If you've ever asked a friend "should I get Botox or Dysport?" and gotten three different answers, you're not alone. The three FDA-approved neurotoxins — Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin — are all excellent, all safe, and all do essentially the same thing. The differences are subtle, but they matter.
Here's an honest, side-by-side comparison from injectors at TRU Integrative Wellness in Downers Grove, where we carry and inject all three every day.
The 30-Second Answer
- Botox — The gold standard. Most studied, most predictable, slightly slower onset.
- Dysport — Onset is 1–2 days faster. Spreads more, which is great for larger areas like the forehead.
- Xeomin — "Naked" formulation (no accessory proteins). Best long-term option if you've developed resistance to Botox.
For most first-time patients in Downers Grove, we recommend Botox. For repeat patients, we often customize per area.
What They Have in Common
All three are botulinum toxin type A — the same active molecule. They all work by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that tell muscles to contract. They all:
- Treat the same dynamic wrinkles (forehead, 11s, crow's feet)
- Take effect within a few days
- Last roughly 3–4 months
- Have decades of safety data
- Are FDA-approved for cosmetic and therapeutic uses
Botox: The Gold Standard
FDA-approved since 2002 for cosmetic use, Botox has the longest track record and the most studied dosing protocols.
- Onset: 3–5 days, full effect at 14 days
- Duration: 3–4 months
- Spread: Stays relatively local to the injection point — great for precision areas like crow's feet, lip flip, and around the brow
- Dosing: 1 unit Botox = 1 unit (the standard everything else is compared to)
- Cost in Downers Grove: $12–$18/unit
- Rewards program: Allē
Best for: First-time patients, precision areas, and anyone who wants the most predictable, well-documented option.
Dysport: Faster Onset, Wider Spread
FDA-approved in 2009. Manufactured by Galderma. Dysport's molecule is smaller than Botox, which gives it different behavior.
- Onset: 1–3 days (about 1–2 days faster than Botox)
- Duration: 3–4 months
- Spread: Diffuses more around the injection site — efficient for larger areas like the forehead, where you want even smoothing
- Dosing: ~2.5–3 units Dysport = 1 unit Botox (the price per unit is lower, total cost is similar)
- Cost in Downers Grove: $9–$14/unit
- Rewards program: Aspire
Best for: Larger treatment areas (forehead), event-driven timing (you need results fast), and patients who feel Botox doesn't quite "smooth" enough.
Avoid for: Small precision areas where you don't want any spread (like a lip flip).
Xeomin: The "Naked" Neurotoxin
FDA-approved in 2011. Manufactured by Merz. Xeomin's claim to fame: it's purified down to just the active molecule, with no surrounding accessory proteins.
- Onset: 3–5 days, full effect at 14 days
- Duration: 3–4 months
- Spread: Similar to Botox — stays local
- Dosing: 1:1 with Botox
- Cost in Downers Grove: $11–$16/unit
- Rewards program: Xperience+
Best for: Long-term patients who've developed resistance to Botox or Dysport (less common than people think, but it happens), and patients who prefer the cleanest possible formulation.
"Which One Lasts the Longest?"
Marketing claims vary, but in published clinical comparison studies, the three are statistically very similar — most patients see 3–4 months from all three. Individual metabolism and dose matter far more than the brand.
"Which One Is Cheapest?"
After adjusting for dosing differences, total cost per visit is nearly identical. Don't pick a neurotoxin based on per-unit price — pick based on the area being treated.
How We Pick at TRU Integrative Wellness
- First-timers: Usually Botox. It's the most predictable starting point.
- Forehead-only patients: Often Dysport for the smoother spread.
- Precision areas (lip flip, crow's feet, brow lift): Usually Botox or Xeomin.
- Long-term patients with diminishing results: We sometimes switch to Xeomin.
- Patients on a tight timeline (wedding next week!): Dysport for faster onset.
What If You've Tried One and Didn't Love It?
Don't write off all neurotoxins. Switching products is a common, easy fix — and many patients who think they don't like Botox simply needed Dysport or a different dose. We'll talk through what didn't work last time and choose accordingly.
The Bottom Line
All three work. The "best" one depends on the area, your goals, and what your face has responded to before. At TRU, we carry all three so we can match the product to you — not the other way around.
Get a Personalized Recommendation
Book a free consultation at TRU Integrative Wellness in Downers Grove, or learn more about our Botox services. Related reading: How many units of Botox do I need? and How much does Botox cost in Downers Grove?