Injectable treatments for wrinkles go hand in hand with laser treatments and we continue our coverage of this field as it is of interest to all aesthetic physicians offering laser treatments.

Dysport is an acetylcholine release inhibitor and a neuromuscular blocking agent, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in late April 2009. Dysport has similar properties as the popular BOTOX Cosmetic®, which has been used in the U.S. since 2001. Dysport is approved for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines (vertical lines between the eyebrows) in adults younger than 65 years of age.

The active substance in Dysport is a botulinum neurotoxin type A complex, which acts at the level of the neuromuscular junction in the targeted muscle. Dysport is a neuromuscular blocking toxin which acts to block acetylcholine release at motor nerve ends and reduces muscular spasm. As our skin becomes less elastic over time, repeated frowning creates visible lines and wrinkles. Dysport and BOTOX that relax the muscles by blocking nerve impulses. Once the muscles are at rest, the skin becomes smoother, creating a more natural and relaxed appearance.

Although only recently approved for use in the United States, Dysport has been used in patient care in the United Kingdom since 1991, and has marketing authorizations in 27 countries for aesthetic use.

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 nonsurgical procedures. Injections of botulinum toxin type A have been the number one nonsurgical cosmetic procedure for the past five years, with over 2.4 million total procedures in 2008 alone.

It is still unclear whether Dysport is better than Botox. The major advantage of Dysport may be the price. Botox is not cheap: about $500. Dysport is about 20 percent less expensive than Botox, and that could be a potential savings for some people of over $100 a treatment.

Doctors warned both Botox and Dysport do have risks and should be only be used in healthy patients, who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. Potential complications include temporary eyelid drooping, headache and resistance to the medication.

Both products are not perfect when it comes to meeting the most desired feature of a dream cure: neither Botox nor Dysport last long.

Learn how dermal fillers administered by aesthetic physicians can plump your skin and add volume to your face. Watch this educational interview to find out your options, risks, and costs and consult your skin doctor.

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dermal fillers – dermal filler injections – dermal fillers cost – collagen dermal filler – hyaluronic acid dermal fillers – dermal fillers for acne scars

Temporary or permanent? A new survey by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons suggests that patients who choose permanent fillers experience more complications than those who select other types of fillers.

Complications? Distorted or malformed appearance of the patient’s skin.

In fact, one in four UK surgeons has seen patients with complications from permanent fillers. And one in five saw a patient who needed surgery to correct the problem.

The UK doctors surveyed said the reason for complications was unqualified practitioners administering fillers incorrectly, and studies by the U.S. FDA confirm that U.S. patients who experienced adverse events are mainly the result of injection by an unqualified provider.

Doctors advise patients to accept only approved fillers, from injections prescribed by a physician. And, they urge consumers to ask the provider to be very specific about his or her qualifications.

Watch this video covering the report.