Approximately 363,694 Botox procedures were done by members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery in 2008. That number will be sure to change with the introduction of Dysport in mid 2009.

Dysport (also known as Reloxin) was recently approved by the FDA for cosmetic and therapeutic use in the United States. Dysport consists of the same basic ingredient as Botox, which is Botulinum Toxin A. In 2006, Medical News Today released information from a study outlining the difference between the two products. The study found that the migration of the two injections varied. Dysport and Botox were compared and even though the ingredients are the same, the migration differed as Dysport was found to spread further from the initial injection site. It is important to realize that even though they are marketing Dysport as a direct competitor to Botox, there are differences. Doctors and patients need to be aware that injections of these products into smaller muscles could result in spreading into nearby areas resulting in undesirable results or complications. Time of onset, duration of effect, dosing, and other factors need to be considered by both physicians and patients.

Botox has become such a strong part of our mainstream culture. Everyone knows what it is and what it does. Those are big shoes to fill and it will be interesting to see how Dysport plans to get that level of brand loyalty and awareness in the marketplace. Overall, competition in the market can benefit both providers and consumers.