Dysport® in Pittsburgh, PA

Dysport is a drug that is similar to BOTOX that relaxes the underlying facial muscles to stop them from contracting, an activity that naturally forms wrinkles on the face. As part of the many wrinkle treatment alternatives, Pittsburgh Dysport specialist, Dr. James Fernau offers Dysport for patients who desire to smoothen out the wrinkles on the upper third section of the face. Dysport is known to diminish the appearance of crow’s feet, thin lips or neck wrinkles. It is injected in tiny doses with precision so it does not affect unintended muscles. The results compared to BOTOX injections are quicker as the diffusion is much faster. There are preferences when it comes to the various muscle relaxers that are on the market today. Each has its own set of benefits that can be discussed in detail during the initial consultation.

As Dysport affects nerve and muscular function, injection sites must be marked for the purpose of accuracy. This is to avoid any unintended muscle to receive a dose. A tiny needle is used and the product is injected into specific spots on the face. Normally, topical anesthetic is applied to help with any discomfort during treatment. The medicine can target fine lines or the deeper creases by means of adjusting the amount of medication. A typical session can last up to 30 minutes. Depending on how severe the skin condition is, multiple treatments may be recommended.

One advantage to Dysport is that the results are visible within 2-3 days. Similar to any injection, mild swelling and redness may occur at the injection sites, but cold ice packs are applied immediately after the injection to help with this. After treatment, the patient will be able to go back to a normal routine without any downtime, but should refrain from any strenuous exercise for about 24 hours. Patients who have this treatment find results satisfying as the skin will appear softer and smoother.

A full syringe cost of Dysport averages about $350 to $950. Sometimes, a patient may only need a single syringe while others may need several. This will affect the overall cost. The number of syringes used will be determined at the time of the consultation. Factors to consider include how severe the facial wrinkles are and how many areas on the face are being treated. Patients should also keep in mind that Dysport lasts, on average, about 4-6 months. Those who love their results may return for additional treatments at the appropriate time.

Dysport, like BOTOX, is a safe alternative to correct facial wrinkles. Both of these drugs are known as muscle (or wrinkle) relaxers. Injectable fillers create a similar result, but the function behind the medicine is different. A filler works to add volume under the skin to improve facial fullness in areas where volume has been lost. This results in a smoother, softer surface. Many times, muscle relaxers are combined with an injectable filler to create maximum results. 

Dysport and BOTOX are very similar to each other, both relax the underlying muscles to give the skin an appearance that is smoother. A couple of key differences are that Dysport diffuses faster than BOTOX and so the results become more evident sooner. Dysport has also been shown to work better in some areas of the face than BOTOX (for example, the crow’s feet). This varies by patient.

The results following a Dysport injection will last about 4-6 months. It is common for patients to return every quarter for follow-up treatment.