Everyone is looking for a bargain these days, even when it comes to cosmetic procedures.

People are cutting back on treatments like liposuction, brow lifts and Botox. And now there is a cheaper way to get rid of wrinkles that won't cut so deep.

“This is a really easy procedure,” says Karen Nichols, certified plastic surgery nurse. “You're going to have probably around maybe five little small injections. I use a tiny needle and I just treat a small area.”

59-year-old Laura Pletcher of Bristol has never had any injections, but she has decided to give Dysport a try.

“Cost is one thing and I'm not getting any younger, so I might as well try it,” says Laura.

Dr. Ronald Downs from The Centre P.C. says Dysport is a lot like Botox.

“Dysport is botulism toxins. Botulism toxin ages like Botox. It's manufactured in a very similar way and it’s a protein that's manufactured from the botulism bacteria and it’s designed to paralyze muscles,” says Dr. Downs. “Absolutely no fear involved. This is a heat-killed bacteria which means the bacteria is not alive.”

So Laura decided to take care of one area that's been bothering her.

“I'm concerned about the frown lines between my eyes,” says Laura. “I have sensitivity to the light, and I think that over time it’s increased the frown lines.”

Since Laura is on her lunch break Karen gets started.

“Okay, so I'm going to start here and you might feel a small pinch, traditionally that's all you feel,” says Karen.

Dysport has been used in Europe for years and was FDA approved in April for use in the U.S. Dr. Downs say people aren't asking for it just because it's new.

“They love a couple different things,” says Dr. Downs. “One, it does have a faster onset, and two, it's a little cheaper.”

He says he uses both Botox and Dysport, but the new product is a win-win for patients.

“I think long-term, now you've got two of these products on the market, and hopefully that business competition will drive the cost down a little bit,” says Dr. Downs.

When asked how the procedure felt, Laura says, “It felt like it was sort of a pinch, but it didn't hurt.”

But the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Take a look at Laura’s before and after pictures, taken just one week apart. As you can see, that frown line she was concerned about is gone like Father Time.

“We're trying to treat that line or wrinkle, but we're not trying to change their overall natural appearance,” says Karen.

So how much cheaper is Dysport than Botox? Because of the way it's made, you need more Dysport than Botox, but it still averages out to a savings of about 50 to 75 dollars per visit.

For more information on Dysport you can call The Center P.C. Their contact information is listed below.

THE CENTRE, P.C.

Elkhart Office
RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514
Phone: 574-296-9100
FAX: 574-293-1511

South Bend Office
MEDICAL PAVILION I
720 EAST CEDAR STREET, SUITE 450
SOUTH BEND, IN 46617
PHONE: 574-233-9100
FAX: 574-233-9108

Chesterton Office
1830 SOUTH 11TH STREET
Chesterton, IN 46304
Phone: 219-395-9200