Many individuals are familiar with Botox to smooth lines and wrinkles, but have you heard of Botox’s cousin, Dysport? Dysport is an injectable treatment that works similarly to Botox, temporarily smoothing lines and wrinkles in the forehead area.
What is Dysport?
Dysport is an injectable treatment made up of botulinum toxin type A. Like Botox, it works to block nerve signals that cause facial muscles to contract when facial expressions are made. This creates a smooth facial appearance. Dysport differs from Botox in that it contains smaller-sized molecules. It is also known to diffuse more, or spread to a wider area, than Botox.
How Dysport Works to Reduce Wrinkles
Dysport is an FDA-approved botulinum toxin product designed for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. When injected into the planned injection site, Dysport works by blocking the nerve signals that cause muscle contractions. This allows the treated muscles to relax, softening the appearance of facial wrinkles and creating a smoother, more youthful look.
Dysport vs. Botox: What’s the Difference?
While both Dysport and Botox injections use botulinum toxin to treat facial wrinkles, there are subtle differences. Dysport has a slightly faster onset, with many patients noticing results within just a few days. Its unique formulation allows it to spread more easily across the treatment area, making it especially effective for vertical lines between the brows (also called glabellar lines).
Botox, on the other hand, may be preferred for smaller, more targeted areas. Both are botulinum toxin injections, but the choice between them depends on your goals, your doctor’s office recommendation, and how your skin responds to treatment.
Benefits of Choosing Dysport
Patients choose Dysport because it offers natural-looking, lasting results with minimal downtime; some of the main benefits include:
- Fast, noticeable softening of facial wrinkles like frown lines and forehead lines.
- A broader spread in the injection site, making it ideal for larger facial areas.
- Quick treatments that can be completed in about 10 minutes in a doctor’s office.
- Little to no downtime; patients can resume normal activities right away.
- An alternative for patients who want to try a different botulinum toxin product.
Common Treatment Areas for Dysport
Dysport is most often used to treat facial wrinkles in the upper face, including:
- Glabellar lines
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet
In some cases, botulinum toxin injections like Dysport are also used to manage muscle spasms, excessive sweating, bladder control, or certain medical conditions under professional supervision.
What to Expect During Your Dysport Appointment
Dysport treatments are very similar to Botox treatments, and last about 10 minutes. A topical numbing solution can be applied to the treatment area to help ensure a comfortable treatment experience. Then, a very fine needle will be used to inject Dysport into the treatment areas. The number of injections required will depend on the severity of your wrinkles and lines.
How Long Does Dysport Last?
Most patients see results from their Dysport treatment within 2–5 days, with full results appearing by two weeks. These improvements typically last 3–6 months, depending on factors such as the treatment area, the amount of product used, and how your body metabolizes the botulinum toxin product. Regular maintenance appointments every few months can help sustain your results.
Am I a Candidate for Dysport?
Dysport is safe and effective for many adults seeking a temporary improvement in facial wrinkles. You may be a candidate if you have moderate to severe glabellar lines, forehead lines, or crow’s feet. However, Dysport is not for everyone. You should tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially if you have a history of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease), myasthenia gravis, or Lambert Eaton syndrome, as these conditions can increase risks of muscle weakness or trouble breathing.
Also, discuss if you have a skin infection at the injection site, a history of allergic reaction to cow’s milk protein, or if you’ve recently received other botulinum toxin products. Make sure to inform your provider about all the medicines you take.
Dysport Recovery and Results
There is no downtime associated with Dysport injections, so you can continue with your everyday routine as soon as you feel comfortable! Mild swelling, bruising, injection site pain, and redness may occur. Patients can often see results beginning to appear within two weeks of their injections. Results commonly last 3-6 months.
While Dysport is generally safe when administered by a qualified provider, it’s important to understand that serious side effects can occur in rare cases. Seek immediate medical help if you experience symptoms such as trouble breathing, swallowing problems, or weak muscles that spread beyond the treatment area, as these may indicate toxin effects similar to a serious condition called botulism. Other warning signs include:
- Drooping eyelids
- Double vision
- Blurred vision
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Difficulty speaking
Always tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and new medicines before treatment, and call for emergency care right away if you develop severe or unexpected symptoms after your injections.
Why Choose Golosow MD for Dysport in Fort Myers?
When it comes to choosing a provider for your Dysport treatment, experience and safety matter. Dr. Lorraine Golosow is a highly regarded board-certified plastic surgeon in Fort Myers with decades of expertise in both surgical and nonsurgical facial rejuvenation. Treatments are always performed in a professional doctor’s office environment with your safety, comfort, and results as the top priorities. Dr. Golosow’s team carefully evaluates your medical conditions, reviews possible side effects, and develops a personalized treatment plan to ensure the best outcome.
Schedule Your Dysport Consultation
If you are ready to smooth away frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet, Dysport may be the ideal solution for you. Contact our Fort Myers office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Golosow.
If you are interested in smoothing facial lines and wrinkles, Dysport may be for you! Patients in the Ft. Myers area can contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Golosow.
