BOTOX® Cosmetic can quickly minimize movement-related facial lines, and even help correct moderately saggy upper-eyelid skin. Here are key facts you should know about BOTOX Cosmetic and newer main competitor, DYSPORT®:
Top Options: BOTOX vs. DYSPORT
Years before it was a cosmetic solution for wrinkles, doctors were already using botulinim toxin type A for a variety of muscular problems. Today, it is the top nonsurgical treatment in the US, and for good reason – there is no faster and more effective way to correct "dynamic," or movement-related, wrinkles in the short term.
Both BOTOX and DYSPORT have the same active ingredient, and both of them work in the same ways – relaxing and immobilizing one specific set of muscles in the face so that the opposing set can gently pull the tissues smooth. A few facts you should know about these options:
• BOTOX Cosmetic -- BOTOX has the advantage of using a smaller amount of toxin in a solution that does not permeate tissues as thoroughly, making it better suited to smaller, more delicate areas near the eyes. However, its lower concentration also means BOTOX may take a day or two longer than DYSPORT to show results, and its effects may wear off sooner.
• DYSPORT – This newer option uses the same toxin in a more concentrated amount that allows it to show results sooner and, possibly, last longer than BOTOX. DYSPORT's different formula also allows it to show spread well over a larger treatment area, making it ideal for treating larger treatment areas like the forehead but possibly excessive for very small treatment areas.
Because BOTOX and DYSPORT focus mainly on dynamic wrinkles, many patients will choose a "nonsurgical facelift" that pairs one of these options with microdermabrasion, laser skin rejuvenation, or injectable fillers to minimize "static" wrinkles at the same time.
Are BOTOX / DYSPORT Treatments Right for You?
Only a qualified doctor can tell you if BOTOX or DYSPORT is the best option for your needs, but you can determine easily whether dynamic wrinkles are your main problem. Just look in the mirror, identify your main "problem areas," and watch how they change when you mimic your typical facial expressions. If they deepen significantly when you smile and frown, you might find BOTOX or DYSPORT worth looking into.
Since BOTOX and DYSPORT both require maintenance treatments, you should also keep in mind that even though these are "lunchtime" procedures that typically take under half an hour, for best results you will probably need touch-up treatments every 6 or 12 months.
Tips for Better Results
• Choose an experienced injector with options beyond BOTOX. In general, a treatment center overseen by a doctor who offers BOTOX and DYSPORT but also has experience in injectable fillers, laser rejuvenation, and surgical options like facelift should be better equipped to offer recommendations that really match your needs.
• Don't push for "more" treatment – a well-done BOTOX treatment should not leave your face completely immobile (although it will limit muscle contraction somewhat). Excessive amounts of BOTOX can also relax too many facial muscles, leaving your face much saggier, so opt for a treatment that focuses on your problem areas only.
Top Options: BOTOX vs. DYSPORT
Years before it was a cosmetic solution for wrinkles, doctors were already using botulinim toxin type A for a variety of muscular problems. Today, it is the top nonsurgical treatment in the US, and for good reason – there is no faster and more effective way to correct "dynamic," or movement-related, wrinkles in the short term.
Both BOTOX and DYSPORT have the same active ingredient, and both of them work in the same ways – relaxing and immobilizing one specific set of muscles in the face so that the opposing set can gently pull the tissues smooth. A few facts you should know about these options:
• BOTOX Cosmetic -- BOTOX has the advantage of using a smaller amount of toxin in a solution that does not permeate tissues as thoroughly, making it better suited to smaller, more delicate areas near the eyes. However, its lower concentration also means BOTOX may take a day or two longer than DYSPORT to show results, and its effects may wear off sooner.
• DYSPORT – This newer option uses the same toxin in a more concentrated amount that allows it to show results sooner and, possibly, last longer than BOTOX. DYSPORT's different formula also allows it to show spread well over a larger treatment area, making it ideal for treating larger treatment areas like the forehead but possibly excessive for very small treatment areas.
Because BOTOX and DYSPORT focus mainly on dynamic wrinkles, many patients will choose a "nonsurgical facelift" that pairs one of these options with microdermabrasion, laser skin rejuvenation, or injectable fillers to minimize "static" wrinkles at the same time.
Are BOTOX / DYSPORT Treatments Right for You?
Only a qualified doctor can tell you if BOTOX or DYSPORT is the best option for your needs, but you can determine easily whether dynamic wrinkles are your main problem. Just look in the mirror, identify your main "problem areas," and watch how they change when you mimic your typical facial expressions. If they deepen significantly when you smile and frown, you might find BOTOX or DYSPORT worth looking into.
Since BOTOX and DYSPORT both require maintenance treatments, you should also keep in mind that even though these are "lunchtime" procedures that typically take under half an hour, for best results you will probably need touch-up treatments every 6 or 12 months.
Tips for Better Results
• Choose an experienced injector with options beyond BOTOX. In general, a treatment center overseen by a doctor who offers BOTOX and DYSPORT but also has experience in injectable fillers, laser rejuvenation, and surgical options like facelift should be better equipped to offer recommendations that really match your needs.
• Don't push for "more" treatment – a well-done BOTOX treatment should not leave your face completely immobile (although it will limit muscle contraction somewhat). Excessive amounts of BOTOX can also relax too many facial muscles, leaving your face much saggier, so opt for a treatment that focuses on your problem areas only.
