So its about time that Botox, the wonder drug, made by Allergan Corportion now has some competition. Dysport, aka abobotulinum toxin A, has been approved in the USA for several months now. Although used throughout Europe for several years, it took quite some time to come over here. Unfortunately, with its approval, the FDA has placed several warnings and restriction on all available forms of botulinum toxins used in the USA. In addition, the name that Dysport was to be given originally- Reloxin, was nixed during the approval process. So…to answer the common questions- Reloxin IS Dysport and vice versa. The drug itself is a slightly different subtype of the botulinum toxin A compound that “Botox” name brand was originally known for. Is it better? Does it last longer? does it treat wrinkles better? Is it cheaper? Well, after several months of clinical use i will say, for now, that although i am glad that i have the option to use it, it is not a game changer. It definetely kicks in quicker- 1-2 days (as compared to 4-5 days). I believe at the appropriate doses its length of effect is equivalent to Botox but definitely not longer. It certainly doesnt work better. The way that it is used is different- it is a different “language” of use . I tend to use it on younger patients, particularly 1st timers. Also on older patients that have developed some resistance to Botox, i have found Dysport to provide a new jolt of efficacy. Overall Dysport is a nice addition but it will certainly not replace Botox name brand. Although the cost is a bit cheaper, in order to get it to last, higher doses are necessary. In the long run the cost to the patient is equivalent.

So…a simple and common question i get daily is Restylane vs Juvederm. My answer…..Coke vs Pepsi. Both are colas or more specifically hyaluronic acid based fillers for wrinkles. Both are similar but slightly different in consistencies and concentration. Cost the same, lasts essentially the same (some swear one way vs the other). They are both excellent fillers used for moderate lines on the face particularly smile lines and under the eye hollows. My preference…for now, i generally use Juvederm. I find it bruises slightly less and has a softer consistency. Then again, i could never tell the difference in taste when taking a Pespi challenge. I’ll stick to cosmetic dermatologist.