Dysport is a simple, effective, non-surgical treatment that works by relaxing facial muscles, thereby reducing and smoothing away frown-lines and wrinkles. Dysport, like Botox Cosmetic® is a protein extracted from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. The Dysport protein was initially used for the treatment of motor disorders and various kinds of involuntary muscular spasms, including cerebral palsy.
Is Dysport New?
NO! Dysport has been available in Europe, Asia, and South America for over 10 years. Dysport is manufactured by Ipsen Pharmaceutical (FRA) and is supported by over a decade of clinical experience. Dysport is distributed in the United States by Medicis, the manufacturers of the revolutionary Restylane dermal filler. Dysport was developed in the United Kingdom in the early 1990s to successfully treat a number of neurological and ophthalmic conditions. It was further developed to treat a wide variety of neuromuscular disorders, for which it is licensed in over 60 countries. Since that time, with an increased understanding of the uses of Dysport, thousands of treatments have been safely and effectively performed for a variety of conditions ranging from facial wrinkles to axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating under the armpits).
Is Dysport Better Than Botox?
This topic is widely debated and heavily based due to most comparative cosmetic studies being partially or fully funded by manufacturers of Botox (Allergan) and Dysport (Ipsen/Medicis). Many cosmetic physicians outside the U.S. who have used Dysport report greater longevity when compared to Botox. Studies indicate that Dysport possibly disperses more widely than Botox Cosmetic when injected. While this is advantageous when treating broader areas of small wrinkles such as crows feet, when used to treat glabellar lines of the forehead.
How does Dysport work?
Dysport blocks impulses from the nerve to the facial muscles that are related to expression lines. Dysport relaxes the muscles so they do not contract. After treatment, the overlying skin becomes smooth and unwrinkled, while the untreated facial muscles contract in a normal fashion, allowing normal facial expression to be unaffected.
How is Dysport used?
Tiny amounts of Dysport are injected directly into the facial muscles underlying the frown lines. It usually takes three to five small, almost painless injections between the eyebrows for an effective treatment. No local anesthetic is usually required but if you are concerned a numbing cream can be applied prior to treatment. Treatment is normally over in less than 15 minutes. Over the next few days, the muscles gradually relax allowing wrinkles to loosen and skin in the treated area to appear more youthful.
Side Effects
The most common side effects are temporary soreness or mild bruising around the injection site. Some people may experience a slight headache that lasts for several hours after treatment; it is safe to take a mild pain killer to relieve this.