Dysport

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Dysport is a brand of botulinum toxin type A used to soften the lines created by facial expression. Its active ingredient is abobotulinumtoxinA, and it works the same way as other neuromodulators—by temporarily relaxing the small muscles that fold the skin. Like Botox, it is a prescription treatment for dynamic wrinkles, and it is one of several botulinum toxin brands a practitioner may choose from.

Editorial flat-lay still life of an unbranded vial and fine syringe on travertine with an emerald accent — Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) neuromodulator — Revel Beauty Club

At a glance

  • Brand of: Botulinum toxin type A (active ingredient abobotulinumtoxinA)
  • Made by: Ipsen; distributed in Canada by Galderma
  • Type: Prescription injectable
  • Common cosmetic areas: Frown lines (glabella) and crow’s feet
  • Onset & duration: Can begin within about 24 hours (median ~3 days); lasts up to about 4 months
  • Key point: Dysport’s units are specific to it and not interchangeable with Botox or other products

What is Dysport?

Dysport (brand name Dysport Aesthetic in Canada) is a purified botulinum toxin type A preparation whose active ingredient is abobotulinumtoxinA. It is manufactured by Ipsen and distributed in Canada by Galderma, and it is a prescription medicine authorized by Health Canada to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate-to-severe frown lines and crow’s feet in adults.[1] It is one of the established alternatives to Botox for softening expression lines.

How Dysport relates to botulinum toxin type A

Dysport is one brand within the botulinum toxin type A family, which also includes Botox, Xeomin, Nuceiva and Daxxify. They share the same core action: the toxin temporarily blocks the release of acetylcholine, the signal that tells a muscle to contract, so the treated muscle relaxes.[2][3] For the full science of how this works at the neuromuscular junction, see our entry on botulinum toxin type A.

What Dysport is used for

In aesthetics, Dysport is used to soften dynamic wrinkles—lines caused by expression. In Canada it is authorized for the frown lines at the glabella and for crow’s feet at the outer eyes.[1] As with other neuromodulators, it is best suited to lines that appear with movement rather than those already etched at rest. Botulinum toxin type A is also used medically for a range of conditions beyond cosmetics.[2] At Revel, Dysport is offered through our neuromodulator treatments.

Dysport vs Botox

Both Dysport and Botox are botulinum toxin type A and produce comparable results, but they are distinct products with different active designations—abobotulinumtoxinA for Dysport and onabotulinumtoxinA for Botox—and, importantly, their dosing units are not interchangeable. The Canadian monograph states plainly that Dysport’s units differ from and cannot be converted to those of other botulinum toxin products.[1][2] Dysport can also have a relatively quick onset—sometimes within about 24 hours—and some injectors find it spreads a little more, which can suit broader areas.[1] Neither is universally “better”; an experienced injector selects the product to suit the area and the goal.

What to expect: onset and duration

The effect of Dysport can begin as soon as around 24 hours, with a median onset of roughly three days, and it develops over the following days.[1] Results generally last up to about four months before movement gradually returns.[1][3] Because the effect is temporary, maintaining a smooth result means repeating treatment periodically rather than a one-time fix.

Is Dysport safe, and who should administer it?

Dysport is a prescription medicine that should be administered only by a qualified, trained healthcare professional.[1] Common, temporary side effects can include mild bruising, headache or—if the toxin affects nearby muscles—a temporary drooping of the brow or eyelid. Because dose and injection points must be tailored to the individual and Dysport’s units differ from other products, treatment should be planned by an experienced injector. This entry is educational and does not replace a consultation with a licensed clinician.

Dysport in Canada: authorization and the trademark

Dysport Aesthetic is authorized by Health Canada as a prescription product for frown lines and crow’s feet, and it has been available in Canada for over a decade.[1] As with all prescription drugs in Canada, there are restrictions on how these products may be advertised to the public. Dysport® is a registered trademark of its manufacturer, and the name refers specifically to that product rather than to botulinum toxin injections in general.

Related glossary terms

Clinical & editorial sources

  1. Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals / Galderma Canada. DYSPORT AESTHETIC (abobotulinumtoxinA) Product Monograph. Health Canada–authorized labelling. galderma.com
  2. Padda IS, Tadi P. Botulinum Toxin. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; updated 2023 Nov 6. NBK557387
  3. DermNet. Botulinum toxin. DermNet (New Zealand). dermnetnz.org

This glossary entry provides general educational information and does not replace an individual clinical assessment or medical advice.

Clinically reviewed by: Leah Zawawi, RPN | Medical Aesthetics & Injectables.

Last reviewed: August 2026.

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