Is Dysport™ the New BOTOX® Cosmetic?

For years men and women looking to smooth out wrinkles have turned to BOTOX® Cosmetic as their solution. By temporarily paralyzing the muscles that lead to wrinkles where it is injected, BOTOX® has been an effective way to take years off your face. BOTOX® Cosmetic is made by Allergan, a company based in the US. However, they may have some competition now that the Food and Drug Administration
has okayed Dysport™ for cosmetic use. Made in the U.K. by Ipsen, Dysport has been used in Europe for a decade.

Dysport has been called a virtual twin of BOTOX®. It is made from the same type of botulinum toxin as BOTOX® and it works the same way BOTOX® does by paralyzing the muscles. This works well for those who have worry lines, frown lines, or look tired much of the time. Also like BOTOX®, injections are made with a fine needle placed in the muscles causing the wrinkles. There is very little discomfort.

Dysport Difference

Clinical studies do show some differences between Dysport and BOTOX®. It may act faster and last longer than BOTOX® does, and another study showed that it was most effective on women, and was longer lasting and more effective in African-Americans. It was found to be less effective in those who are above 65-years-old. While it may take three to five days for the results of BOTOX® to work, it can take half that time for Dysport to work. Some patients report results in as little as 24 hours.

The safety record of Dysport goes back ten years. It was originally developed for treating spastic muscles in people who have cerebral palsy and cervical dysonia. Currently, 76 countries use Dysport for medical reasons and 27 countries use it for cosmetic purposes. The US joined this group in April 2009