What are Botox®/Dysport®?
Botox®/Dysport® are neuromodulators that are used safely by millions of individuals around the world for almost twenty years; they remain the international “Gold Standard” for cosmetic injections. They are derived from botulinum toxin which is extracted from bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. This species of bacteria is found in many natural settings like soil, lakes and forests, so it is by all means natural. The Botox®/Dysport® used cosmetically today have been meticulously engineered to have great therapeutic effects while remaining completely safe.
How does Botox®/Dysport® work?
In order for muscles to contract, nerves release a chemical messenger, acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter), at the junction where the nerve endings meet muscle cells. Acetylcholine attaches to receptors on the muscle cells and causes the muscle cells to contract or shorten.
Injected botulinum toxin prevents the release of acetylcholine, preventing contraction of the muscle cells. Botox®/Dysport® cause a reduction in abnormal muscle contraction, allowing the muscles to become less stiff. This stiffness of the face muscles is where wrinkles come from, so by relaxing the muscles the wrinkles disappear.
What areas are they used to treat?
Botox®/Dysport® are used for “dynamic” wrinkles which are caused by habitual facial expressions. These wrinkles accumulate over time in a number of spots known as “trouble spots” like:
- Horizontal lines across the forehead
- Glabellar lines, the so-called “11” frown lines between the eyebrows.
- Wrinkles around the corners of the eyes, also called “smile lines” or “crow’s feet”.
- Wrinkles on both sides of the nose, also called “bunny lines”
Other cosmetic and medical uses of Botox®/Dysport®:
- Brow lift for an open eye look and a favorable brow shape.
- Nefertiti neck lift that tightens the loose skin around the jawline.
- Masseter reduction which gives the face a more attractive heart shaped look.
- Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating from the underarms and hands.
Is the procedure painful?
Most clients don’t require anesthesia or other pain reduction measures because the
Botox®/Dysport® are quick and painless.
How long does it take for the results to be visible?
On average, clients observe a reduction in lines and wrinkles after two or three days, with improvements continuing to appear up to 14 days for the full effect to be visible.
How long does the effect last?
Results last for three to six months then the Botox®/Dysport® start to break down naturally and harmlessly leaving the client with their pretreatment look with no sign left behind. This is an advantage of the treatment in case the results reached were not the desired look by the client, the client can rest assured that the treatment is not permanent.
What other treatment can be combined with Botox®/Dysport®?
Injectable dermal fillers, which are designed to have different effects, are a great addition to the treatment if the goal is a more customized, comprehensive facial rejuvenation session. For more information on dermal fillers you can access our dermal fillers page here.
Before and After photos
