The standard dose of Dysport for 11 lines (the vertical frown lines between your eyebrows) is 50 units total. This is the FDA-approved dose, split evenly into five injection sites of 10 units each. While some providers may adjust slightly based on your anatomy, 50 units is the consistent starting point for the vast majority of patients.
Where the 50 Units Go
Your 11 lines are created by two muscles working together: the corrugator muscles (one above each eyebrow, responsible for pulling your brows inward) and the procerus muscle (running vertically between your brows, responsible for pulling them downward). Dysport temporarily blocks the nerve signals that tell these muscles to contract, which smooths out the creases they create.
The 50 units are distributed across five specific injection points: two injections into each corrugator muscle, spaced about 5 mm apart, and one injection into the procerus muscle near the bridge of the nose. Each site receives exactly 10 units. The entire procedure takes just a few minutes.
Why Your Dose Might Vary Slightly
Fifty units works well for most people, but anatomy plays a role. The size, location, and strength of your facial muscles vary considerably from person to person. Men often have larger, stronger corrugator muscles than women, and people who furrow their brows heavily may have deeper-set lines. A provider experienced with injectables will assess your muscle movement and line depth before confirming your dose.
If you’ve had Dysport before, your response history also matters. Some people metabolize the product faster, while others find 50 units provides more than enough relaxation. Your provider may fine-tune the dose in follow-up sessions based on how your muscles responded the first time around.
How Dysport Compares to Botox in Units
If you’ve used Botox before, the unit count for Dysport will look higher, but that doesn’t mean you’re getting a stronger treatment. The two products are measured differently. The generally accepted conversion ratio is about 2.5 to 1: 50 units of Dysport is roughly equivalent to 20 units of Botox, which is the standard Botox dose for the same area. Published ratios range from 2:1 to 4:1, but the 2.5:1 ratio aligns with both manufacturers’ recommended doses for frown lines.
Results Timeline and Duration
One of Dysport’s selling points is speed. Most people notice initial smoothing within two to three days, which is faster than some competing products. Full results typically develop within 10 to 14 days, so give it at least two weeks before judging the outcome.
As for how long it lasts, the most common duration reported across clinical studies is about four months. A systematic review in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that the median duration of effect was around 84 to 116 days depending on whether patients or clinicians were judging. Some studies showed results lasting five to six months, but three to four months is a more realistic expectation for most people. The FDA label recommends treatments no more frequently than every three months.
What It Costs
Dysport typically runs between $4 and $8 per unit, putting a 50-unit treatment for 11 lines in the range of $200 to $400 per session. Pricing varies by geographic area and provider. Because you’ll likely need retreatment three to four times a year to maintain results, annual costs generally fall between $600 and $1,600.
Common Side Effects
The most frequently reported side effects from glabellar Dysport injections are mild and temporary: headache, minor pain or redness at the injection sites, and occasional fatigue. Eyelid drooping is a less common but notable possibility, usually resulting from the product migrating slightly from the intended muscle. This risk is one reason precise injection placement matters and why provider experience is worth prioritizing.
One unique consideration with Dysport: it contains trace amounts of cow’s milk protein. If you have a known cow’s milk protein allergy (not the same as lactose intolerance), Dysport is contraindicated. This doesn’t apply to Botox or most other neuromodulators, so it’s worth mentioning to your provider if you have this allergy.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
The injection process itself is quick, usually under 10 minutes. Most providers use a very fine needle, and while you’ll feel a slight pinch at each of the five sites, the discomfort is minimal. No anesthesia is typically needed, though some offices offer a topical numbing cream or ice if you’re sensitive to needles. There’s no real downtime. You can return to normal activities the same day, though most providers suggest avoiding lying flat or rubbing the treated area for a few hours to reduce the chance of the product shifting.
If this is your first time, your provider will likely start with the standard 50 units and schedule a follow-up at two weeks to assess results. That check-in is a good opportunity to discuss whether the dose felt right or whether a minor adjustment would improve your next session.