In New York City, smooth skin can be a very important thing! That’s not to say we’re shallow or vain, but we definitely live in a society that values a youthful appearance. Some people can achieve that appearance through the use of make-up or other cosmetic products. Others tend to take on the wrinkles and lines a little more aggressively. The most famous way to do this is through the use of Botox–but Botox isn’t the only game in town!
With the number one skin concern in America being facial wrinkles, Dysport represents one of the increasing arrays of options to combat these problematic lines. It contains the same active ingredient as Botox (Botulinum Type A) and has been used successfully in Europe and 36 other countries for nearly 20 years.
Like Botox, Dysport1 blocks the transmission of nerve signals to muscles in the injection area, thereby preventing muscle contraction. Sensory signals, however, are spared, meaning there is no change in the sensation of the area. Stopping the motor movement diminishes the lines that are repeatedly formed by creating the expression. The result can be a smoother, more wrinkle-free skin surface.
In this way, Dysport works very much like Botox2. Choosing to go with Dysport or Botox is a decision that you can discuss with Dr. Rokhsar.
Although the active ingredient in Dysport and Botox is the same, some patients have a preference for one or the other. Some studies have demonstrated that Dysport is quicker-acting and longer-lasting than Botox, but that it has the potential for becoming ineffective after repeated use. Dysport generally begins to work within 24 hours to 3 days, whereas Botox can take about 3-5 days. Dysport may also last a few months longer than Botox. However, Dysport cannot be used in some of the areas Botox is approved for, such as the underarms and palms.
The cost of Dysport is usually less than Botox, however, more product is typically required, making the cost difference sometimes irrelevant.
*Results may vary.
The first step in your Dysport injection treatment is a consultation with Dr. Cameron Rokhsar. Dr. Rokhsar will tell you what is possible and what might require additional or supplementary treatment. For example, many patients will pair an injectable treatment with a Fraxel laser treatment. To schedule this consultation, simply contact us. If you have more questions about Dysport and what Dysport can do for you, Dr. Rokhsar will be happy to answer your questions!
Similar to other injectables, a topical numbing cream will be applied for 20 to 30 minutes before the procedure. Dr. Rokhsar will then inject a customized amount of Dysport into the areas of concern. After the procedure, mild swelling, bruising, redness, or tenderness may appear and is temporary.
It is recommended to separate Dysport injections by 90 days. Clinical studies have found that four repeated treatments yielded the best results.
Risks include a slight headache, nausea, hematoma, facial pain, and ptosis (a drooping eyelid) for up to 4 weeks, or flu-like symptoms.
Almost everyone is eligible for Dysport. However, it is important to talk to Dr. Rokhsar about any medical conditions you may have, especially if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or have a neurological or chronic disease.
Dysport can cause some side effects that are rare among patients, however, the most common and minimalistic side effects are nose and throat irritation, headache, injection site soreness, eyelid swelling, sinus inflammation, and nausea and most uncommonly; swallowing or breathing problems.
The cost of Dysport is usually less than Botox, however, more product is required, making the cost difference sometimes irrelevant.
Dysport is a type of injectable neuromodulator that is commonly used to treat fine lines and wrinkles caused by repeated facial expressions. It is FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows, also known as glabellar lines or “11s”. Dysport works by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause these lines and wrinkles to form, resulting in a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance.
In addition to its cosmetic uses, Dysport can also be used as a clinical treatment for certain medical conditions, such as cervical dystonia (abnormal head position and neck pain) and spasticity (muscle spasms and stiffness in the arms, hands, legs, and feet) in adults and children over the age of 2. Dysport may also be used off-label to treat excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis.
Dysport is intended for use in adults under the age of 65 and should only be administered by a trained medical professional.
Dysport can be safely used for the treatment of glabella lines, forehead lines, lines around the eyes (crows feet), nose lines (bunny lines), neck lines (platysmal bands), upper and lower lip vertical smoker lines, and sweating of underarms, hands, and feet.
