Dysport

Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxin A) is a prescription injection for temporary improvement in the look of moderate to severe lines.

Dysport was first approved by the FDA in 2009 for the treatment of cervical dystonia.

All aesthetic injections should be done at least one month prior to any special event such as wedding, engagement, anniversary, birthday, major holiday, or photo shoot. Bruising and swelling after injections can last up to 14 days in some cases.

Please refrain from drinking caffeine, alcohol, and taking pain medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen, motrin, aspirin or advil, also vitamins, fish oil and other herbal supplements prior to your visit, to minimize the chances of bruising. Please also review “aftercare instructions” on our website.

Dysport has the quickest “onset” of action compared to Botox; typically requiring 24 hours for the results to be seen. Botox can take up to 72 hours for the results to settle. Please note that it will take 2 weeks to see the full effect for both products.

We follow very strict FDA guidelines when it comes to Botox and Dysport injections. To avoid situations where patients purchase smaller number of units and come back requesting free touch ups.

Recommended dosing:

60 units of Dysport between eye brows into glabellar area, known as frown lines or the “11" lines

60 units of Dysport for the upper forehead
35 units of Dysport around each eye, known as crow's feet

Important pre-procedure information:

Every injection carries a risk of infection.
As with all medications, allergic and systemic anaphylactic reactions may occur.
Some discomfort and pain can be experienced during the procedure.
Swelling, redness, pain, bruising, itching and warmth at the site of injection can be seen for up to 7 days following the procedure.
Rash and itching may also occur following injections.
Flu-like symptoms such as nausea, fever, and migraine headache can be experienced following the procedure for up to 7 days.
The body is not symmetrical, and sometimes the injections can have more pronounced effect on one side than the other.
Sometimes the procedure will not achieve a fully desired effect and may need to be repeated.
Toxin injections are associated with certain risks including drooping of the upper eyelid (ptosis) and abnormal looseness of the lower eyelid.
Alcohol, vitamins, herbal supplements, fish oil, anti-inflammatory medications also known as NSAIDs (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil) and blood thinners such as Coumadin, Xarelto, and Plavix taken 24-48 hours prior to the procedure can increase the chance of bruising at the injection site.

Aftercare instructions:

For Botox and Dysport aftercare instructions, please click HERE

Botox vs. Dysport:

Botox and Dysport are both neuromodulators or neurotoxins (forms of botulinum toxin type A) that have been approved by the FDA to temporarily paralyze muscles of the face and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. The minimally-invasive injectables are equally safe, and both work via the same mechanism.

While both products are used for the same indications and are chemically similar, there are a few key differences between the two. These differences are so great that it is important for patients to understand that these products are not interchangeable.

Dosage: There is an important difference between Botox and Dysport: they are dosed differently. It takes 3 units of Dysport to equal muscle relaxing strength of 1 unit of Botox. This distinction is very important, for example 50 units of Botox equals 150 units of Dysport.

Molecule size: Dysport formula contains smaller molecules compared to Botox. Smaller molecules enable Dysport to work faster than Botox and have a larger area of spreading.

Diffusion: Dysport tends to diffuse more than Botox, causing it to spread to a larger area after it is injected. This means a larger area can be addressed in fewer injections. However, this diffusion means Dysport is less effective in treating smaller areas where more precision is needed or areas with thicker muscles.

How long does Dyport last?

The results from Dysport last anywhere between 2-6 months; the average result lasts about 3-4 months. Our body makes new neurotransmitters all the time, so the “blocking” effect of Dysport gradually wears off as these chemicals start circulating in our body again. Nerves will again be able to send signals to the muscles to start contracting.

It is also common for first-timers to notice that it may not last as long initially but may last longer after the second treatment. Everyone has a unique experience and results may vary.