What is Dysport®?
Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) is a safe and effective injection very similar to BOTOX® Cosmetic for relaxing dynamically-created wrinkles and lines. If you are familiar with BOTOX® Cosmetic, you already know what Dysport can do.
Areas of use include glabella lines (the 11’s) worry lines in the forehead, crows’ feet, asymmetrical or depressed brows and potentially other ares on the lower face.
How does Dysport work?
Dysport temporarily prevents the contraction of unwanted muscle activity. By interfering with the chemical signals, Dysport changes how your muscles respond to incoming messages to frown or contract. The lessened contraction softens wrinkles, folds and smoothes the skin surface without fillers.
How quickly does Dysport take effect?
In an independent review study* it was found that Dysport took effect as quickly as 24 hours and was just as effective as other neurotixn type A products like BOTOX® Cosmetic. Average time to onset was 4 days. Many physicians report there is more spread so the effects in the larger area of the forehead may be more appealing. Increased spread could translate to a more natural and less “frozen” reaction when used for overall forehead furrowing. Our own patient response will provide the most reliable feedback and we’ll update as we poll our Dysport patients.
How is Dysport different from BOTOX® Cosmetic?
The main difference between the two is dilution and dosing. Dysport uses more units (not necessarily more medication). This is a result of the type of dilution used. Dosing is not tightly standardized to location but is adjusted according to a person’s facial muscle mass. An average dosing comparative is 2 to 2.5 units of Dysport to 1 unit of BOTOX® Cosmetic. So if you’ve used BOTOX® Cosmetic in the past and required 20 units, with Dysport your unit count would be between 40 to 50 units.
This increased unit number does not mean you are getting more active product. It is simply a different way of calculation.
“Most studies have evaluated Dysport with a standard dosage,” study* physician Dr. Rod Rohrich, chairman of plastic surgery at UT Southwestern said. “ The size and use of the muscles that produce frown lines varies among individuals, so you want to customize treatment to the patient’s face.”
Surgeons experienced with muscle mass variations may have more effective means of calculating correct dosage amounts. Dr. Sikorski’s surgical experience means additional knowledge of these unique muscle mass variations in patients.
*Independent reviewers in a study involving plastic surgeons at UT Southwestern Medical Center – excerpt.
Does Dysport last longer?
Dysport treatments should last from to 3-6 months, on average 4 months. With ongoing treatment the effects may last longer. There has been some feedback that Dysport may last somewhat longer but we have not assessed that claim yet.
Dysport and BOTOX® Cosmetic are interchangeable products. Dr. Sikorski may recommend one or the other – or both – in the same treatment session depending on the areas you would like treated.
Dysport is distributed and marketed by Scottsdale, Arizona-based Medicis Aesthetics who provides Restylane and Perlane dermal filers.
If you’d like to speak with our experienced staff, call our office in the area or request a callback through our online callback form. We’re happy to explain how Dysport is used for far more than frowns or worry lines.
What are the potential side effects of Dysport?
Side effects are minimal and temporary. The injections may sting very slightly but are not painful. Other side effects are minimal redness and swelling at the injection sites that usually disappears after an hour or so. There is also a small risk of bruising at the injections sites. Patients experience transient headache and numbness at the treatment sites.
There is a very small risk of eyelid drooping (ptosis) and slight puffiness following treatment. In the unlikely event that this occurs, it is always temporary and usually settles after 2-3 weeks. The incidence of ptosis is about 2% but always ask your practitioner what problems they have had with treatments as this will differ between doctors.
After several treatments, very rarely some patients become resistant to the drug and it no longer works effectively.