Botox & Dysport

Botox® is a medication that temporarily blocks nerve impulses responsible for muscle movement, thus allowing facial muscles to relax. Most commonly, Botox is injected into the muscles between the eyebrows that are used to frown. Botox is made by Allergan, pharmaceutical company  known for producing the Juvederm Collection of fillers, and Dysport is produced by Galderma, a pharmaceutical company known for Restylane Collection of dermal fillers. The treatment allows the vertical creases between the eyebrows to relax and soften. Botox may also be injected across the forehead and around the eyes to relax the horizontal forehead creases and crow’s feet lines. Dysport® is a medication with the same active ingredient as Botox, and therefore has the same efficacy and cost.

• Furrows between the brows
• Forehead wrinkles
• Crow’s feet wrinkles around eyes
• Dimpling of chin
• Neck lift – Platysmal bands
• Wrinkles of the upper lip
• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• TMJ Treatment (teeth grinding)
• “Gummy” smile

Botox and Dysport injections are simple office treatments that take a few minutes to administer with no downtime. Botox or Dysport is administered via tiny injections directly into the facial muscles responsible for forming the wrinkles and lines. There is minimal discomfort and no anesthesia is required. The effects are localized and do not affect your ability to smile, laugh, or otherwise show expression. The dose is subjective and is relevant to individual muscles size, the force of contraction and the desired outcome. The improvement will start to show in 3-5 days, and will take 2 weeks to complete the process. No touch up or additional dose can be administered prior to 2 weeks post the original treatment.

How long does it last?

 The standard effect last three to four months. The dose administered and an individual’s metabolism can cause significant variation. First-time Botox/Dysport patients are usually given a more conservative dose that can be adjusted in subsequent sessions based on how their response to treatment. For patients whose primary goal is to extend the time between treatments, a higher dose is recommended. Other factors affecting the duration of Botox/Dysport treatment are:

Muscle size and strength: Larger or stronger facial muscles, like those in the forehead, may require a higher dose and could have a shorter duration of effect than smaller muscles. Consistency of treatment: Repeatedly treating the same muscles with Botox over time can train them to stay relaxed longer, potentially extending the duration of future sessions. Lifestyle: Factors like sun exposure, smoking, and stress can cause the effects of Botox to wear off faster. Age and skin condition: Younger skin with better elasticity may retain the effects of Botox for longer than more mature skin with deeper wrinkles.