Key takeaways
- All three are Health Canada-approved botulinum toxin type A products with very similar safety and results.
- Dysport tends to kick in fastest (2–3 days) and spreads a little more, good for wide forehead areas.
- Botox is the most studied and most precise for small areas; Nuceiva is a newer, purified option many clients find comparable at a lower price.
- Results last 3–4 months with any of them; technique matters more than brand.
What all three have in common
Botox®, Dysport® and Nuceiva® are all botulinum toxin type A neuromodulators. Injected in tiny doses into specific facial muscles, they block the nerve signal that makes the muscle contract. The muscle relaxes, the skin over it stops creasing, and existing lines soften over about two weeks. All three are approved by Health Canada for the glabellar (“11”) lines and are used off-label by experienced injectors for the forehead, crow’s feet, bunny lines, lip flip, masseter slimming and more. In practice, the differences are about onset, spread, dosing and price, not about one being “better” for everyone.
Side-by-side comparison
| Botox (Allergan) | Dysport (Galderma) | Nuceiva (Evolus) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | OnabotulinumtoxinA | AbobotulinumtoxinA | PrabotulinumtoxinA |
| Onset | 3–7 days | 2–3 days | 3–5 days |
| Full effect | ~14 days | ~10–14 days | ~14 days |
| Duration | 3–4 months | 3–4 months | 3–4 months |
| Spread | Precise, stays local | Spreads slightly wider | Similar to Botox |
| Units | Standard reference | ~2.5–3× Botox units for the same effect | 1:1 with Botox |
| Best for | Small, precise areas; first-timers | Larger areas like the forehead; fast events | Clients wanting Botox-like results at lower cost |
| Track record | Longest (since 2001 cosmetically in Canada) | Long (2009 in Canada) | Newer (2018 in Canada) |
The “units” row causes the most confusion when comparing prices. Dysport units are smaller, so a quote of 60 Dysport units and 20 Botox units can describe the same treatment. Always compare the price per area or the total, not the price per unit.
When our nurses reach for each one
Does one last longer than the others?
In head-to-head studies the three products perform within a few weeks of each other, and individual variation, your metabolism, muscle strength, dose and how consistently you treat, matters far more than brand. Clients who treat on schedule every 3–4 months often find their lines stay softer for longer over time, because the muscle gradually weakens with disuse. If one brand seems to fade quickly for you, switching is reasonable; some people genuinely respond better to one formulation.
Cost in Edmonton
Neuromodulators are priced per unit or per area. A frown-line treatment typically uses 15–25 Botox-equivalent units; forehead 10–20; crow’s feet 12–24 (both sides). Because Dysport needs more (smaller) units, its per-unit price is lower; because Nuceiva is newer, its per-unit price is often the lowest of the three at the same dose. Our memberships include a monthly credit that many clients put toward their quarterly treatment. We quote in full at your free consultation before anything is injected.
Safety and who should not have it
- All three are injected by nurses at Oxyderm under medical direction; a health history and consent form are completed first.
- Common, temporary effects: small bumps for 20 minutes, occasional bruising, a mild headache the first day.
- Uncommon: a heavy brow or eyelid droop if the product migrates: technique-dependent and resolves as the product wears off.
- Not suitable in pregnancy or breastfeeding, with certain neuromuscular conditions, or if you are allergic to any ingredient.
Choose the injector before you choose the brand. A skilled nurse gets a natural result with any of the three; an unskilled one can make any of them look frozen.
Your questions, answered
Straight answers from the Oxyderm clinical team on the questions this article raises. Browse all 89 answers or ask us directly.
Is Dysport better than Botox?
Neither is better overall. Dysport starts working a little faster and spreads slightly wider, which suits broad areas like the forehead. Botox is more precise for small areas. Results and duration are very similar.
What is Nuceiva?
Nuceiva is a Health Canada-approved botulinum toxin type A (prabotulinumtoxinA) that doses 1:1 with Botox and produces comparable results, usually at a lower per-unit price.
Which lasts the longest?
All three last about 3–4 months. Individual metabolism, dose and treatment consistency affect duration more than brand.
Why is Dysport priced per unit differently?
Dysport units are smaller, roughly 2.5–3 Dysport units equal 1 Botox unit, so its per-unit price is lower but you need more units. Compare the price per area instead.
Can I switch between brands?
Yes. Many clients try a different product if one seems to fade quickly for them. Wait until the previous treatment has worn off so results can be compared fairly.
How soon will I see results?
Dysport in 2–3 days, Nuceiva in 3–5 days, Botox in 3–7 days, with full effect at about two weeks for all three.
Who injects at Oxyderm?
Registered nurses under medical direction. Every treatment begins with a health history, a discussion of your goals and written consent.
