Dysport
Dysport is a type A botulinum toxin that is injected under the facial skin in order to temporarily freeze facial muscles and thus abate various facial lines that have been formed between the eyebrows (due to facial muscle contraction and skin creasing that are caused when someone laughs, frown or squints into the sun, which tend to leave more permanent signs as the skin loses its elasticity). In 2009, Dysport (which is manufactured by the European company Ipsen Pharmaceuticals and is brought to the USA by Medicis) was approved by the FDA for the treatment of frown lines.
How Does Dysport Work?
Dysport works by temporarily impeding the nerves from transmitting signals to the muscles that are responsible for contracting the face, thus minimizing this tension and ultimately smoothening wrinkles and frown lines, initially for a relatively limited amount of time and, in due course, for a longer period of time (as the skin is then able to “function” under a new pattern, without being “manipulated” by the harmful impact of the facial muscles).
As for the procedure, a number of 3-5 injections are made under the patient’s skin, and more specifically into the facial muscles which are beneath the facial lines. Although these shots are usually barely felt by the patient – thus discarding the need for even a local anaesthetic –, the doctor may choose to numb the skin over the treated area before performing the injections. The whole procedure typically lasts for about 15-20 minutes. Obviously, a single treating session is not enough to deliver a tremendous difference, so a series of 3-5 courses, segregated by 3-4 weeks intervals, are required to achieve the wanted outcome. After a time period of typically 4-6 months, reiterative injections must be performed in order for the results to be maintained.
Benefits
Dysport is considered to feature a number of merits:
- Effective “abrogation” of the wrinkle-inducing facial muscles which eventually bring about the formation of facial
- Application on several facial areas (forehead wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet, “bunny lines” of the nose, upright neck bands below the chin etc.)
- Minimal discomfort during the injection procedure
- More youthful appearance
- Limited recuperation time, which enables the patient to resume their normal activities almost immediately
- Reasonably priced product and operation
Results
Working on the slackening of the facial muscles, Dysport is able to significantly reduce the tendency of the treated person to contract their frown muscles whereas not obstructing normal facial motions such as eyelids blinking or eyebrows raising. However, those results are not instantaneous; in fact, they usually start to become evident after a couple of days, and most commonly, they get to their full effect after a time period of approximately 7-10 days. In addition, a potential Dysport user should bear in mind that the results last for approximately 4-6 months, depending of course on the patient, the doctor or the extent of the initial problem; still, in many cases, the beneficial effects can be prolonged over the expected time frame, mainly thanks to the potency of Dysport to “discipline” the muscle tissue and force it to limit intense contraction (frowning or squinting), even if the toxin has already been metabolized by the patient’s organism.
Dysport Reviews
Dysport is a comparatively new entrance in the facial rejuvenation sector, yet it has managed to become acceptably popular among patients all over the western world. In spite of this, its presence cannot be considered overwhelmingly successful; testimonials are mixed in terms of the users’ approval, with slightly more claiming that Dysport did deliver them very satisfactory or just acceptable results; on the flip side, a significant number of users complain about either sub-par outcome or disappointing duration of the initially tolerable results, lack of smoothness, emerging of vertical lines and eyebrows and eyelids droop – along with a number of side effects (see the following paragraph). Dysport has a 54{f4e1575822752660c3387461b06f16047197db710b64f29e8565d582c3a8cd4f} positive feedback at Realself!
Side Effects
Irrespective of the manufacturer’s claims about the lack of side effects, a substantial percentage of its users have encountered mild or more serious adverse reactions. These mainly include:
- Redness and swelling
- Soreness and bruising
- Slight headaches
- Eyebrows and eyelids droop
- Blurry vision and dizziness
- Rashes and headaches
Dysport Cost
Priced at about $5-8 per unit, Dysport is a relatively affordable treatment (compared to Botox, for example, which costs about $15-20 per unit). Thus, with an average price (as displayed on Realself.com) of $375, Dysport can be a cost-effective restorative choice.
Before and After Photos
Our Advice
Roughly speaking, Dysport is a method which, while not being exceptional, can deliver relatively rapid and obvious results in terms of mitigating the signs of aging on the face caused by the reasons earlier mentioned (and not, i.e., wrinkles which are obvious when the facial muscles are completely relaxed). Still, due to its mediocre performance in many cases, individuals who are interested in trying a rejuvenating procedure of this type, should also consider undergoing Botox or even Dermal Fillers (Dermal Fillers explained here) like Restylane (detailed report here) and Juvederm (our impartial review here). Yet, if you do proceed to Dysport, make sure the treatment is performed properly by a skilled medical professional, who will be able to exploit the full potential of the method without causing serious side effects, over-weakening the muscle movements or abnormally limiting facial expressions.
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