Dysport is abobotulinum toxin, which is a form of a neurotoxin approved for injection in the United States. It is FDA approved for the improvement of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrow area, also known as glabellar lines.

It can also be used off label for the improvement of wrinkles on the forehead as well as for the crow’s feet, which are lines surrounding the eyes. Dysport takes about 1 to 2 weeks to completely kick in and it last about 3 to 4 months.

How is Dysport different from Botox?

The ingredients of Dysport and Botox are different. Dysport is composed of abobotulinum toxin A and Botox is botulinum toxin A. For every 1 unit of Botox that is injected, typically 3 units of Dysport is necessary. For example if someone were to get 20 units of Botox in the frown line area, an equivalent of 60 units of Dysport is required. Botox and Dysport function in very similar ways and most patients respond adequately well to both of them.

I used to receive Botox in the past and now I get Dysport and it does not seem work as well, why is that?

One of the most common problems when injecting Dysport is that appropriate amount of it is not injected. One has t remember that there is a 1:3 ratio between Botox and Dysport.

This means that for every one unit of Botox that was previously injected, 3 units of Dysport are needed. Some physicians only do 1:2 ratio, which does not typically work as well. In my clinical practice, I always use 1:3 ratio of Botox to Dysport.

For example, someone who typically receives 20 units of Botox will now receive 60 units of Dysport. I have found that the patient satisfaction rate is very high with Dysport and the patients absolutely love it.

Can Dysport also be used for migraine headaches?

Yes, Dysport can be used for migraine headaches.

I have excessive sweating of the armpits and hands, can I use Dysport?

Just like Botox, Dysport can also be used to treat excessive sweating in the armpits as well as on the hands. Excessive sweating is known as hyperhidrosis. In fact, Dysport may in some patients last a bit longer than Botox.

How does Dysport compare to Botox with respect to duration and efficacy?

Typically Botox takes about 2 weeks to have its full effect and it last typically lasts about 3 to 4 months. Similarly Dysport also has its full effect in 2 weeks and last about 3 to 4 months. In my clinical practice, the patients who received Dysport state that the onset is faster than Botox and that it last about slightly longer than Botox.

How does Dysport work?

Dysport is a neurotoxin that blocks the communication between nerves and muscles, thus hindering the muscles from moving and functioning. By preventing muscle activity, the muscles relax, thus smoothing our frown lines and wrinkles.

Is Dysport injection painful?

Typically Dysport and Botox are injected with a 30-gauge needle. When Dr. Behnam performs Dysport injection, he is gentle and does not jam the needle into the muscle. By doing so, this reduces the amount of pain that the patient experiences. For the most part there is only a slight discomfort when injecting Dysport. In patients that are very sensitive, a very strong topical numbing cream can Ben applied on the area that is going to be treated and then ice is applied immediately afterwards.

Where else Dysport can be injected?

Dysport is FDA approved to be injected in the frown lines between the eyebrows. However it can also be injected in the forehead to reduce the forehead lines as well as into the wrinkles at the side of the eyes known as crow’s feet.

Dysport can also be injected for wrinkles on the nose known as bunny lines. Dysport can be injected at the lateral portion of the eyebrows in order to lift them up, giving the eyebrows a sexy lift. Dysport can be used in chin area for the patients who a dimpled chin. It also be injected in order to raise the corners of the mouth as well. Just like Botox, Dysport can also be injected in the neck for the necklines.

How Dysport is typically diluted?

Dysport is delivered to the doctor’s office as a powder in a glass bottle. Bacteriostatic saline is mixed with this powder in ordered prepare to the Dysport. In my clinic, 2.5 cc is mixed with the powder.

What are the most common side effects of Dysport?

The most common side effects of Dysport is pain at injection sites, slight redness and swelling. Some patients might experience headache after the injection. There is always a risk of ptosis, is eyelid drooping, but as long as the injections are done by a professional physician the risks are very minimal.

What are some of the contraindications for Dysport?

Dysport should not be used if you are pregnant or allergic to cow’s milk, protein, or have had any allergic reactions to any botulinum toxin in the past such as Botox or Myobloc or have an infection at the site where you want the area to be treated.

Is the dose of Dysport the same as that of other botulinum toxins such as Botox or Myobloc?

No, the dose is not the same. Various ratios are being currently used in United States; however Dr. Behnam uses a 3:1 ration of Dysport to Botox to achieve the best results. This means that for every 1 unit of Botox that used, he uses 3 units of Dysport.

If I have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease or myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton syndrome, can I still get Dysport?

Dysport should not be used in patients who have any neuromuscular disorders. Prior to injection, patient are always asked if they have a history of neuromuscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease, myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, or MS.

Can I get Dysport if I am pregnant?

No, if you are pregnant you should not receive or use Dysport.

I have had Dysport performed 6 days ago for my frown lines, but the lines are still present, is that normal?

Typically the onset of action for Dysport is quicker than Botox, which usually takes about 2 weeks. However, in some patients Dysport could take up to 2 weeks to have its maximum effect. lease wait 2 weeks before reevaluating.

Where can I find Dysport injection in Santa Monica and Los Angeles, California?

Dr. Behnam is a Board Certified Dermatologist practicing in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Behnam is a Dysport Los Angeles expert. Dr. Behnam’s office location is close to the freeway, thus he serves everyone in the Santa Monica area, Pacific Palisades, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Culver City, West Hollywood and the greater Los Angeles County.