Botox & Dysport
(BOTULINUM TOXIN)
What is Botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin, also known as BOTOX Cosmetic and Dysport, provides a safe, quick and effective way to diminish the appearance of unwanted lines of facial expression, dramatically helping to restore a healthy and youthful appearance. The most commonly treated areas include frown lines between the eyebrows, horizontal forehead creases and crow’s feet around the eyes. BOTOX Cosmetic and Dysport is also frequently used to treat bunny lines on the side of the nose, lines on the upper lip and down turned corners of the mouth. Botulinum toxin can also be used to relax vertical neck bands.
How do BOTOX Cosmetic and Dysport work?
BOTOX Cosmetic and Dysport relax the muscles that are responsible for folds and wrinkles caused by facial expression. The muscles cannot contract well in the area where these products are injected. After approximately 3 to 4 months, the nerves are able to stimulate the muscles again and the effect of the injections wears off.
How shall I prepare for my treatment?
We prefer that you refrain from using aspirin or anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, for the two weeks prior to your treatment. If you require aspirin or anti-inflammatory for your health, please DO NOT stop your medications. You can still have BOTOX Cosmetic or Dysport injections. Just keep in mind that your risk of bruising may be higher.
What is the procedure like?
We will ask you to make different expressions (in order to accentuate your facial muscles) and then will inject the BOTOX Cosmetic or Dysport with a very small needle. You might feel some minor discomfort during the injection procedure, but it is tolerable and local anesthesia is not necessary. We will then apply pressure to the injected areas. The entire treatment typically takes less than 15 minutes.
What can I expect after my treatment?
Following treatment with BOTOX Cosmetic and Dysport, there is no downtime. You can return to your daily activities right after you leave the office.
Immediately after treatment, you may have small bumps at the injection sites. These bumps typically resolve within 15 to 30 minutes. Occasionally, you may bruise slightly from the injections. A bruise resolves in about a week. While most patients tolerate the treatment very well, there can be mild discomfort and/or mild headaches after the injections. In very rare cases, there is a temporary, slight lowering of the eyebrow or eyelid, which often goes unnoticed by the patient.
Your treatment typically begins to work 2 days after the treatment but takes up to 2 weeks to see the full effect. It is important to remember that Botulinum Toxin softens wrinkles and that deep wrinkles may not go away. With regular botulinum toxin use, deeper lines may soften over time.
Gradually, over a period of three to four months, the effects of the BOTOX Cosmetic or Dysport will wear off and the muscles will again be functional. Repeat injections are done as muscle function returns. These treatments also can be combined with injectable fillers for more complete and longer lasting wrinkle correction.
Who should not consider these treatments?
If you are pregnant or nursing or have a neuromuscular disorder, you should not have treatment with botulinum toxin.
Are BOTOX Cosmetic and Dysport FDA approved?
BOTOX Cosmetic is FDA approved for treatment of frown lines between the eyebrows and crow’s feet. Dysport is FDA approved for frown lines between the eyebrows. Both are used to treat these other areas off label on a regular basis.