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Like a competing drug, Botox, Dysport is made with a purified form of Clostridium botulinim toxin type A, a neurotoxic protein that can temporarily immobilize the muscles on the face that contribute to the formation of deep forehead wrinkles (known as glabellar rhytids in medical jargon).
Dysport is similar to Botox, although some research suggests that Dysport may be faster-acting and longer-lasting. It also spreads farther from the injection site, thus allowing a broader area of small wrinkles (such as the “crow’s feet” lines that splay out from the corners of the eyes) to be treated with fewer injections. This latter feature has a disadvantage, however. Unless skillfully applied, Dysport may spread to muscles, such as those in the upper eyelids, that you don’t want relaxed. That’s why it’s essential that you receive these treatments from an experienced physician.
How does it work? Whenever your face makes a movement—you smile, squint or frown for instance—your facial muscles contract and the skin over those muscles creases. These are called dynamic wrinkles because they disappear when the facial movements stop. As you age and your skin loses its elasticity, those creases deepen into static, or permanent, lines and wrinkles. Dysport temporarily blocks the nerve impulses to the muscles that underlay facial expressions such as squinting or frowning, thus smoothing out the permanent lines that form above them. The result: Your face looks more youthful and less stern.
What is the treatment like?Like Botox, Dysport is injected directly into the facial muscles beneath the lines of the face. Usually, only 3 to 5 injections are needed to treat glabellar lines. Most people find the injections almost painless, so a local anesthetic is not usually needed. If you’re concerned, however, you can request an anesthetic (numbing) cream prior to treatment.
The treatment session typically lasts less than 15 minutes. The full effect of the treatment will take several days as the muscles gradually relax. Most common side effects are temporary swelling, soreness and mild bruising. You may also experience a slight headache for a few hours. In rare cases—if the botulinum toxin spreads too far beyond the treatment site—unwanted muscles may be relaxed for a few days or up to 4 weeks.
The FDA has required both Dysport and Botox to include a warning on their labels of an extremely rare but potentially life-threatening complication—botulism poisoning. It appears, however, that such complications have primarily occurred in people who are receiving overdoses of the drug for unapproved purposes. The FDA has stressed that when given for approved uses—such as the correction of facial wrinkles—at approved doses, botulinum toxins are perfectly safe. Indeed, millions of people around the world have been treated safely with them for many years.
How long do the treatments last? You’ll notice the greatest effects from Dysport about 1 to 2 weeks after treatment. The effects should last up to 6 months, at which point you’ll need a follow-up treatment to maintain a wrinkle-free face. You should always make sure you receive cosmetic skin treatments from a highly experienced health professional.
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