What is Dysport?

It can simply be called “European Botox”. Its US brand name was proposed to be Reloxin, but the FDA required the name to be kept “Dysport”.

Dysport is Abobotulinum Toxin Type A, developed and manufactured by Medicis Aesthetics Inc. in Ireland.

Is Dysport a new product?

No, Dysport has been in medical use worldwide since 1992. It was approved for cosmetic use in Europe in 2001 and finally FDA approved in the US in April of 2009.

How does Dysport work?

It temporary blocks the nerve signals that cause facial muscle contraction in the treated areas just like botox. This results in a reduction of muscle activity in these areas, ultimately smoothing lines and wrinkles. It works in the same manner as other Botulinum toxins.

These images are real, unaltered photographs of patients treated with Dysport. Patients were asked to form their worse (maximum) frown for each photograph.

How is Dysport administered?

Just like Botox, Dysport is injected into targeted muscles on the face through a very tiny needle. For treatment of frown lines, Dysport is injected at 5 sites as shown in the picture below. It is a pain free procedure with minimal and easily tolerable discomfort. No anesthesia or topical numbing is required. With the proper technique, even icing is hardly ever requested by the patients. The entire procedure takes less than 15 minutes.

What area can be treated?

The most common areas of treatment are moderate to severe frown lines, called glabellar lines, between the brows. Other areas of treatment with good expected results are the lines and wrinkles on the side of the eyes, called crow’s feet, and the horizontal wrinkles on the forehead. Other less frequently injected areas are the chin to lift the corner of the lips, the neck, and other areas – just like Botox.

For all the other frequently asked questions please click here to learn about Dysport compared with Botox.