you’re tracking results, snapshots at 2, 8, and 12 weeks help establish your personal “timeline” for planning maintenance.
Diffusion and the art of softness vs. precision
When injectors talk about diffusion or spread, we mean how far from the injection point the product exerts an effect. Diffusion can be an advantage or a liability, depending on the area.
Dysport’s clinical behavior suggests a tendency to spread a bit more for the same on-label unit point. This can be useful for broad areas, like a high-arched forehead with horizontal lines that fan across most of the frontalis. A touch more spread can translate into fewer injection points and a smoother, blended look. The flip side is precision near delicate structures. If you naturally have low-set brows or heavy lids, wider diffusion in the forehead can tip your brows downward more than you’d like. Good mapping and lighter dosing at the lateral forehead edges are critical.
Botox is the classic workhorse, with reliable, controllable spread in experienced hands. It gives elegant precision between the brows, around the eyes, and along the bunny lines. It is also forgiving for beginners who want a measured, natural first treatment.
Xeomin may have a slightly tighter spread for some patients, which can be advantageous in micro-areas, like a lip flip or detailed shaping around depressor muscles near the mouth. If you are sensitive to heaviness or have had a brow drop in the past, Xeomin’s clean profile can be a smart trial. Injectors who favor Xeomin often praise its “crisp edge” and smooth fade.
Antibodies and long-term safety
True resistance to neuromodulators is rare in cosmetic dosing, but it happens. Accessory proteins may contribute to neutralizing antibody formation over long or frequent exposure. Xeomin’s formulation, which removes these complexing proteins, is designed to reduce that risk. In practice, if a patient reports diminishing effect over years of consistent dosing and technique checks out, switching brands can help. I have seen cases where a patient who stopped responding to Botox regained strong responses with Xeomin, and vice versa.
On safety more broadly, all three have excellent track records with millions of treatments performed. The most important safety variable is the provider. A certified injector who understands anatomy, dilution, and depth can protect you from avoidable issues that have little to do with the brand and everything to do with technique.
Cost, units, and what the invoice means
When comparing “botox cost” across clinics, you’ll see per unit pricing as well as area-based fees. Prices vary by market, injector expertise, and product brand. As a general guide in many U.S. cities:
- Botox and Xeomin often price similarly per unit, sometimes in the $12 to $20 range. Dysport’s per unit price is commonly lower, but you typically need more units for the same clinical effect because of the unit conversion. The final price often ends up comparable across brands for a given aesthetic endpoint.
Area-based pricing can be transparent if the clinic is consistent and you know what’s included in a touch up. Per unit pricing gives you control but can be confusing without understanding conversions. Ask your provider how many units they plan for your forehead lines, frown, and crow’s feet, and whether follow-up adjustments are included in the botox appointment fee.
How to match product to goals
When I help a patient choose, I start with Chester botox a few questions:
- How quickly do you want to see results? Where do you tend to get heavy or tight? Do your brows sit low? Do you prefer a soft, blended look or sharper precision? Have you used neuromodulators before, and how did your last brand perform? Are migraines, sweating, TMJ symptoms, or masseter reduction part of the goal?
For a first-timer nervous about “looking frozen,” Botox or Xeomin at conservative doses is a safe entry point. If you need visible improvement by the weekend, Dysport’s faster onset is hard to beat. If you’ve had issues with heaviness, or you are concerned about antibody risk after years of frequent treatments, Xeomin’s profile is appealing.
Area-by-area observations from practice
Forehead lines: The frontalis muscle lifts the brows. Over-relax it and the brows can droop. Gentle dosing and careful placement matter more than brand. Dysport blends beautifully across wide foreheads but must be feathered near the lateral tail to avoid heaviness. Botox delivers steadiness and predictability here. Xeomin performs equivalently with a crisp edge near the hairline where control is critical.
Frown lines (11s): All three excel. For strong corrugators and procerus, I often use Botox or Xeomin for firm, targeted control. Dysport works well too, especially if you want a broader calming of the central brow area.
Crow’s feet: The orbicularis oculi is thin and dynamic. A hint of diffusion can help soften a wider smile pattern, so Dysport often shines here. Botox and Xeomin give a neat, natural smile when placed just right, especially for those who squint.
Bunny lines: Subtle dosing prevents a “pinned” look at the nose bridge. Botox and Xeomin offer good precision. Dysport still works well; I simply keep units lighter.
