What is Dysport™?

Dysport™ is abobotulinum toxin type A, a highly purified protein that blocks messages between the muscles and the nerves that control them, thereby relaxing facial expression lines. Dysport is most commonly used for wrinkles between the eyebrows (the glabellar area), but is also used for lines across the forehead and crow’s feet around the eyes. Prior to its FDA approval in the United States, Dysport was to be released under the
name Reloxin but that name was dropped.

What results can you expect?

The effects of Dysport injections normally become apparent after two to five days and normally last for three to six months. When facial muscles contract, they form creases that eventually create wrinkles. Relaxing those muscles eliminates facial creases and the wrinkles in those creases gradually fade. The relaxation also prevents the muscles from forming new creases and wrinkles.

How many treatments do you need?
The amount of relaxation and the length of time the relaxation lasts depend on three factors:
– The size and strength of the muscle being injected
– Your sensitivity to the medication
– The amount of Dysport injected into the muscle

The first two factors vary between individuals so you may require more or less medication than another person to produce the same results. The effects of Dysport injections normally last for three to six months.

Like any other muscle that is not exercised, muscles treated with Dysport become weaker over time. If you follow a good maintenance program, your next injections will occur when the relaxation begins to wear off but just before the muscles can form wrinkles again. At this time, there are still residual effects from the earlier injections. Weaker muscles with residual effects from earlier treatments often require less medication than the original injections to produce the same results.

Things you should know

Side effects are generally limited to the injection site and may include slight swelling or bruising. Bruising is more likely if you take blood thinning substances including vitamin E, aspirin, NSAIDs (e.g., Naproxen, Advil, Aleve, Motrin or Naprosyn), or prescription medications such as coumadin. Headaches lasting several hours may occur. In rare instances, adjacent muscles may be weakened for several weeks after an injection. Dysport treatments are contraindicated if you have muscle diseases such as Lou Gehrig’s, Eaton-Lamber syndrome, myasthenia gravis or you are taking medications that interfere with neuromuscular transmissions (e.g., polymysins, quinidine, anticholinesterases, magnesium sulfate).

Makeup may be applied after the treatment, but you should avoid pressing or