Botox and Dysport are two of the available neurotoxins approved for cosmetic rejuvenation. Botox was FDA approved for cosmetic use in the United States in 2002 and Dysport in 2009. They are derived from a purified piece of a protein found in a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Their effects are pretty similar. Botox and Dysport have multiple cosmetic applications like treating wrinkles on the forehead, the crow’s feet, the smoker lines, and the bunny lines, giving a mini eyebrow lift, and reducing the neck cords and the masseter muscles of the temporomandibular joint. The benefits usually last between three to four months.
The proteins block the local receptor sites that lead to muscle activity. As a result, the treated area will experience temporary resolution of minimal to severe lines. This treatment will need to be repeated to prevent the slow reversal of previously treated wrinkles.