Lip flip: Micro-dosing along the vermilion border is a precision task. Xeomin and Botox tend to be my pick for accuracy and minimal spread. Expect a modest lift rather than volume; fillers and neuromodulators play different roles.
Chin dimpling (mentalis): All three work, but Xeomin gives a satisfying smooth-out without blurring neighboring muscles if you clench or purse often.
Neck bands (platysma): Broader areas sometimes favor Dysport, as the gentle spread can reduce band prominence with fewer injection points. For sculpted “Nefertiti” style lifts, Botox or Xeomin are excellent.
Masseter reduction: Dosing is higher and intervals longer. I reach for Botox or Xeomin for their predictable unit equivalence, unless a patient has historically responded best to Dysport. The difference here often comes down to injector preference more than product chemistry.
Hyperhidrosis (sweating): Larger coverage areas in the underarms or scalp can lean toward Dysport for efficiency. Botox remains common, especially if insurance coverage or prior authorization hinges on a specific brand. Xeomin performs well too, though fewer insurers list it as a first line.
Migraines and TMJ: Medical protocols vary by provider and insurer. In cosmetic-adjacent cases like TMJ clenching with masseter hypertrophy, Botox and Xeomin are frequently used. Dysport is a viable option if it aligns with prior response and availability.
What to expect during the botox procedure
A standard appointment takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Your provider maps muscle movement while you raise brows, frown, squint, and smile. Skin is cleaned, and injections are placed with a fine needle. Discomfort is mild for most patients, more “pinprick” than pain. If needle sensitivity worries you, ask for ice or a topical numbing cream beforehand.
Small red bumps at injection sites usually settle within 15 to 30 minutes. Makeup can be applied after a short wait if the skin isn’t irritated. Avoid massaging the area, heavy sweating, or lying flat for about 4 hours. That reduces the chance of product drift, especially around the eyes and forehead.
Aftercare, timeline, and touch ups
Expect early change within a few days, with peak effect around day 10 to 14. If an eyebrow sits a touch higher than the other or a tiny crease still shows in only one smile angle, that is normal. Micro-asymmetries are part of every face. Many clinics offer a follow-up at 2 weeks for adjustments. I rarely judge final results at 3 or 4 days because the product is still settling.
Plan maintenance at 3 to 4 month intervals. Some areas, like masseters or neck bands, may stretch to 4 to 6 months once an optimal dose is found. If you want to sync your botox maintenance schedule with seasons or travel, we can nudge dosing slightly to extend or shorten an interval by a few weeks.
Natural results without the “frozen” look
People worry about expression loss, especially in creative fields or public-facing roles. Natural results come from restrained dosing and targeted placement, not a specific brand. A light touch on the forehead, with most of the dose in the frown complex, keeps brows mobile while softening the lines you dislike. Crow’s feet can be softened without flattening your smile. If you model or act, tell your injector which expressions you need to preserve. The plan can prioritize line reduction in static wrinkles while keeping deliberate movement.
When fillers, skincare, or alternatives make more sense
Neuromodulators excel at motion lines. They cannot fill etched, static folds once collagen loss and skin laxity deepen them. That is where fillers or biostimulators might help. For example, if forehead lines remain etched even at rest, a combination of botox cosmetic and conservative hyaluronic acid microdroplets may yield a better “before and after.”
Skincare can extend results. A nightly retinoid, sunscreen every morning, and a pigment-safe vitamin C serum improve skin quality, so you need less product to see more. Energy devices can lift and tighten where neuromodulators cannot, especially along the lower face.
local botox ChesterIf you are not ready for injections, there are alternatives: prescription topicals, peptide-based serums, and facial muscle training that reduces overactive movement patterns. None match the predictable impact of botox injections, but they can modestly reduce fine lines or help you stretch time between sessions.
Side effects, downtime, and when to call your provider
Bruising happens in a minority of cases, especially around the eyes where vessels are fine and numerous. A small bruise is not a treatment failure; it fades within a week. Headaches can occur in the first day or two. Tenderness at injection points is common and brief. Very rarely, eyelid or brow ptosis occurs from migration into unintended muscles. That risk is minimized by technique and aftercare. If an eyelid droop appears, call your clinic. Eye drops can help while the effect resolves.
If you’re pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding, defer treatment. If you have a neuromuscular disorder, a full discussion with your specialist and injector is essential before proceeding.
