Dysport
Some patients feel they obtain more natural-looking results from this prescription treatment vs. other options. Our providers can assist you in evaluating the best treatment option.
What Is Dysport?
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.
Many patients ask about whether they should use Botox® or Dysport® treatments to temporarily smooth and soften lines and wrinkles. Both treatments are derived from Botulinum Type A, also known as BTX-A. Both treatments are selectively injected into the patient’s muscles.
Developed in the United Kingdom during the 1990s, this treatment is manufactured by Medicis Pharmaceutical (owned by Valeant Pharmaceuticals). The FDA approved Dysport for patients in the U.S. in 2009.
Dysport FAQs
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) says 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. According to the ASPS, “Short of a surgical facelift, this substance is the most popular way to reduce facial wrinkles.”
Yes, there is a significant difference between the two therapies. Over time, some patients develop resistance to the Botox prescription. Their bodies may develop antibodies against the treatment, and these antibodies prevent Botox from working as effectively to soften lines and wrinkles. Dysport’s formula has fewer proteins surrounding 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. You should plan to discuss any past injectable therapies received, current medications, and goals for the treatment with your provider. Dysport isn’t recommended for patients older than 65.
It’s important to ask questions to receive information about any treatment option. Here are some questions to ask:
- Am I a good candidate for BTX-A? Goodman Dermatology evaluates and advises each 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 and lying down after treatment. Each patient will receive specific instructions after the procedure.
- Who will perform this procedure? A licensed medical practitioner performs these treatments at one of our Goodman offices in north Georgia.
- Has the physician been specially trained to perform the procedure? Yes.
- What’s the recovery time? Recovery is usually fast, from a few hours to a day or more.
- 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 can go back to work or out to dinner immediately afterwards. Some patients bring a little cosmetic concealer to use after the procedure. 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.
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 the 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 ASPS, more than 5 million patients in the U.S. 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.