Dysport® is an FDA-approved injectable treatment used to temporarily improve the look of moderate to severe lines or wrinkles on the face. Many wrinkles are creases worn into the skin by making the same expression thousands of times. These “expression lines” include frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead “11’s.”
With just one treatment, Dysport® blocks the nerve’s signal to the muscles, ultimately resulting in a reduction of muscle activity and temporarily preventing contraction of the muscles that cause frown lines. Dysport® injections are physician-performed for experience and precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dysport®?
Dysport® is the brand name of botulinum toxin type A that has been in use since 1990. Although it is a toxin, there have been no serious side effects because it is used in extremely small amounts and does not spread throughout the body.
How does it work?
Simply by relaxing the muscles underneath the skin to create a smooth and refreshed appearance.
Where can Dysport® be injected?
Dysport® is a treatment for wrinkles caused by repeated movements. The most commonly treated areas include:
- lines around the eyes known as crow’s feet caused by squinting or smiling
- horizontal lines across the forehead caused by raising the eyebrows
- lines and folding of skin between the eyebrows caused by frowning
Is it safe?
Yes! Dysport® has been available for over 20 years and has been proven safe, with very few side effects. It is an approved prescription drug by the FDA.
Am I at risk for food poisoning? Isn’t it a toxin or poison?
The active ingredient is not botulism and will not cause food poisoning. It is neither toxic nor poisonous to humans. The product is a purified protein extracted from a naturally occurring bacteria and then rigorously processed under strict pharmaceutical manufacturing guidelines. It is very similar to how Penicillin is derived from mold.
How do I know it won’t be toxic to me?
For cosmetic treatment, a typical dose is under 100 units. You would have to receive over 35 times this dose at one time to make you even remotely sick. The cost for that large a dose would be over $42,000.
How long does the procedure take?
Generally, after consultation, the procedure only takes up to 15 minutes. Since there is no downtime, you can do it on a lunch break, and no one would even know you have had it done.
How quickly does it work?
It can take up to 2 weeks for the full effect.
How is it done, and does it hurt?
We use a very delicate, tiny insulin-type needle. Most patients say the injections feel similar to a little pinch, although everyone is different. We usually hear patients ask, “Is that all?”
How long does it last?
This is not a permanent procedure. It will last between 3 and 4 months on average. If you follow our recommendation to have your first four treatments every 3 months, your next few treatments will last longer than three months. Most patients who strictly adhere to this schedule find:
- Their next treatment lasts four months
- The following treatment lasts five months
- Treatments can be stabilized at approximately two times per year
Is my face going to look worse when it wears off?
No. Dysport® stops or slows the clock of aging, and when you stop treatments, the aging clock resumes like normal. At the very minimum, you will simply return to where you started. If you use Dysport® for several years and then stop, your muscles learn to relax, and you often end up looking a little better than when you initially started treatments.
How much does it cost?
This varies by each patient, and a personal consultation can provide the number of units you will need and a cost estimate.
I don’t want to look like a mask without any expression; will that happen?
No. We ensure you get the look you want, as natural as you want. Most people simply want to look natural, relaxed, and refreshed without looking “done.” In the experienced hands of our Dermatologists, patients typically say that no one knows they had anything done. Friends simply say they look well-rested and great!
What side effects can I expect?
Any side effects are rare and not permanent. There can be some minor bruising (which is easily covered with makeup) or a slight short-term headache.
Where does the Dysport® distribute in my body?
The drug stays local to the muscle where it was injected. It is metabolized and broken down into natural by-products within a few hours.
Can I receive Dysport® treatments if I am nursing or pregnant?
No, it is not recommended. Although there is no clinical evidence to prove any harm to the mother or baby, we prefer to be 100 percent safe.