According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, over 10 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2008, 83% of which represented non-surgical procedures. Injections of Botox® have been the number one non-surgical cosmetic procedure for the past 5 years with over 2.4 million total procedures in 2008 alone. Dysport® is the first alternative to Botox® and provides a treatment option to patients.

Dysport® is the latest neuromuscular blocking agent available to help soften the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines on the face. The generic name is abotulinumtoxina and it is a direct competitor to botulinum toxin type A, Botox®. It works the same way Botox® does by blocking nerve impulses which reduces muscle movement and relaxes the overlying skin which softens wrinkles.

Dysport® was approved by the FDA in April, 2009. The approval includes two separate indications, the therapeutic use for the treatment of cervical dystonia in adults to reduce the severity of abnormal head position and neck pain and the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines, (glabellar lines).

Dysport® has been used extensively in Europe since 1991 with an outstanding safety record and will be marketed in the U.S. by Medicis, the pharmaceutical company well known for the dermal fillers Restylane® and Perlane®.

There are some significant differences between Botox® and Dysport®. Clinical studies indicate that Dysport® has a faster onset of effect. Botox® takes 3 to 7 days to take effect while the effects of Dysport® are noticeable as early as 1 to 2 days after treatment. Some studies suggest that Dysport® may have a longer duration of effect but clinical experience is necessary to confirm this claim. Dysport® is slightly cheaper, the cost per bottle about 5-10% less. The dosage strength is very different. The conversion is approximately 2.5 - 3 units of Dysport® to 1 unit of Botox®.

Related Links: www.dysport.com

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