What Is Dysport?
Those wrinkles you get between your eyebrows, in the center directly above your nose? They can be treated with an injection of Dysport, technically known as a neurotoxin. For purposes of cosmetic therapies, a neurotoxin can temporarily relax muscles and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The result is smoother, younger-looking skin.
How Does It Work?
The lines it treats are known medically as glabellar lines. They’re named this for the region of the face where they appear, which is, of course, the glabellar. Again, it’s in the middle of the forehead, just above the nose and between the eyebrows.
Lines develop in this area from normal facial movements. Muscles tense when you concentrate or frown, smile, or squint. With those repeated movements comes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Dysport works by blocking messages to the brain that would normally signal the muscles to contract.
How It Compares to Botox
Botox is recognized as one of the most highly-sought cosmetic therapies. Like its counterpart, Botox is an injection that, after absorbed by nerve endings, can reduce the appearance of fine lines. The two also work on the same premise: by blocking movement, muscles relax and give skin a softer appearance.
Each therapy is made from the same ingredient as well, which is botulinum toxin A. To briefly explain, this is a bacteria capable of interfering with the signals between nerves and muscles. But not to worry. When administered in small doses, both injection options are very safe and perfectly healthy.
Understanding Botox
The use of Botox in cosmetic treatments happened by accident. Scientists were using it to treat crossed eyes in the 1970s when they realized it can reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the forehead. It made its way to the market in 2002 as a treatment for glabellar lines. Today, it is one of the most popular therapies in medicine.
The Obvious Differences
These two injections are similar enough that some healthcare providers use them interchangeably. Our office staff does not, but this shows how alike they are. They also have a number of differences that, taken as a whole, add up to some significance.
Where They’re Used
The company that manufactures Botox – Allergan – serves only the United States. That means Botox isn’t even available outside of this country. Dysport, on the other hand, is popular in Europe and has been for some time. This injection only became available in the U.S. in 2009, when the FDA gave approval.
How They’re Used
Dysport is only approved for use on glabellar lines. Although people popularly ask for Botox injections around the mouth and even in the chin, it’s only approved for use around the eyes and in the forehead.
To reiterate, the former can be used to reduce frown lines; the latter can be used to treat glabellar lines in addition to helping reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the forehead and lines near the eyes, commonly called crow’s feet. This makes Botox a little more universal in its application.
Chemical Composition
Dysport is less concentrated, a difference owed to molecular construction. Without getting overly technical, we can tell you it is composed of smaller molecules. Internal antibodies break these down much more slowly, if at all, to give patients great success.
Knowing this might come as a surprise because it seems that having a more diluted consistency would render the treatment less effective. The truth is it’s equal to Botox in this area – they’re both very effective. The glaring difference is that patients require more units in comparison to Botox. This is neither good nor bad, but it does mean someone who typically receives Botox will need more Dysport to achieve the same results.
When Results Show
Because of its molecular structure, Dysport produces results that are typically seen more quickly than Botox. With the former, you might see fewer wrinkles and smoother skin in just a day or two. Botox might take upwards of three days. The difference isn’t dramatic, but it is significant enough that it can help sway a patient’s decision.
The time variance is owed, again, to smaller molecules. They get absorbed more quickly by nerve endings to give faster results. However, the molecular structure does not impact efficacy; both treatments are intended to inhibit muscle movement, which they successfully do.
How Long They Last
The longevity of results also differs. Botox injections usually last at least six months, and in some cases, up to a year. Its counterpart can last between three to four months, and up to six for some patients. However, we caution you that every person reacts differently to the treatments, so your results will vary as well. We can explain this in more detail during your consultation.
Molecular Weights
The molecular weight of Botox is much more consistent. This means each individual molecule is approximately the same size for greater uniformity. While we agree this knowledge doesn’t seem important from a patient perspective, it actually is.
Because of its size variability, Dysport injections can easily move and settle over a large area, such as the forehead. Ultimately, this treatment may also change the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines with fewer injections. But the density of Botox makes it ideal for areas that require a precise application, such as laugh lines near the eyes, because its molecules stay in place.
