Botox Cosmetic & Dysport
What is it?
Botox and Dysport are injectable products composed of a purified protein called Botulinum Toxin A. These are the most well-known and popular neuromodulators and work by temporarily disrupting nerve signals to the muscles in the area of injection. This helps to relax areas where muscles become overactive with aging creating dynamic wrinkles. Some of these wrinkles form with squinting, frowning, or smiling, such as crow’s feet, lines between the brows, or horizontal forehead lines. With advanced and modern injection techniques, you can still freely express yourself and avoid the “frozen” look. Your practitioner will discuss your goals and customize your treatment to ensure your complete satisfaction.
The History and Safety: In the 1970s, Botox was used as a treatment for strabismus (crossed eyes) in children and adults. Subsequently, Botox injections became useful for the treatment of various types of muscle spasms in many parts of the body. Botox® Cosmetic received FDA approval in 2002 for the cosmetic treatment of frown lines and wrinkles. Dysport received FDA approval in 2009. Many other botulinum type A toxins will be available for cosmetic use in the next few years. Also, the cosmetic doses of Botox Cosmetic and Dysport are only a fraction of what is used for medical treatments. After millions of injections, the predictable results of Botox Cosmetic and Dysport make these some of the safest cosmetic treatments.
Who can benefit?
Many patients can benefit from Botox or Dysport, assuming that they do not have specific conditions such as pregnancy, breast feeding, myasthenia gravis, ALS or certain allergies. Your health history will be reviewed to ensure that the product is safe for you. Prior to injection, we will discuss your concerns and use our years of experience and expertise to help you decide which areas may be treated to achieve your goals.
Which areas can get treated?
Repetitive movement of muscles of the face, such as frowning or squinting, creates creases and wrinkles on the skin’s surface. We will use our years of experience and expertise to help you decide which areas may be treated for a more youthful and rested look. The most common cosmetic uses for Botox and Dysport include:
- Decrease Glabella or frown lines between brows
- Decrease Crows feet or lines around the eyes
- Decrease Forehead lines
- Lift the brows
- Lift the corners of the mouth
- Decrease lines around the mouth
- Lip Flip
- Lift the jawline
- Relax the muscle (platysmal) bands of the neck
- Relax masseter muscles to help with headaches and reduce squareness of the face
- Excessive Sweating (hyperhidrosis)
How long do the results last?
Botox results are not permanent, because the disrupted nerve signals created by the neuromodulator will wear off and the muscle will begin to contract again. On average, Botox and Dysport results last about 3-4 months. Your results will vary depending on factors like the dose received, the treatment area, and the size and strength of your muscles. The results are dose-dependent, which is why certain areas of the face may cost more than others. Larger muscles require a higher dose of Botox or Dysport. Subsequent treatments will enhance the desired results and most people will choose to repeat treatments 3-4 times per year.
Most patients find that their results will last longer over time with regular maintenance treatments. During the consultation, we will help you decide based on your goals and desire the dose and frequency of your treatments.
What’s expected after treatment?
Your practitioner will examine your face and discuss with you the best treatments to meet your expectations. Botox and Dysport are often combined with other treatments such as dermal fillers for instant age-defying results. The skin in the treatment areas will be cleansed and a topical numbing agent will be applied, if desired. Although, many patients do not feel the numbing agent is necessary. The procedure itself takes less than 10 minutes. You will experience virtually no downtime, allowing you to return to work or normal activity immediately. After your treatment, you will be instructed to avoid lying down, massaging the area, or exercising for 4 hours. The effects of Botox and Dysport set in gradually over the next 3-7 days providing you with a beautifully refreshed look. If you are new to Botox or Dysport, we recommend a follow-up appointment 1-2 weeks after treatment to ensure your happiness and to evaluate your results. If a touch-up is needed, it will be complimentary at that time. The effects will gradually fade after 3-4 months. Subsequent treatments will enhance the desired results and most people will choose to repeat treatments 3-4 times per year.
How much does treatment cost?
We charge per area; however, we can modify any treatment based on your needs. Costs can range from $150 for an area to $950 for full face (upper and lower). Your injector will help you decide which treatments are best to meet your budget and expectations.
Botox versus Dysport:
One unit of Botox equals approximately three units of Dysport. Full strength Botox and Dysport will always be used at Skin Appeal.
Botox for Hyperhidrosis or Excessive Sweating
Botox Cosmetic may also be used to treat those with excessive sweating of the underarms, palms of hands and soles of feet. Botox works by blocking the chemical that stimulates the sweat glands. For most, treatment is only needed once to twice a year.
Call today to schedule your Complimentary Consultation and learn what is best for you!
