Botox: The name we all know and love
Botox has been around for 30+ years, so it’s the name we know and it’s the wrinkle relaxer that we have come to love. But the reality is, since it was invented in 1989, 4 other wrinkle relaxers have come to market since. The one that compares most to Botox is called Dysport. But which one is right for you? We’re here to break it all down.
As mentioned above, Botox has been around now for 30+ years. First invented for medical conditions such as certain muscle rigidity conditions, migraines, and bladder spasming;it was discovered to minimize fine lines and wrinkles on the face, and has been all the rage ever since.
The name Botox comes from the protein, botulinum-toxin-a, which is the ingredient that temporarily paralyzes the muscles and is safe and effective at treating fine lines and wrinkles on the face.
It is FDA approved to treat wrinkles on the forehead, between the brows and around the eyes but used “off label” to treat many other areas. For example, the neck bands to reduce skin laxity of the neck skin, the chin muscle – to minimize dimpling, bunny lines – those pesky wrinkles we get when we scrunch our nose, the masseters for TMJ pain or clenching, above the lip to minimize those pesky lines above the lip or for a lip flip, to help the upper lip appear more full at rest. Additionally its used to treat a gummy smile, the frown muscles or DAO’s, the trapezius for neck tension – the possibilities are endless!
Dysport: the younger, hipper Botox
Dysport is newer to the scene. It was invented in 2009 and like Botox, it was used medically prior to being used aesthetically.
What most people love about Dysport is that it kicks in faster than Botox, usually 2-8 days, whereas Botox takes a full 2 weeks to kick in. Additionally, in a recent side by side study done comparing Botox to Dysport and it was found that Dysport has more of the protein per unit. What does that mean for you? The majority of patients think that it lasts them longer. Win win!
Dysport is used to treat all of the areas that Botox treats listed above.
What your appointment looks like
Whether you get Botox or Dysport, your appointment looks exactly the same. They are reconstituted a bit different but both are injected, with a tiny needle. When you leave the clinic there is a little bit of fluid right underneath the first layer of the skin. By the time you get home, that fluid is absorbed and it starts to work its magic.
Over the next 1-2 weeks, your muscles have a 10% decrease in muscle movement everyday, until its fully kicked in.
Once fully kicked in, the skin above the muscle is smooth and wrinkle free- chefs kiss!
How much downtime?
The wonderful thing about Botox and Dysport is that there is minimal downtime. You will want to avoid touching or manipulating the area for 4 hours after your treatment, making sure not to bend over or lay flat for 4 hours after treatment, and you’ll want to avoid sweating until the next day.
The reason we have you take it easy the rest of the day is so that the product does not become displaced, and stays exactly where we put it. Displaced product could mean that Botox or Dysport could get into another muscle on the face, that we may not want to treat, and cause unwanted side effects.
How long will my results last?
Generally Botox and Dysport last 3 – 4 months. Most patients believe that one lasts longer than the other for them which usually dictates their preference. I generally recommend that my patients try both wrinkle relaxers/neuromodulators, and compare how long they get out of each one, and go from there.
Are there any side effects?
The most common side effects that patients report are a headache and flu like symptoms, day of treatment, that usually last for the rest of that day and is gone by the next day. Swelling and bruising are rare but can happen. You will want to avoid anti-inflammatories like Aspirin, ibuprofen- Motrin, Aleve, Advil, fish oil and alcohol 3-5 days before your appointment to avoid any bruising or swelling.
