Wrinkles happen for many reasons. Years of sun exposure, air pollution, illness and the natural decline in collagen and elastin production all contribute to the formation of facial wrinkles. Another less talked about but just as impactful cause — especially when it comes to frown lines — is facial movement.

Every time you frown, squint or smile, your skin forms temporary grooves. But as your skin thins and loses elasticity with age, these grooves become permanent. To prevent and reverse these dynamic wrinkles, Drs. William and Jeffrey Umansky recommend wrinkle relaxers like Dysport. These injectables work by temporarily paralyzing facial muscles that contribute to wrinkles.

While there are other neuromodulators on the market, Dysport is ideal for patients looking for a no-fuss, no-downtime treatment for frown lines. If you are a resident of San Diego or the surrounding areas, you can get your Dysport injections by scheduling a consultation with us today.

WHAT IS DYSPORT?

Dysport is a relatively new wrinkle relaxer, also called a neuromodulator, developed by Galderma Laboratories, L.P. Its active ingredient is abobotulinumtoxinA, a bacterium-produced toxin similar to the one found in Botox.

Dysport is currently FDA-approved for temporary improvement of moderate to severe frown lines, also known as glabellar lines or “11s.” It is not FDA-approved for other facial wrinkles (including smile lines, forehead lines or crow’s feet) or other uses. These are considered “off-label” uses.

HOW DOES DYSPORT ELIMINATE WRINKLES?

Dynamic wrinkles like crow’s feet, frown lines, worry lines and smile lines happen due to repeated facial movements. To prevent and reverse these wrinkles, Dysport temporarily paralyzes muscles that contribute to the formation of dynamic wrinkles. The skin above these muscles gradually becomes smoother because the muscles are relaxed.

The active ingredient in Dysport (and other neuromodulators) is a botulinum neurotoxin, specifically abobotulinumtoxinA for Dysport. This neurotoxic protein is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is known to interfere with communication between nerves and muscles, which is how it temporarily prevents muscles from contracting.

Dysport is injected directly into forehead muscles at five different points to prevent frowning. This helps reverse or prevent glabellar lines. An average Dysport treatment includes 12 units per side to see a noticeable improvement in the patient’s frown lines.

While injecting toxins into facial muscles may seem scary or dangerous, botulinum toxin injections used in wrinkle reduction are well-researched and safe in the hands of an experienced injector. Side effects are rare and, when they do occur, can be addressed.

DYSPORT VS. BOTOX

BOTOX® Cosmetic is the most popular neuromodulator on the market and has practically become synonymous with wrinkle relaxing. Dysport is a great alternative to BOTOX for some patients. To help you decide which of these two popular wrinkle relaxers you should choose, here are their key differences:

  • Dysport is FDA-approved to treat glabellar lines only, while BOTOX is approved for more areas
  • Dysport costs two to three times less on average, though it may require more units
  • The results with Dysport are visible sooner for some patients
  • Dysport tends to spread more, which can be advantageous in larger areas
  • BOTOX offers more fine-tuned treatment for smaller areas
  • The results from BOTOX may last a bit longer

Other than that, it all boils down to personal preference. Some patients have better results with Dysport than BOTOX or vice versa.

COMBINING DYSPORT AND DERMAL FILLERS

Dermal fillers and Dysport address different aging concerns. Fillers fill in areas of the face that have lost volume or begun to sag. Dysport corrects frown lines by preventing muscle movement. By using these two treatments in one session, we can address multiple concerns at once for more dramatic results.

Our injectors are highly skilled in combining these two treatments to create global skin rejuvenation. By synergistically adding volume to some areas and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles in others, we can create natural-looking and youthful results.

Another advantage to this approach is that combining Dysport and dermal fillers can create longer-lasting results. This is because the reduced facial muscle movement from Dysport can help slow the breakdown of the dermal fillers.

Frequently asked questions

Am I a good candidate for Dysport?

An ideal Dysport candidate is relatively healthy, is not allergic to milk proteins (or any of the ingredients in Dysport), is not pregnant or breastfeeding, and has realistic expectations. If you are 18 and older with moderate to severe frown lines, this treatment may be an ideal choice.

What happens during a Dysport treatment?

Before your treatment, your injector will speak to you about your concerns and explain what you can expect from this treatment. If you are sensitive to pain, your injector may apply a numbing cream to the treatment area. Once the area is numb, they will use a clean, narrow needle to administer the appropriate number of units of Dysport into predetermined sites. The treatment should be complete in about half an hour.

How long does it take for Dysport to work?

The initial effects of Dysport injections may be noticeable within 48 hours, although it may take up to five days to see a difference. One great thing about Dysport is that the results often appear sooner than with BOTOX. Dysport and other neuromodulators reach their full effect around 14 days post-treatment.

How long will my results last?

You can expect to enjoy your Dysport results for three to five months. After that time, you will notice a gradual reversal of your results as your muscles regain movement. This is when you may want to consider getting a touch-up treatment to maintain your results and help prevent new wrinkles from forming.

Are there any side effects?

In healthy patients and when administered correctly, Dysport is generally safe. However, like with all prescription medications, Dysport also comes with some potential side effects. Dysport side effects may include eyelid swelling, eyelid drooping, headache, sinus inflammation, blurred or double vision, and upper respiratory tract infections. Your provider will discuss these with you in detail before your treatment.