Dysport is a type of injectable treatment that is used to treat moderate to severe frown lines by reducing specific muscle activity. It is quite similar to Botox because it limits the repetitive muscle movements that create and deepen wrinkles. While they have much in common, you may find that people have strong opinions on which works better and lasts longer.
Let’s take a closer look at it, including how it is different from Botox and answers to common questions people have about treating wrinkles with Dysport.
How are Dysport and Botox different?
Both Dysport and Botox are neurotoxins that work by reducing muscle movements that create and deepen wrinkles. Botox uses a neurotoxin called onobotulinumtoxinA and Dysport uses a neurotoxin called abobotulinumtoxinA. These are similar but different, which is why each of these products has their own lists of pros and cons.
Dysport uses much smaller molecules and has a protein added to it. It may spread better within the treatment area and be more suited for treating larger areas. Dysport also starts working quicker than Botox, making it the go-to treatment if you need quick results and can’t wait for up to two weeks for it to kick in, which is how long it can take for Botox to take full effect. Some people report that Dysport lasts longer, too.
How is Dysport administered?
Dysport is administered through a series of injections that are targeted at specific areas of the face, such as the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes. The injections are relatively quick and well tolerated by most people. A practitioner will help determine your injection areas and amount of Dysport to use based on your goals. This is important to ensure you’re satisfied with the result. So if you are new to Dysport or go to a new practitioner, make sure they ask you about your goals and examine your face while you smile, frown and make other movements. If they don’t, consider it a red flag.
What can you expect during a Dysport treatment?
Before the treatment, you will meet with a qualified practitioner who will assess your skin and discuss your treatment goals with you. They may have you look in a mirror and make faces to see where wrinkles occur and how severe they may be. They may also use a special pen to mark administration sites. They will use these as a guide for the injection process.
Once your face is clean, the practitioner will begin injecting the Dysport. Units are placed around your face based on the treatment plan, so you will have multiple injections. Prior to some of these, you may be asked to make a facial expression to confirm the injection site. Most people feel a poke or pinch, or even may report hearing the needle poke through the skin. While this might seem scary, most people find that it causes minimal discomfort and is easy to tolerate. It is also over quickly.
What will it be like after the Dysport injections?
After receiving Dysport, you may experience some redness, swelling, or bruising around the injection sites. These side effects are generally mild and should subside within a few hours. You may see a little blood at the injection site, but not everyone experiences this. Some people may also have bumps around the injection that resolve in a couple days. You can use Arnica to reduce and resolve bruising more quickly, but rest assured that these experiences are all normal and safe.
How do you care for yourself after a Dysport treatment?
For the most part, you can get back to your day right after treatment, but you should follow the aftercare treatment instructions provided to you. This generally includes avoiding touching or rubbing the area for at least 24 hours. You should not lay down for four hours after the treatment and no heavy exercise for 24 hours after. It is a good idea to avoid extreme heat from hot tubs, long, hot showers and tanning beds for 24 hours, too.
In addition, you should generally avoid consuming alcohol or taking blood-thinning medications for at least 24 hours after the treatment, as this can increase the risk of bruising or bleeding. Be sure to ask your practitioner about aftercare and follow their instructions closely.
How long do the results last?
The results of Dysport treatment typically last for three to six months, although this can vary depending on the individual. Over time, the muscles will begin to regain their strength and the wrinkles will gradually reappear. For this reason, most people choose to undergo regular touch-up treatments in order to maintain their results.
Is Dysport safe?
Dysport is generally considered safe when administered by a qualified practitioner who has experience with the product. Like any injectable treatment, there is a small risk of complications, such as infection or allergic reaction. However, these risks can be minimized by choosing a reputable practitioner who uses high-quality products and follows proper safety protocols.
It’s worth noting that Dysport has been used for nearly three decades and is available for use in around seventy countries around the world. Millions of people have used and continue to use Dysport.
Who is a good candidate for Dysport?
Dysport is a good option for anyone who is looking to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. It is particularly effective for people who have deep wrinkles or furrows in the forehead or between the eyebrows. Dysport is generally safe for most people, although it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or anyone who has a history of allergic reactions to botulinum toxin.
Will I still look like myself if I use Dysport?
Dysport simply softens existing wrinkles and slows down the creation of new wrinkles. When properly injected, the results are extraordinarily natural. The treated areas start to soften, lessening the edge and depth of wrinkles that are already there. It wears off slowly too, so it looks natural even as the product works its way out of your system. Most people report feeling a boost of confidence and people noticing they “look great, “ or “look rested,” or similar compliments. What they don’t report is hearing comments that indicate a sudden or drastic change in their appearance.
I can’t decide on Botox or Dysport?
First, you should know that this is a common question and there is no specific right or wrong answer. People have preferences and have had different experiences with each product. Some people use them both, going back and forth between them when it’s time to touch up their treatment. This can be a good way to see what works best for you. If you really aren’t sure which way to go, talk with your practitioner about your goals and ask their opinion
In the meantime, check out our interview with Dr. Harris about Botox vs Dysport and see what she has to say about it! Or go ahead and book your appointment and give it a try for yourself.