Relfydess vs Dysport vs Botox: What's the Difference?

If you've started researching anti-wrinkle injectables, you've probably come across three names: Botox, Dysport, and Relfydess.

All three are botulinum toxin type A treatments. All three relax the muscles that cause expression lines. And all three can deliver natural, refreshed results in the right hands.So what's actually different? And how do you know which one is best for you?

At The Face, we offer Dysport and Relfydess. Here's a breakdown of all three so you can walk into your consultation already informed.

The Short Answer: They All Work the Same Way

Botox, Dysport, and Relfydess are all prescription medicines containing botulinum toxin type A. Injected into targeted facial muscles, they temporarily block the nerve signals that cause those muscles to contract. The muscle relaxes, and the skin above it smooths out. Where they differ is in their formulation, how quickly they work, how long they last, and how they behave in the tissue. Those differences are worth understanding.

Botox: The Name Most People Know

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA, made by Allergan/AbbVie) is the original cosmetic neuromodulator. It has been used for decades and carries one of the longest safety records in aesthetic medicine. Over time, "Botox" has become the everyday term many New Zealanders use for any anti-wrinkle injection, regardless of which product is actually being used.

Onset: Results typically appear within 4 to 7 days, with full effect at around two weeks.

Duration: Usually 3 to 4 months before a top-up is needed.

Formulation: Comes as a powder that must be mixed with saline before each treatment.

Botox is highly effective and extensively studied. It is not something we offer at The Face, but it is the reference point most people arrive with.

Dysport: A Little Faster, Great for Larger Areas

Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA, made by Galderma/Ipsen) has been available in New Zealand for many years and is a well-established, trusted treatment. It has a slightly different molecular structure to Botox, which affects how it spreads in the tissue.

Onset: Many patients notice results within 2 to 4 days, slightly faster than Botox for most people.

Duration: Typically 3 to 5 months, with some patients getting close to five months from a single treatment.

Spread: Dysport diffuses slightly more broadly than Botox, which makes it well suited to larger treatment areas like the forehead.

In skilled hands, this is a genuine advantage and one of the reasons we use it at The Face. One thing worth knowing is that Dysport requires a higher number of units than Botox to achieve the same result. It is not weaker, the units are simply measured differently, so unit-to-unit price comparisons between the two products are not like for like.

Relfydess: The Newest Generation

Relfydess (relabotulinumtoxinA, made by Galderma) is the newest neuromodulator available in New Zealand and represents a genuine step forward in how anti-wrinkle injectables are formulated and delivered. It is approved by Medsafe and has received approval in more than 20 countries globally, including Australia, the UK, and across Europe.

Onset: Clinical trials showed up to 39% of patients noticing results within the first 24 hours. Most patients see clear improvement within 2 to 4 days.

Duration: Up to 75% of patients in clinical studies maintained results at the six-month mark, making it the longest-lasting neuromodulator currently available at The Face.

Formulation: This is the key innovation. Relfydess is the world's first ready-to-use liquid neuromodulator. It does not need to be mixed before use. It comes pre-formulated using Galderma's PEARL Technology, designed to preserve the integrity of the active molecule and ensure consistent, precise dosing every single time.

For patients who have been on a 3 to 4 month treatment schedule, Relfydess may mean two appointments per year instead of three or four, without compromising on results.

Relfydess vs Dysport vs Botox

So, which one Is right for you? There is no universal answer, and anyone who gives you one without first assessing your face is not giving you the full picture. That said, here is a practical guide:

Choose Dysport if you want a proven, well-established treatment with a strong track record in New Zealand, you are treating larger areas like the forehead, or Dysport has worked well for you before and you want to continue.

Choose Relfydess if you want the fastest possible onset, you are interested in potentially extending the time between appointments, or you are ready to try the newest generation of neuromodulator backed by strong clinical evidence.

The most important factor in any of these treatments is not the product. It is the injector. The difference between a natural result and an overdone one comes down to technique, an understanding of facial anatomy, and an honest conversation about what you actually want.

What We Use at The Face

The Face offers both Dysport and Relfydess and will recommend the best option based on your facial anatomy, treatment goals, and how you have responded to previous treatments if applicable.There is no pressure to try something new for its own sake.

If Dysport has been working well for you, it will continue to. If you are curious about Relfydess, whether for the faster onset, the potential for longer-lasting results, or simply wanting to try the latest generation of treatment, your consultation is the right place to have that conversation. Explore our pricing or book your appointment now.

Relfydess® and Dysport® are prescription medicines. Ask your doctor if these treatments are right for you. If you have side effects, see your doctor. For more information visit medsafe.govt.nz.