Allergan makes Botox and had an exclusive U.S. cosmetic market from 2002-2009. Medicis Aesthetics, the makers of Restylane and Perlane, was behind Dysport, and they presented the first real competition to Botox. Dysport is now owned by Galderma and has gained traction as a popular botulinum toxin for wrinkle reduction to the point where many patients now request it by name.
Both Dysport and Botox are forms of botulinum toxin type A, which is extracted for safe use in humans to relax muscles and decrease movement. Biologically and chemically, they are almost identical, both containing the same 150 kilodalton active core. Dysport does have greater variability in the size and molecular weight of the accesory (protective) protiens attached to this core, which Botox has a consistent size and weight of 900 kilodaltons. Clinically, this does lead to some differences discussed below. What is most important is that they use the exact same mechanism of action in the muscle. Both product relax muscle tissue and prevents it from responding to the nerve impulses that control muscle contraction. Repeated muscle contractions are the cause of those wrinkles that so many people want to eliminate. Over time, smiling and squinting result in crows’ feet around your eyes, frowning creates lines between your brows and raising your eyebrows etches forehead lines. Dysport and Botox seek to reduce the appearance of these lines; with regular upkeep and visits to certified injection specialists with a focus on a natural-looking anti-aging aesthetic, you will find you look rejuvenated and more youthful, not frozen or scary like the media likes to report.
What are the major Dysport Side Effects that I should be concerned about?
The dosage used for cosmetic treatments is relatively small, and Dysport side effects are generally mild. Here again, it’s fairly similar to Botox.
There may be some stinging or burning sensations during the injection as well as swelling or bruising afterward. You may also feel some pain where Dysport was injected or have a skin reaction to the formula, including redness, itching or rash. You might experience a heavy feeling at the injection site; this usually disappears within a couple of weeks.
What is the Dysport price in relation to Botox?
Providers set their own rates, but Dysport tends to be pretty close to Botox in price. The product itself costs less per unit, but treatment may require a higher number of units than Botox does, which typically evens out the cost. Additionally, some providers charge per unit and some charge by the facial areas treated, making it difficult to generalize. Some providers also set the same prices for both products, turning it into a matter of preference alone. At Skin by Lovely in Santa Monica, CA and Portland, OR, we charge per unit, as this is how Allergan and Galderma charge our practice when we purchase the medications.