As we age, we all develop fine lines and wrinkles in our skin. If your wrinkles give you sleepless nights and you want to get rid of these ugly lines quickly, fortunately, there is a ray of hope. Anti-aging cleansers, creams, and serums are a great start, but injectables could be next if you notice that over-the-counter products don’t cut it for you anymore. You probably already know about Botox, but giving it stiff competition is a new injection called Dysport, and I’ve never heard of it. In this article, you’ll learn everything there is to know about Dysport injections.
What is Dysport?
Much like Botox, Dysport is a recent addition to the anti-aging realm, targeting the delay of aging processes, particularly wrinkle formation. Derived from Type A botulinum toxin, it impedes neuromuscular movements. Administered by a specialist through injections in visible wrinkle areas, Dysport induces a paralytic effect, effectively hindering the deepening of wrinkles and maintaining a more youthful and vibrant appearance for the skin.
TRIVIA: The anti-aging market in the United States is worth over 60 billion dollars per year (1). Only in 2020, more than four hundred thousand people in the USA have undergone a Botulinum Toxin Type A Procedure (2) to erase their wrinkles and fine lines.
How is Dysport different from Botox?
- Constituents of Dysport and Botox are similar, although protein levels may vary, which may affect the final output of the procedures.
- Both are highly effective, but botox results may last up to six months, while the results of Dysport may last up to four months (3).
- Dysport offers a quicker onset. Some people see improvements as early as two days, while Botox, on the other hand, can take up to a week to fully settle in.
- Dysport is only officially cleared to treat glabellar lines or the horizontal indentations that stretch across your forehead.
- Dysport is cheaper than Botox. However, it contains a smaller amount of botulinum toxin, requiring you to use more units for the same results.
- Dysport tends to spread, making it easier to tackle larger surfaces (like the forehead) with less.
TRIVIA: Dysport is made from Botulinum toxin which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum (4). However, when doctors use the toxin correctly and in small doses, it is safe and has few side effects.
How Does Dysport Work?
Dysport injections work like a magic wand on your facial expressions. Imagine your laughter, smiles, and frowns etching lines on your face over time. Dysport gently immobilizes those expressive muscles, smoothing out the lines and unveiling a more youthful version of yourself. It’s not just about looks; it might even help you unlearn the habit of frowning, giving your face a more carefree and relaxed vibe. Think of it as a little pause button for your expressions, letting your natural beauty shine through.
Pros of Dysport
- It smoothes fine lines and wrinkles.
- It inhibits the formation of new wrinkles.
- Leads to an almost immediate improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Results can be seen as early as two days after the session.
- The results last up to 4 months.
- It may create a more natural look than other neuromodulators.
- It can be used to treat increased sweating in the armpit.
- It can be used for a jaw-pronouncing treatment and to reduce the appearance of neck cords.
Cons of Dysport
- The results of Dysport are not permanent. To maintain the effects, you must repeat treatments several times a year.
- You will likely have mild redness, light bruising, and swelling after a Dysport injection.
- You may experience a headache, which is normal.
- As with any treatment, there are potential risks. Most risks are rare and mild; however, some more aggressive side effects exist.
Also Read – Aesthetics Pharmacist Reveals 4 Age-Defying Treatments For A Youthful, Wrinkle-Free Skin
Cost of Dysport Injections
The cost of Dysport depends on the provider’s practice location, the number of treated areas, the number of injected units, and the experience level of your provider. Dysport costs about $5 for a unit, while Botox costs $20. However, while cheaper than Botox, it typically takes 2 or 3 times as many units of Dysport to achieve the same results.
Generally, Dysport treatment for one area could cost about $400 to $700. Remember that even though they are more expensive, you should always seek an experienced board-certified professional to prevent more aggressive side effects caused by being injected with counterfeit products.
Who Can Get a Dysport Injection?
Dysport is an appropriate treatment for people under 65 who are concerned about the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on their forehead. According to the manufacturer’s website, Dysport injections are appropriate for patients with mild to moderate forehead wrinkling (5). However, suppose you are pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to a product containing botulinum toxin or cow’s milk protein, or suffer from neuromuscular diseases. In that case, Dysport injection is not the right fit for you (6).
How is Dysport Treatment Given?
The complete treatment lasts between 10 and 20 minutes. First, the doctor will cleanse the treatment area and apply a numbing cream to your skin for optimal comfort. This is followed by injecting the chemical into the targeted treatment area. You will probably feel pinching during the injections. After the treatment, a cooling pack is applied, and that’s it. The session is done, and there is no downtime for the procedure.
TRIVIA: According to a 2019 research on Dysport efficacy, 87.5% of people experienced satisfactory results within the first 48 hours, and the remaining 12.5% have noticed a disappearing of fine lines within the first week after injection (7).
Side Effects of Dysport Injections
If you don’t adequately prepare for your Dysport injections, you might experience bruising, redness, swelling, or pain where the injections were given. Additionally, Dysport can cause tiredness, headaches, nausea, dizziness, fever, drooping eyelids, trouble swallowing, and coughing in some patients. Bear in mind that these are not all side effects of Dysport. If you want more information about the less common side effects, consult your doctor for additional medical advice.
Also Read – Are Dermal Fillers The Answer To Your Acne Scars?
Summary
Signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines are a completely normal. However, if your fine lines and wrinkles make you uncomfortable and you want to lessen their appearance and see immediate results, Dysport injections might be a good option for you. Injection of Dysport temporarily paralyzes the muscles that cause wrinkles and give your skin a more refreshed appearance. You’ll see natural results as the wrinkles and lines on your forehead seem to disappear in as little as two days. Dysport injections are risk-free and there is no downtime. The price is steep and one session typically costs between $300 and $400, but don’t try to save money on it as having the treatment done by the inexperienced and unqualified professional might leave you with aggressive side effects and unsatisfactory results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Dysport used for?
It is most successful for treating moderate to severe wrinkles between the eyebrows but may also treat the forehead and neck.
How to Prepare for Dysport Injection?
If you plan to get the Dysport injection, you should avoid alcohol for two days before treatment and should discontinue any medication or supplements that may be associated with bruising. Some of these supplements include aspirin, blood thinners, and fish oil.
Is the treatment painful?
A numbing cream is put on the area before the Dysport injections. The treatment is thus supposed to be virtually painless, and most people can return to their everyday lives immediately afterward.
What to do after the Dysport injection?
The most important thing is not to touch your face, even if it hurts or itches. Doing so could cause the injections to settle improperly. Additionally, restrain from exercising and getting facials on the first day after the treatment. Moreover, do not lie down for at least four hours after the treatment to prevent improper settling.
Are there other alternatives to Dysport and Botox?
Other botulinum toxin type A neuromodulator injectables, such as Jeuveau and Xeomin, are approved by the FDA. Depending on your goals, you can also use injectable fillers like Juvéderm or Restylane, which can help soften the look of wrinkles. Another option is getting professional chemical peels, laser resurfacing, or laser skin tightening, which may also reduce the appearance of brow creases without surgeries.
References:
- “Size of the anti-aging market worldwide from 2020 to 2026” – Statista.com
- “2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics” – Plasticsurgery.org
- “Dysport for Wrinkles: What to Know” – Healthline.com
- “Botulinum Toxin Injections” – Clevelandclinic.org
- “What is Dysport?” – dysport.USA
- “Dysport”– docshop.com
- “The efficacy and complications of a new technique of Abobotulinum-toxin A (Dysport) injection in patients with glabellar lines” – pubmed.gov
