There are multiple ways to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, but one of the most effective ways to do so is through neuromodulators. Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA), one of the more popular neurotoxins on the market, is a prescription injection for adults under 65 years old proven to help temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows, an area of concern that many of us struggle with.
Like any medication, there are potential side effects. For Dysport, the most common side effects are nose and throat irritation, headache, injection site pain, injection site skin reaction, upper respiratory tract infection, eyelid swelling, eyelid drooping, sinus inflammation, and nausea. (Full Important Safety Information, including Distant Spread of Toxin Effect Boxed Warning, available at the end of this article.)
While it may be common knowledge that Dysport can smooth out wrinkles, there’s so much more to it. Here, we break down 10 important facts to know about the injectable, so you can decide whether or not it’s right for you.
1. Dysport works by lessening muscle contractions in a targeted area.
Dysport temporarily treats moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows by reducing specific muscle activity, as wrinkles are caused by repeated movements and muscle contractions.1 One injection into five points between and above the eyebrows temporarily prevents muscle contractions that cause frown lines. With less movement in the area, lines are less likely to develop or deepen.
2. Dysport “kicks in” quickly.
Dysport has been reported to produce results just two to three days after one 10-to 20-minute treatment.2-4 This allows more flexibility for patients who need results to when planning beauty prep for events or social gatherings.
3. Treatment may last up to five months.
Not only is Dysport fast-acting,*2-4 but it’s also long-lasting. In fact, Dysport may last up to five months.† 2,3,5.
*A secondary endpoint based on Kaplan-Meier estimates of cumulative rate of time to onset of response. The median time to onset of response was 3 days in GL-1 (Dysport 55/105 [52%], Placebo 3/53 [6%]) and GL-2 (Dysport 36/71 [51%], Placebo 9/71 [13%]), and 2 days in GL-3 (Dysport 110/200 [55%], Placebo 4/100 [4%]). † GL-1 and GL-3 evaluated subjects for at least 150 days following treatment. Based on a ≥1-Grade GLSS improvement from baseline utilizing data from two double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled pivotal studies (GL-1, GL-3) in a post-hoc analysis.
4. Results look natural.
“With Dysport—and an expert injector, of course—you should expect a softening of what we call dynamic wrinkles: wrinkles that form with muscle movement and contraction,” explains Chicago dermatologist Omer Ibrahim, MD. “You should expect a softening of moderate to severe frown lines while still preserving your natural genuine appearance.”
5. Certain wrinkles won’t be affected.
“Dysport may not completely remove deep static wrinkles, which are wrinkles that are there at rest without muscle contraction,” says Dr. Ibrahim. These deeper lines that are evident when the face is at rest typically need a more intensive, in-office treatment to improve their appearance. “And of course, Dysport cannot be used as a filler, meaning it will not help deep crevices and hollows in the face like the cheekbones, lips, and smile lines,” adds Dr. Ibrahim.
6. It’s intended for the glabellar lines.
Dysport has been specifically proven to be effective in temporarily improving the appearance of wrinkles in an area of common concern: the glabella. These frown lines in between the eyebrows can leave people with an angry, tired look if left untreated.
7. Your provider will inject in five specific points during your treatment.
In order to reduce the specific muscle contractions that can cause fine lines and wrinkles between the brows, your injector will inject Dysport in five specific spots: one injection between the brows, and two injections above each of the brows.
8. The treatment itself only takes about 10 to 20 minutes.
As there are typically only five injection points used, a Dysport treatment is very quick. The whole process only takes about 10 to 20 minutes. In fact, it’s so quick that you can even book an appointment on your lunch break since you won’t have to worry about being away from work for too long.
