Dysport is a nonsurgical botulinum toxin injection used to temporarily treat and prevent moderate to severe wrinkles in the glabella. Dysport injections help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by relaxing the underlying muscles. As the muscles relax, the skin above them becomes smoother.
What is the Glabella?
Glabella is the area of skin on the forehead, between the eyebrows and above the nose. Glabellar lines, also called forehead furrows, are horizontal indentations that stretch across the forehead. They are formed when making certain facial expressions, such as frowning.
Factors affecting the formation of glabellar lines include genetics, skin tightness, face shape, and how often certain expressions are made. Over time, the skin loses collagen, affecting the texture and shape of the skin, leading to the appearance of sagging or wrinkles. As an individual ages, wrinkles in the glabella become more noticeable even when the face is relaxed.
About Dysport
Dysport is approved in 69 countries and has been used for 25 years around the world. Dysport is considered a natural-looking, fast-acting and long-lasting prescription injection proven to deliver results without altering the look or movement of the rest of the face. According to one study, 97% of women treated with Dysport say they would do it again.
Benefits of Dysport
Dysport helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the glabella and creates a more youthful-looking appearance.
Who is a Candidate?
Dysport is only recommended for patients with moderate to severe glabellar wrinkles. Patients with mild glabellar lines should speak to their dermatologist to learn about treatment options for their wrinkles.
To be a candidate for Dysport, patients should not:
- Be pregnant
- Have a history of botulinum toxin sensitivity
- Have a milk allergy
- Be over the age of 65
- Have skin disorders
Prior to the procedure, patients should discontinue blood thinners, muscle relaxers and other medications that may interact with the injections. Patients must be at least 18 years old to obtain Dysport injections.
What to Expect
The doctor will begin by applying a mild anesthetic to help alleviate pain during the procedure. In one session, the doctor may inject 0.05 milliliters of Dysport at a time in up to five points around the eyebrows and forehead. The entire procedure is completed at the clinic and should take less than one hour. Patients are able to go home immediately after the procedure and continue their normal routine.
Patients will typically see results within a few days of the procedure. The results may last up to five months. Additional injections will be necessary to maintain treatment effects.
Side Effects of Dysport
Though Dysport is a relatively safe treatment, there is a minor risk of:
- Headaches
- Rash and irritation
- Swelling around the eyelids
- Minor pain at the injection site
Other serious side effects may include sinusitis, nausea and upper respiratory infection. A rare but serious complication of Dysport is botulinum toxicity, which occurs when the injection spreads to another part of the body. Signs of botulinum toxicity include:
- Muscle spasms
- Facial muscle weakness
- Droopy eyelids
- Difficulty swallowing and eating
- Difficulty breathing and speaking