Dysport®
For some patients, Dysport® may be a suitable and even more effective alternative to Botox®. Goodman Dermatology, with locations in Braselton, Buford, Canton, Cumming, Dawsonville, East Cobb (Marietta), Lawrenceville, Roswell, Smyrna and Woodstock and the neighboring cities can help you determine which is right for you, so that you can achieve beautiful results.
Many patients ask about whether they should use Botox® or Dysport® treatments to temporarily smooth and soften lines and wrinkles. Although both prescription treatments are quite popular, some patients feel they obtain more natural-looking results from Dysport® treatments. Goodman Dermatology and providers, assists patients in evaluating the types of treatments and best treatment options for him or her.
Developed in the UK during the 1990s and in use at least a decade in most parts of the UK and Europe, this treatment is manufactured by Medicis Pharmaceutical (owned by Valeant Pharmaceuticals). The FDA approved Dysport® for patients in the U.S. in 2009. Goodman Dermatology provides medical, surgical, and cosmetic therapies and treatments to patients in search of healthy and beautiful skin.
What is Dysport®?
Similar to Botox®, this treatment is derived from Botulinum Type A, also known as BTX-A (the same serological strain used in Botox®). Both treatments are selectively injected into the patient’s muscle areas for treatment.
How Does Dysport® Work?
Dysport® temporarily stops muscles from contracting by immobilizing them. This reduces the appearance of lines, furrows, and wrinkles on the overlying skin. It’s also used to soften so-called expression lines, such as the creases or lines caused by repetition of facial expressions (such as frown, smile, or surprise lines). The treatment reduces and diminishes the appearance of these creases, lines and wrinkles and, when used over time, can help to protect the skin from forming new ones.
What Are the Specific Uses of Dysport®?
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that Dysport® is most often used to reduce and smooth wrinkles such as frown lines; crow’s feet (laugh lines); forehead (horizontal) furrows; and bands that form on the neck. The ASPS says: “Short of a surgical facelift, this substance is the most popular way to reduce facial wrinkles.”
Are There Differences Between Dysport® and Botox®?
Yes, there is a significant difference between the two therapies. Over time, some patients seem to develop resistance to the Botox® prescription. Their bodies may develop antibodies against the treatment and these antibodies prevent it from working as effectively to soften lines and wrinkles. Dysport’s formula has less proteins which surround the Botulinum Type A molecule, so the patient’s immune system may not mount as much of a defense. Fewer antibodies may develop as a result. For this reason, Dysport® can be a better choice for some patients.
Some studies report that Dysport® works a little faster or lasts a bit longer but, as always, the individual patient’s response to any injectable treatment is determined by his or her unique body chemistry. The patient should plan to discuss any past injectable therapies received, current medications, and goals for the treatment. Dysport® isn’t recommended for patients older than sixty-five.
What Should I Know About Dysport®?
It’s important to ask questions to receive information about any treatment option. Here are some questions to consider:
- Am I a good candidate for BTX-A? Goodman Dermatology evaluates and advises the patient about whether he or she is a good candidate for treatment.
- What must I do in order to receive the best results from treatment? Although most patients report little to no pain, it’s fine to take ibuprofen or other over-the-counter medicines if the doctor okays them. It’s important to avoid massaging the treatment site or lying down after treatment. The patient will receive specific instructions after the procedure.
- Who will perform this procedure? A licensed medical practitioner performs these treatments at our office.
- Has the physician been specially trained to perform the procedure? Yes.
- What’s the recovery time? Recovery is usually very fast, from a few hours to one or more days.
- Are there any side effects associated with this therapy? Some patients experience temporary redness, bruising, swelling, or headache afterwards.
- How will this treatment affect my appearance? Most patients bring a little cosmetic concealer to use after the procedure, then go back to work or out to dinner immediately afterwards. Within hours to one or more days, many patients report smoothed lines, furrows, and wrinkles and feel happier with their appearance.
- What reasonable results can I expect? Lines, creases, furrows, and wrinkles are softened and the results are often considered “subtle” though some patients feel their appearance is greatly improved.
Is Dysport® Safe?
Cosmetic use of BTX-A for lines and wrinkles was first presented in “Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery” in 1989. The first published study about its use in frown (glabellar) lines was published in 1992. Formal trials were initiated in 2002, and FDA later approved Botox® Cosmetic. To maintain high safety standards of this treatment and other prescription drugs, the FDA requires that each batch of the cosmetic is tested prior to sale to physicians. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than five million patients in the United States have received these treatments.
To learn more about Dysport® or schedule your consultation at Goodman Dermatology, contact us today. We offer this and other injectable treatments to the residents of North Atlanta and nearby cities.