According to its New Zealand website, Dysport-a "protein extracted from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum"-was developed in Britain in the 1990s for neurological and ophthalmic purposes, including cerebral palsy; after considerable research, it's now being used as a Botox alternative. Though not currently available in the United States, Dysport does have an FDA approval application pending.

Like Botox, the non-surgical procedure relaxes the facial muscles to limit the appearance of wrinkles when applied between the eyebrows and below the nose; it can also be used to reduce excessive sweating from the armpits. Approximately three to five injections are needed for satisfactory results.

The Ipsen-manufactured treatment's website says, "Dysport can help you look younger, more relaxed and in control-for around the same price per month as a cut and color by your hairdresser."

So if it walks like Botox and talks like Botox, what's the difference? The Ipsen website cites mild side effects like soreness, bruising, and headaches, as well as a rare complication called ptosis, i.e., a drooping eyelid.

Britain's weekly Grazia magazine recently addressed Dysport in its May 14, 2007 issue: "There are been very few comparative studies on the two products, but the Aesthetic Medicine Journal recently reported that Botox seemed to offer 'more prolonged efficacy'-in short, it lasts longer (up to six months)."

In December 2006 Journal Watch reported on similar findings. "At a 2.5:1.0 Dysport:Botox ratio," they wrote, "Botox was more effective for wrinkle treatment. In a previous study cited by the authors, a 4:1 ratio produced equivalent efficacy, but the patients receiving Dysport had a significantly higher risk for adverse effects. ...Clearly, proper use of Dysport will involve a learning curve even for experienced Botox injectors, which will slow its wide adoption unless the cost difference significantly favors Dysport. In the U.K., where both products are approved, the cost of a 100-U vial of Botox is about $250, and the cost of a 500-U vial of Dysport is about $300. When Dysport receives FDA approval, the U.S. price may reflect the U.K. price."