Dysport was approved for use by the FDA in April of 2009 and has been touted as a competitor to other botulinum injections accepted for cosmetic use that currently dominate the market.
The injection has been researched in patients with muscle spasm ailments such as cervical dystonia, and determined to be safe and effective, and generally performed in-line with similar products already in the market.
In the cosmetic market, the hope is that the new product will emerge as a viable contender with a competitive price, thus driving costs down and allowing consumers considering undergoing a procedure to have a variety of choices over the product used.
Dysport has the same active ingredient as another popular injection currently leading the market.
That ingredient is known as botulinum type A, which is approved by the FDA for several uses.
Originally used in patients suffering muscle spasms in the face and other parts of the body, the current products in the market have been approved for use in the face to eliminate or decrease the appearance of frown lines.
Many women take advantage of these insertions and receive them on a regular basis to keep their skin smooth, not only in frown line areas.
Botulinum injections are given at various sites on the face, including around and between the eyes, the forehead, cheeks, and chin.
Some recipients of the cosmetic injections swear by their ability to not only eliminate existing wrinkles, but also to keep new ones at bay.
It is generally advised that to achieve this type of benefit, you must receive repeat injections at regular intervals.
If you are considering undergoing a botulinum procedure, ensure that your chosen professional is a certified healthcare professional with experience in providing the injections for cosmetic purposes.
Your provider should also be able to talk you through the side-effects of the procedure and warn you of the consequences of off-label use.
While current botulinum type A products are approved by the FDA for certain uses, many providers will utilize them in ways that are not federally approved.
This does not mean that it is necessarily unsafe, but that it is up to you and the discretion of your doctor to determine whether or not you wish to go ahead with the procedure.
It's important to always speak with a professional whom you can trust before undergoing any type of cosmetic surgery or inoculation.