How to choose a provider and clinic
Where you go matters more than what you choose. Look for a medical spa, dermatology practice, or plastic surgery clinic where neuromodulators are a daily part of the workflow and your injector can describe their plan in plain language. Proof of training, photographic examples that match your age and skin type, and honest discussion of botox risks are good signs. If all you are offered is a price per unit and a chair, keep looking.
I encourage patients to share specific goals: smoothing forehead lines without dropping the brows, softening crow’s feet while keeping a full smile, or easing tension headaches that concentrate at the temples. The clearer the target, the better we can map a dose and brand to match.
My brand-by-brand summary
Patients ask me which I use on my own face. I rotate, because it keeps my technique sharp and helps me sense nuances that matter in practice. Here is how I usually frame it:
- Botox: The stalwart. Predictable, precise, and easy to tailor. A great first neuromodulator for beginners and a dependable choice for most areas of the face. Units translate well to published norms, so your botox results timeline is easier to predict. Dysport: Quick onset, gentle spread, and lovely blending in broader areas. Excellent when time is tight or when a fan of fine lines needs unified softening. Requires a provider who understands conversion and lateral brow safety for the best botox natural results. Xeomin: Clean formulation, crisp edges, and a smooth fade. A smart option if you want precision in small areas or if you have concerns about accessory proteins and long-term antibody risk. I also reach for Xeomin in patients who felt heavy with other brands.
Practical expectations and the first three months
Realistic expectations are your best friend. You will still move your face. The goal is softer lines and a fresher look, not a masked one. Plan your botox consultation about two weeks before an important event to allow for full onset and any minor touch up. Take a simple set of botox before and after photos in consistent lighting so you can judge progress without guesswork.
By the two-week mark, most patients feel settled and pleased. At one month, results feel natural. At three months, you start to see motion return, often first at the edges of the treated area. If you prefer steady smoothness, book your botox touch up frequency around this point. If you like a gradual fade to full expression, wait until the fourth month.
Budgeting and maintenance for the year
Think in terms of an annual plan rather than a one-off. If your priority areas are the frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet, expect two or three sessions per year for consistent smoothing. The total botox price will depend on dose, brand, and geography, but planning ahead reduces surprise costs. Many clinics offer memberships or packages that bring the per-session botox cost down while including follow-ups.
If you are new, start modestly. You can always add a few units at your two-week check if a stubborn crease persists. Most regrets I hear come from overly aggressive first sessions, not conservative ones.
Frequently asked questions I hear in the chair
Does the brand change how “natural” I look? Not by itself. Natural results come from conservative dosing, strategic placement, and respecting your unique muscle balance.
Can I switch between brands? Yes. Many patients do, especially if they move, change clinics, or want to test onset and longevity differences. There is no mandatory cooling-off period beyond the normal time between sessions.
Will I need more and more over time? Not necessarily. Some patients stabilize at similar doses year to year. As lines improve and you break habitual overexpression, you may need less. Antibody-related nonresponse is rare at cosmetic doses, but if results fade sooner without clear reason, consider changing brands.
Does it help migraines or TMJ? For many patients, yes. Botulinum toxin has documented benefits for chronic migraine and can reduce clenching force in the masseters for TMJ symptoms. Dosing and injection maps differ from cosmetic protocols, so discuss your goals with a provider trained in therapeutic use.
Can men get it? Absolutely. Botox for men is one of the fastest-growing segments. Men often need a bit more product due to muscle mass and aim for softening rather than full smoothing.
How soon can I work out? Give it 24 hours before heavy sweating or head-down exercises. A light walk the same day is fine.
The bottom line on choosing between Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin
You are choosing among three excellent tools. Botox is reliable and precise. Dysport starts fast and blends beautifully. Xeomin is clean, controlled, and favored by some for its stripped formulation. The best choice is the one that fits your anatomy, timing, and comfort level, delivered by someone who earns your trust.
If you are searching “botox near me,” look beyond a deal. Read reviews, study before-and-after images that reflect your age group, and book a true botox consultation rather than a drive-by injection. Bring your questions about botox side effects, botox duration, and botox aftercare. Share photos of how you move your face when you laugh or concentrate. That information helps an injector tailor your botox treatment plan so your results look like you, just a bit more rested.
Neuromodulators are not magic. They are skill multiplied by chemistry. Used thoughtfully, they deliver quiet, satisfying improvements that make your skincare work harder, your makeup sit smoother, and your reflection feel more like your best days.