What is Dysport?
Dysport is a type of Botulinum toxin type A injection, a slightly different chemical variety to Botox. Botulinum toxin is a protein made by the Clostridium Botulinum bacteria that blocks nerve signals to the muscles. This means that when injected into an area it can ‘freeze’ wrinkles formed my normal facial movement, but it will not ‘cure’ sagging skin caused by aging. It works best used on upper areas of the face such as the forehead and around the eyes.
Dyport supposedly works a little quicker than Botox and fewer injections are needed because it diffuses further from the injection site. However, its greater diffusion rate can be a risk as well as an advantage (see ‘What are the risks of Dysport injections?’ below).
What is involved in having Dysport treatment?
A Dysport treatment takes around 15 minutes. First your face will be cleaned and if you’ve requested it, a numbing solution or cream may be applied (this may increase treatment time as this will need time to work). The injections are usually virtually painless so no anaesthetic is normally used. Then small amounts of botulinum toxin are injected into the treatment area. After treatment you can leave the clinic.
Like other botulinum toxin injections, Dysport is not a permanent solution to wrinkles and the effects will wear off gradually, disappearing completely between 4 and 6 months later. You may want to opt for a course of regular treatments a few months apart. However, be aware that excessive treatments can lead to you developing immunity to the toxin.
How long will it take me to recover from Dysport treatment?
You should feel fine after your Dysport treatment but your face may feel a little sensitive and tingly for 24 hours, so treat the injected area with care during that time. Some people may experience slight bruising, and you should tell your practitioner if you are on any anticoagulant (blood thinning) medications such as warfarin, heparin or aspirin, as these may make you more prone to bruising.
What are the risks of Dysport injections?
It can be hard to predict exactly how Dysport or any botulinum toxin will affect a muscle, so even if your practitioner is very experienced, you may find the result is unsatisfactory. In worst case scenarios, some people have found that their eyelid droops after the injection, and this will not resolve until the effects of the toxin begin to wear off. Dysport’s ability to diffuse into wider areas than other brands means it carries a slightly increased risk of affecting neighbouring muscles, causing temporary paralysis.
Excessive doses of botulinum toxin can lead to immunity to the toxin, so don’t be tempted to book treatments too close together. Although allergic reactions haven’t been reported, there are very rare cases in which people treated with botulinum toxin develop a rash or swelling, but this resolves in a few days. If you’re concerned or it persists, contact your cosmetic practitioner or your doctor.
How much does Dysport treatment cost?
Prices vary depending of the areas you are having treated, and discounts are usually available if you book a few treatments at a time or have more than area treated. The fees per session range from £100 to £900.