9. Many are good candidates for Dysport—with a few exceptions.
“The good news is that many are good candidates for Dysport,” says Dr. Ibrahim. The best way to know if this treatment is right for you is to discuss Dysport with your provider. Dysport is not right for you if you are allergic to cow’s milk protein or any of Dysport’s other ingredients, have had hypersensitivity to any neuromodulators or any other ingredient, or have an infection at the planned injection site. “People that should avoid Dysport are those that are currently pregnant, currently breastfeeding, over 65, or have a neurological disorder like myasthenia graves,” adds Dr. Ibrahim.
10. Most importantly, Dysport is safe.
“Dysport has been used for years to relax facial wrinkles, and its safety and efficacy have been proven in studies and patients worldwide6,” confirms Dr. Ibrahim. “In the proper hands, Dysport yields subtle, natural results.”
References:
- Molina B, Grangier Y, Mole B, et al. Patient satisfaction after the treatment of glabellar lines with Botulinum toxin type A (Speywood Unit): a multi-centre European observational study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2015;29(7):1382-1388.
- Data on file. GL-Y-97-52120-719 (GL-1) Clinical Study Report. Fort Worth, TX: Galderma Laboratories, L.P., 2007.
- Data on file. GL-Y-97-52120-718 (GL-3) Clinical Study Report. Fort Worth, TX: Galderma Laboratories, L.P., 2007.
- Data on file. GL-Y-97-52120-085 (GL-2) Clinical Study Report. Fort Worth, TX: Galderma Laboratories, L.P., 2007.
- Data on file. MA-35497. Post Hoc Analysis. Fort Worth, TX: Galderma Laboratories, L.P., 2017.
- Data on file. MA-41196. Galderma Laboratories, L.P., June 2019.
Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA) is a prescription injection for temporary improvement in the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in adults less than 65 years of age.
Important Safety Information
What is the most important information you should know about Dysport? Spread of Toxin Effects: In some cases, the effects of Dysport and all botulinum toxin products may affect areas of the body away from the injection site. Symptoms can happen hours to weeks after injection and may include swallowing and breathing problems, loss of strength and muscle weakness all over the body, double vision, blurred vision and drooping eyelids, hoarseness or change or loss of voice, trouble saying words clearly, or loss of bladder control. Swallowing and breathing problems can be life threatening and there have been reports of death. You are at the highest risk if these problems are pre‐existing before injection.
These effects could make it unsafe for you to drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities.
Do not have Dysport treatment if you: are allergic to Dysport or any of its ingredients (see the end of the Medication Guide for a list of ingredients), are allergic to cow’s milk protein, had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product, such as Myobloc®, Botox®, or Xeomin®, have a skin infection at the planned injection site, under 18 years of age, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The dose of Dysport is not the same as the dose of any other botulinum toxin product and cannot be compared to the dose of any other product you may have used.
Tell your doctor about any swallowing or breathing difficulties and all your muscle or nerve conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease], myasthenia gravis, or Lambert‐Eaton syndrome, which may increase the risk of serious side effects including difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing. Serious allergic reactions have occurred with the use of Dysport. Dry eye has also been reported.
Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you have surgical changes to your face, very weak muscles in the treatment area, any abnormal facial change, injection site inflammation, droopy eyelids or sagging eyelid folds, deep facial scars, thick oily skin, wrinkles that can’t be smoothed by spreading them apart, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal and other natural products. Using Dysport with certain other medicines may cause serious side effects. Do not start any new medicines while taking Dysport without talking to your doctor first.
Especially tell your doctor if you: have received any other botulinum toxin product, such as Myobloc® (rimabotulinumtoxinB), Botox® (onabotulinumtoxinA), or Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxinA), in the last four months or any in the past (be sure your doctor knows exactly which product you received, have recently received an antibiotic by injection, take muscle relaxants, take an allergy or cold medicine, or take a sleep medicine.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects are nose and throat irritation, headache, injection site pain, injection site skin reaction, upper respiratory tract infection, eyelid swelling, eyelid drooping, sinus inflammation, and nausea.
Ask your doctor if Dysport is right for you.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see Dysport Full Prescribing Information including Medication Guide at DysportUSA.com.