Here are some general aftercare instructions to follow:
These are general guidelines and Dr. Rokhsar may have specific aftercare instructions tailored to your individual needs.
Dysport injections can last up to three to five months. Some believe that the duration is slightly longer than the average duration of other neuromodulators like Botox. However, the duration of the results can vary from person to person based on factors such as the dose, the location of the injections, and the individual’s metabolism. In general, it is recommended that patients wait at least three months between Dysport injections to ensure that the previous treatment has fully worn off before receiving another one.
Dysport can take about three days to a week to start taking effect, depending on the location of the injection and the number of units used. Typically, a dosage of 50 units is used between the eyebrows. Patients may start to see results anywhere from 2 to 14 days after the injection.
Dysport should be administered by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Injections should be spaced at least 3 months apart.
In most cases, Dr. Rokhsar will determine the dosage based on the muscles being injected, the overall strength of the muscles, whether you are male or female, and the ultimate cosmetic outcome desired by the patient (how much movement a patient wants in a specific muscle). There is no cook-book approach to Dysport injections. That’s why you should see an experienced Dypsot injector such as Dr. Rokhsar, who is double board certified in dermatology and surgery. Dr. Rokhsar is a professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital and teaches the cosmetic dermatology clinic to the residents.
It is recommended to wait for a minimum of 4-6 hours after receiving Dysport injections before engaging in any vigorous physical activity, including exercise. This allows the product to fully settle into the muscles and reduces the risk of spreading the product to unintended areas. It is also important to avoid applying pressure to the treated area for at least 4 hours post-treatment.
Both Botox and Dysport are neuromodulators that work by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles and fine lines. They have similar side effects, which include slight pain, swelling, redness, bruising, and drooping eyelids.
Dysport contains smaller proteins than Botox, which allows it to spread more widely across larger areas. This feature may make it better for treating areas like the forehead. Dysport also may have a quicker onset of action, with some patients noticing improvements in as little as 2-3 days after treatment.
On the other hand, Botox has a longer track record of success and FDA approval for treating not only glabellar lines but also forehead lines and crow’s feet. In the end, the choice becomes a personal one without a clear winner.
Dysport is dosed differently from Botox, with three units of Dysport required to achieve the muscle-relaxing strength of one unit of Botox. Dysport also tends to set quicker than Botox, with full effects seen within two to three days compared to five days for Botox. Additionally, some believe that Dysport may last longer than Botox for some patients, although individual experiences may vary.
Another difference between the two is in their FDA approvals. Botox is FDA-approved to treat glabella lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet, while Dysport is only approved to treat glabellar lines. However, all experienced doctors similarly use Botox and Dysport.
Dysport may last a bit longer than Botox, with some patients reporting results that last up to 5 months. However, the difference in longevity is generally not significant and can vary depending on the patient. There is no clear answer as to which one lasts longer as it is so patient-dependent.
Dysport may have a quicker onset of action compared to Xeomin. Dysport may also last longer in some patients. There is no definitive answer to this question as there are no head-to-head trials between Dysport and Xeomin. Each patient may react differently.
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References
Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAACS, is the founder and medical director of the New York Cosmetic, Skin, & Laser Surgery Center. Dr. Rokhsar is a graduate of Harvard College and NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Rokhsar is double board certified in dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery, being one of the few select dermatologists in the country who is also fellowship trained in laser surgery. A researcher and innovator, Dr. Rokhsar is the creator of the non-surgical nose job and has been instrumental in the research and development of laser systems such as the Fraxel, CO2, Mirady, Vbeam, Themitight, and Ulthera devices. An Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, Dr. Rokhsar actively teaches the cosmetic dermatology clinic to the resident at Mount Sinai. An expert injector of fillers, and a trainer for many companies, patients fly in from around the world to see Dr. Rokhsar in his Garden City and Manhattan offices in New York.
Dr. Rokhsar was chosen by
magazine as a top dermatologist in its Best Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 issues.
