Dysport^® in Boston

What is Dysport^®?

Dysport^® is a muscle relaxant similar to but different from Botox^® that is used to remove wrinkles. Dysport^® is also botulinum toxin A as is Botox^®, but Dysport^® is a different form called abobotulinum toxin A. It takes about twice as many units of Dysport^® to get the same effect as Botox^®.

Dysport^® Gallery

How does Dysport^® work?

Dysport^® works by relaxing the muscles of facial expression that cause wrinkles.

Why do people have Dysport^® injections?

People have Dysport^® for the same reasons that they have Botox^® injections. Dysport^® is also tried in patients who have had Botox^® but failed to respond. Dysport^® is used to lessen temporary facial lines such as:

• Dysport^® for frown lines
• Dysport^® for crow’s Feet
• Dysport^® for worry lines: Botox^® brow lift
• Dysport^® mouth lift
• Dysport^® to remove chin crease
• Dysport^® as part of liquid facelift

Is Dysport^® safe?

Dysport^® is safe when injected according to recommended doses in the prescribing information that accompanies the product by an experienced physician injector who has received training. It is also safe only if used on patients who have no contraindications such as neuromuscular disease and certain chronic diseases listed in the prescribing information.

What does Dysport^® injection cost?

Realself.com lists the average Price for Dysport^® injection in the Boston area to $654. There is no cost advantage to Dysport^® over Botox^®.

Do Dysport^® injections hurt?

Dysport^® injections should not be painful if topical anesthesia and cold therapy are used.

What do you do to make me comfortable during Dysport^® injection?

Prior to your Dysport^® injection your indications will be discussed with you and your medical history will be taken to discover any contraindications such as neuromuscular disease or pregnancy. The skin will be cleansed and topical numbing medicine will be applied Cold therapy will be applied and your injection should not be painful.

What do I look like after a Dysport^® injection?

You will look normal after Dysport^® injection. The skin may be pink from the cold therapy. You should be able to return to work in most cases.

Will people know that I had a Dysport^® injection?

People should not be able to tell that you’ve had a Dysport^® injection. You will see the results when you look in the mirror, but friends, coworkers and casual acquaintances should not be able to tell.

How soon will I see the full effect of Dysport^® for wrinkle removal?

Onset of effect of Dysport^® may be quicker occurring in 1-2 days instead of 3-4 days as with Botox^®.

How long does the Dysport^® injection effect last?

Most physicians agree that the duration of Dysport^® is similar to that of Botox^® on average 3-4 months.

Who should not have Dysport^® injection?

Patients with neuromuscular disease such as ALS and other paralytic diseases should not have Dysport^®. There is also a list of chronic serious medical illnesses which either contraindicate Dysport^® or require a decreased dose. Be sure to discuss any illness you have with your physician before you have an injection. Patients who are pregnant or nursing should not have Dysport^®.

Who should do my Dysport^® injection?

In my opinion only physicians who have been trained in Dysport^® injection techniques should give injections. I emphasized training because the dilution technique, the number of units used, and the volume of fluid injected are very different for Dysport^® from Botox^®.

Which is better Botox^® or Dysport^®?

The short answer is neither one is better. The key answer is the one that is best for you. Botox^® and Dysport^® are nearly identical prescription injectable muscle relaxant agents used cosmetically for anti-aging skin rejuvenation to reduce the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. The differences real and imagined are:

• It takes about twice as many units of Dysport^® to get the same effect as Botox^®.
• The amount, volume or cc’s of Dysport^® that need to be injected are significantly larger than the amount of Botox^®. There is evidence that this increased volume of Dysport^® results in a wider spread in the muscle tissue. This could have beneficial effects for a wider area of wrinkle removal result, but some raise the question if this increased diffusion could increase the risk of spread of Dysport^® to the upper eyelid and resultant eyelid sag or ptosis. Some raise the question whether the increased volume of injection could increase discomfort with Dysport^®.
• It is generally believed that Dysport^® has a quicker onset of action 1-2 days as opposed to 4 days which has resulted in Dysport^® being called the emergency Botox^®.
• How long Dysport^® and Botox^® last seems to average the same about 3-4 months.
• The choice between Botox^® and Dysport^® is a very personal one. Patients who have had both definitely like one better than the other. Objective evidence as to why they prefer one over the other is lacking. The most common reason for switching between Dysport^® and Botox^® is when one or the other is ineffective or loses its effect, and in these situations trying the other medication often solves the problem.

Xeomin^®

What is Xeomin^®?

Xeomin^® is the newest muscle relaxant which is FDA approved for treatment of medical conditions such as cervical dystonia and blepharospasm but not yet FDA approved for cosmetic uses. Xeomin^® is incobotulinumtoxinA and is being used off label for treatment of dynamic lines and wrinkles. The advantage of Xeomin^® is that it does not have to be refrigerated and because it has no preservatives may be less likely for patients to develop resistance to its effects. There is also some evidence that Xeomin^® may last longer than Botox^® or Dysport^®.

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Dr. Brooke R. Seckel is a board certified plastic surgeon in Boston, who helps patients combat the signs of aging. If aging skin is a concern for you, please contact the Boston Plastic Surgery Specialists to schedule a consultation today.