Is Dysport the New Botox?
When it became FDA approved in 2002, Botox brand injections took the plastic surgery world by storm. The botulinum toxin became so effective at treating wrinkles that it still remains among the most popular procedures in doctors’ offices all over the country. Botox is now so well known that the name has become synonymous with botulinum toxins in general. In recent years, however, a new brand of botulinum toxin hit the market known as Dysport. This toxin is also FDA approved and is steadily being offered in more and more practices every year. So, the question becomes, is Dysport replacing Botox?
Some Botulinum Toxin Background
Every time your expression changes, it’s thanks to over thirty different muscles that control your entire face. The muscles contract to create the different expressions and are stimulated by nerve impulses from your brain. Every time you scrunch your forehead, smile, or raise your eyebrows, it’s because your brain is sending a signal to your facial muscles.
Botulinum toxin temporarily paralyzes the muscles by blocking those nerve impulses. It’s a lot like when you go to the dentist and they numb your mouth with Novocain. You can’t feel any pain because those nerves can’t send a pain signal to the brain. The concept is similar with botulinum toxins. Small amounts of the toxin are injected directly into your facial muscles, causing the signals from the brain to be blocked and preventing the muscles from contracting.
Where the Toxins are Most Useful
The muscles that move your eyes, mouth, and forehead get a lot of exercise because those are the features that give you the most expression. Since those areas experience more frequent contractions, they cause lines and wrinkles to appear. Laugh lines, crow’s feet, and forehead creases are known as dynamic wrinkles and they result directly from continued use of your facial muscles. These wrinkles don’t appear overnight, but as time goes on, they can become deeper and more pronounced.
Botulinum toxins help treat dynamic wrinkles by paralyzing the muscles that cause them. When the muscles can’t contract anymore, the skin looks smoother and the wrinkles either fade or become less conspicuous.
How Dysport Compares with Botox
The truth is that both toxins perform about the same and produce great results. For some patients, it has been shown that Dysport results show themselves sooner and last slightly longer than those from Botox. Some doctors will also use Dysport as a substitute for long-term Botox users, as the patient can build up a tolerance to Botox over time.
Generally speaking, however, Dysport and Botox are known for their ability to create a more youthful appearance with fantastic results. There are doctors who prefer one over the other and others that decide between the two based on what their patient needs. Both treatments are quick and simple to perform, usually within half an hour, using a series of small injections to the different problem areas on your face. Both treatments are also long-lasting and usually only need to be reapplied every six to eight months.
Botulinum Toxin Treatments from Dr. Nassif
Both Dysport and Botox are offered at Spalding Drive Plastic Surgery by Dr. Nassif, as well as other well-known dermal fillers. Dr. Nassif is a highly respected facial plastic surgeon who has been practicing for over twenty years. His office in Beverly Hills, CA sees hundreds of patients a year and he’s known for producing outstanding results.
Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Nassif is easy! Just call (310) 275-2467 to speak to one of our highly trained professionals for an appointment.