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As we age, we all begin to develop fine lines and wrinkles in our skin. If your wrinkles are giving 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 if you notice that over-the-counter products just don’t cut it for you anymore, the next step could be injectables. You probably already know about Botox, but giving it a stiff competition is a new injection called Dysport. Never heard of it? In this article, you’ll learn everything there is to know about Dysport injections.
What is Dysport?
Similar to Botox, Dysport is a new entrant in the anti-aging space which aims at deferring the aging process, especially the formation of wrinkles. It is a strain of Botulinum Toxin, more specifically Type A botulinum, which blocks neuromuscular movements. The specialist injects the Dysport in the areas where wrinkles are visible, creating a paralytic effect. As a result, it prevents the wrinkles from deepening and keeps your skin looking more youthful and vibrant.
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 immobilize the muscles that you use for your expressions like laughing, smiling, and frowning. The frequent use of facial muscles can cause deep furrows in your face, causing lines to be etched in your skin. When the movement of these muscles is restricted, the lines on your face are smoothed out, making your skin appear more youthful.
Also, in many cases, immobilization of the forehead muscles causes you to unlearn the act of frowning, reducing the worried look on your face. That way, after one round of injections, maybe you will not need another round so soon since you will not frown that often.
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 2 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
- Results of Dysport are not permanent. If you want to maintain the effects, you’ll need to repeat treatments several times a year.
- You will likely have some mild redness, light bruising, and swelling after a Dysport injection.
- You may experience headache, which is absolutely normal.
- As with any treatment, there are potential risks. Most risks are rare and mild; however, there are some more aggressive side effects.
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. For a comparison, 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 the age of 65 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 wrinkling of the forehead (5). However, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to a product containing botulinum toxin or cow’s milk protein, or suffer from neuromolecular diseases, 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 are interested in more information about the less common side effects, you should 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; however, it may also treat the forehead and neck as a whole.
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 go right back to their normal 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 lay down for at least four hours after the treatment to prevent improper settling.
Are there other alternatives to Dysport and Botox?
There are other botulinum toxin type A neuromodulator injectables approved by the FDA, such as Jeuveau and Xeomin. 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 also may 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
