Dysport in Washington, DC
Similar to Botox, Dysport is a neurotoxin used to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles of the face. The Center for Laser Surgery was Washington, DC’s sole Dysport investigator during the Stage III FDA clinical trials, and this experience enabled us to be recognized experts in the use of this product, the first competing neurotoxin available alongside the widely available Botox Cosmetic®.
What is Dysport?
Dysport is a simple, effective, non-surgical treatment that works by relaxing facial muscles, thereby reducing and smoothing away frown-lines and wrinkles. Dysport, like Botox Cosmetic® is a protein extracted from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. The Dysport protein was initially used for the treatment of motor disorders and various kinds of involuntary muscular spasms, including cerebral palsy.
Is Dysport Better Than Botox?
This topic is widely debated and heavily biased due to most study funding on the matter being sponsored by the manufacturers of each product. Many cosmetic physicians outside the U.S. who have used Dysport report greater longevity compared to Botox when used in a 3:1 ratio.
- Center for Laser Surgery Independent Study – In addition to performing the FDA Stage III Clinical Trials at our Washington, DC location, in 2006 the Center for Laser Surgery sponsored and fully funded a 24-patient double blinded comparative study of Dysport and Botox in the treatment of forehead lines in Karlsruhe, Germany. The results of this study, both physical observations, electromyelographic studies, and patient feedback, indicated that Dysport was faster acting and longer lasting than Botox when used in a 3:1 unit ratio to Botox.
Why is Injector Selection More Important Than Ever?
Studies indicate that Dysport may possibly disperse more widely than Botox Cosmetic when injected. While this is advantageous when treating broader areas of small wrinkles such as crows feet, when used to treat glabellar lines of the forehead it could lead to increased occurrence of ptosis (drooping eyelid) if injected by someone inexperienced with Dysport. As Washington DC’s largest Cosmetic Injectable Practice and with our experience performing the Dysport FDA Clinical Trial, we are the most experienced practice using Dysport in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas.
How Does Dysport Work?
Dysport blocks impulses from the nerve to the facial muscles that are related to expression lines. Dysport relaxes the muscles so they do not contract. After treatment, the overlying skin becomes smooth and unwrinkled, while the untreated facial muscles contract in a normal fashion, allowing normal facial expression to be unaffected.
How is Dysport Used?
Tiny amounts of Dysport are injected directly into the facial muscles underlying the frown lines. It usually takes three to five small, almost painless injections between the eyebrows for an effective treatment. No local anesthetic is usually required but if you are concerned a numbing cream can be applied prior to treatment. Treatment is normally over in less than 15 minutes. Over the next few days, the muscles gradually relax allowing wrinkles to loosen and skin in the treated area to appear more youthful.