A Few Similarities
It’s worth noting that neither treatment is associated with recovery time. You can return to work and/or your daily routine immediately. You’re not likely to experience pain, and both give great, long-lasting results. In addition, you need follow-up treatments with both to continue seeing the desired results.
What to Expect
You may have heard the term “lunchtime treatment” in reference to injectable therapies like Botox. This is because both therapies are quick and easy to administer; you’ll only be with the doctor for about 10 to 15 minutes. They are convenient choices for people with busy schedules and pending deadlines, but who also want to look and feel their best.
They Are Not Fillers
Some patients mistake these injectable therapies for dermal fillers, which they are not. You can liken fillers to a gel that is used to restore volume and elasticity in the skin, used in such areas as the cheeks. Conversely, injectable neurotoxins relax muscles for smoother facial contours.
Safety Profiles
Both injections are extremely safe in small doses. You should also know you’ll need to repeat treatment because the results are temporary. Together, you and Dr. Thompson can decide on a treatment regimen that promotes safety and visible results.
Keep in mind that follow-up therapies are perfectly normal and even recommended to continue giving you the appearance of smooth, velvety skin. In addition, Dr. Thompson has received extensive training in cosmetic therapies and is committed to giving you the safest, most comfortable treatment possible.
Which Is Better?
Many patients want to know which of the therapies is better, but we have no definitive answer. Researchers have attempted to study patients and see if one injection yielded higher results than the other. We’re happy to say they’re both equally effective, which means it comes down to personal choice.
Dr. Thompson will fully evaluate your medical history, any current health conditions, and your prescription medicines. This will help him understand your body and, in turn, which injection might be better for you individually. He’ll take into consideration what you hope to gain from treatment and the area to be addressed. So the short answer is that neither therapy is better, but we’ll make a decision on which is right for you.
Suitable for All People of All Ages
While people tend to think of lines as afflicting only the elderly, they can be found on faces of nearly any age. This makes injectable neurotoxins attractive to patients as young as in their 20s, and up to 65 or older.
In addition, these treatments are no longer considered valuable only for women. Men also turn to these therapies to reduce lines and wrinkles, and we respect the decisions of all our patients.
A Brief History of Beauty Regimens
Before the easy injection treatments of today, people went to great lengths – and spent considerable time – to look desirable. The Ancient Egyptians soaked in milk baths, while the Ancient Greeks created face masks out of milk and berries. These rituals were messy and not always hygienic, without any guaranteed results.
In the 1800s, therapies became harsher and with fewer results. Many women were allergic to zinc oxide but realized this only after they applied the mineral to their skins; it was believed to enhance the pale complexions popular during that time. Lemon juice was used for the same reason, scrubbed into skin until it caused pain.
Today’s Therapies
At our office, we want you to be happy with every aspect of your therapy. We encourage you to be an active participant in treatment by asking questions and voicing your concerns. This not only makes therapy more enjoyable, but it allows us to customize it as much as possible to meet your desires. Modern therapies are safe, comfortable, and effective.
Explaining Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Wrinkles happen for a variety of reasons, some of which include sun exposure, genetics, smoking, and age. In the forehead and around the eyes, repeated muscle movements cause the skin to elasticity. That’s why these are some of the most common places where wrinkles prematurely develop: we use those muscles many times throughout the day, often without even noticing.
The toll that wrinkles take on a face is visible: skin looks less pliable and more tired. But the emotional toll they can have on a person is less obvious. Men and women of all ages can suffer a loss of confidence and feel generally displeased with their appearance. But after injectable therapy, patients report a boost in self-esteem, whether preparing for an event or simply going about their daily routines.
Your Choice for Smoother Skin
In choosing one of these popular injections, you’re sure to see rapid results that give you a more refined and youthful appearance. Both treatments are safe and highly effective, without the potential for complications posed by more invasive treatments. In addition, you’ll have no healing time and rapid results, so you can jump right back into life.
Our office is highly skilled in administering both therapies. Call the Southeastern Institute of Restorative Medicine in Dothan, Alabama, today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to answering your questions and partnering with you to meet your beauty goals.