“Botox and Dysport: Wrinkle Free for the New Year” by Dr. Galumbeck
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6by Dr. Matthew Galumbeck
The most common non-surgical cosmetic procedure today is injection with Botulinum Neurotoxin type A to minimize facial wrinkles. Last year over 6 million injections were performed for cosmetic facial rejuvenation. The products approved for cosmetic use in the US are Botox (Allergan, Inc.) and Dysport (Medicis, Inc.). In 1992, an ophthalmologist used Botulinum toxin to treat a patient for eyelid twitching. He noted, as a side effect, the facial wrinkles around the injection site were diminished. The start of injecting for facial rejuvenation was born.
How Do Botox and Dysport Differ?
While Dysport and Botox use a similar type of purified protein, there are distinct differences between the two. The major difference is that Botox is almost twice as concentrated as Dysport, so more Dysport needs to be injected to achieve a similar result to Botox. Units of Botox used do not equal the units of Dysport used. It is important to know both the price per unit as well as the number of units used to determine the cost for the treatment.
Wrinkles form from repeated contraction of facial muscles. There are 43 muscles in the face. Nerve impulses cause the muscles to contract. Over time repeated contractions cause facial wrinkles. Botox and Dysport temporarily block the ability of the muscle to contract, thus diminishing facial wrinkles.
Which Areas do Botox and Dysport Treat?
Smiling, frowning, and squinting can cause facial wrinkles. Dysport and Botox injections offer safe, quick, and effective treatments to smooth wrinkles. The most common areas treated for wrinkle reduction include:
Forehead Creases- Wrinkles between the eyebrows
- Crow’s feet
- Neck Wrinkles
- Fines lines around the upper and lower lips
In addition Dysport and Botox can be used to
- Lessen puffiness under the eyes
- Diminish downturned corners of the mouth
Botox and Dysport are injected in minute amounts requiring pinpoint accuracy by the injector, so that wrinkles can be softened without affecting natural facial expression. Thin needles are used to minimize discomfort during injection. Treatments for wrinkle reduction can usually be performed in under 15 minutes, require no anesthesia, and have no down time.
Once the injections are performed, wrinkle reduction may take three to seven days to become fully effective. Botox and Dysport are not permanent. These treatments last about 4 to 6 months. Injections may be repeated when wrinkles begin to reappear to maintain the rejuvenated look.
Things to Consider
Possible adverse reactions from Dysport and Botox may include bruising or pain at injection site or temporary headache. If not injected properly temporary muscle weakness or eyelid droop can occur.
Botox or Dysport injections should not be performed on
- Women who are pregnant
- Women who are breast-feeding
- Anyone who has an allergy to human albumin
- Anyone who has a neuromuscular disorder
When considering either Botox or Dysport to treat facial wrinkles make sure
- The injection is performed by a physician or someone directly under a physician’s supervision
- The person injecting has been specially trained and has experience in performing injections
Used correctly both Dysport and Botox are a quick and effective way to diminish fine lines and wrinkles.
Your Opinion?
Dr. Matthew Galumbeck
Dr. Galumbeck specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery including body contouring, cosmetic breast surgery, and facial rejuvenation. Visit his website: http://www.galumbeck.com
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