DYSPORT

Definition: Dysport is a medication and a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is commonly used in various settings for cosmetic procedures, and is similar to the protein found in Botox® Cosmetic.[1]

Other names: AbobotulinumtoxinA for injection

Uses
FDA approved in the United States in 2009 for the treatment of cervical dystonia (painful contraction of neck muscles) and cosmetic uses.

Dysport® and Botox® are both cosmetic injections that temporarily relax the muscles in the face that create expressions, such as frown lines between the brows, that over time result in visible facial lines and deeper creases. Dysport is often used to smooth the vertical “frown” (glabellar) lines between the eyebrows. [3]

Contrast with Botox
Although their action is similar, Dysport® and Botox® Cosmetic are two different drugs.  Botox Cosmetic was approved in 2002 by the U.S. FDA for treatment of the glabella region and Dysport was approved in 2009. However, both of these injectible drugs are often used by experienced physicians in other areas of the face, including the periorbital region (around the eyes, crow’s feet), and mid-chin.

Botox® Cosmetic and Dysport® are not interchangeable; they are measured and diluted in differing doses and therefore equal amounts of Botox® Cosmetic and Dysport® do not produce identical outcomes. A physician must prescribe both products. Talk to your doctor to learn which treatment may be right for you.

Safety
More than 21 million people have been injected with genuine Dysport® or Botox® Cosmetic in the U.S. by qualified doctors in the past decade and rarely have there been complications. The most serious complications reported from these injections are a temporary eyelid droop; its rare, data shows it occurs in less than 2% of patients, and well-trained doctors can usually avoid this outcome.[3]

Effectiveness
Treatment is temporary. Within 4 to 6 months you will see movement return to the treated area. If you do not repeat treatment, your appearance will return to its pre-treatment state. [4]