Botox

The eternal dream of man to remain young and beautiful forever has always been a motivating factor towards innovation and experimentation. This dream has been responsible for the increasing popularity of cosmetic surgery, leading to the sudden influx in the use of Botox®. Although the results are temporary, Botox® treatments have gained popularity all over the U.S. and throughout the world because of the simplicity of the procedure and fast immediate results.

Frown lines are caused by overactive muscles in the face. Botox® Cosmetic is intramuscular, blocking the chemicals that cause facial muscles to contract, thereby relaxing them. Botox® is used extensively for getting rid of expression lines in foreheads, furrows between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet. It produces real, noticeable results with no surgery and no recovery time.

Many were skeptical on the effects of Botox® when it first hit the market. Botox® is a protein complex derived from a bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum. For those who do not yet know, Botox® come from the same toxin that can cause food poisoning in humans. That sounds scary, doesn’t it? Fortunately, it does not cause the same effect on the skin as it has on the body!

Botox® used to reduce wrinkles is a sterile and purified version of the Botulinum Toxin A. When the toxin is injected into the muscle, it works to block the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles, thereby causing them to relax more. The net result is that the process of wrinkle formation is reduced. A smoothing effect is seen almost immediately and it continues to improve over the next few days. The full effects of Botox® injections can be seen in 5-7 days. Results may vary on individuals, depending on the severity of wrinkles and the strength of muscles treated. The results last from three to six months after which most patients gradually return to their former state. Normally, Botox® Injections should be repeated every 3-4 months. Patients who have had Botox® treatments over 12 months may only require further treatments every 6 months.

While Botox® has been safely used by millions of patients, it is recommended that pregnant women, or women who are breastfeeding their babies as well as patients suffering from neurologic disease should never use Botox®.

Botox Pricing

There is a consultation fee of $40 that will be applied to cost of treatment.
Furrow – $12 per unit (21-27 average units used)
Forehead – $12 per unit (20 -30 average units used)
Crows feet – $12 per unit (24-32 average units used)

Dysport

Like Botox® Cosmetic, Dysport® is an injectable form of botulinum toxin Type A, and it is also an effective for frown lines and brow furrows.

Exactly how Botox® and Dysport® differ is not fully understood. Initial reports suggest that Dysport® may act quicker. Botox® takes three to five days to work, while Dysport® seems to work within one to two days. In some cases, wrinkles begin to fade as soon as 24 hours after receiving Dysport® treatment. This rapid response could be the deciding factor for a woman or man looking to improve their appearance before a big social event or meeting.

What’s more, the Botox® alternative may last longer than its predecessor. Some studies have shown that Dysport® injections may keep wrinkles at bay for six months to one year, as opposed to the approximate three month timeframe associated with Botox®. There may be some downsides to Dysport®. Botox® manufacturer Allergan points out that Dysport® may be more likely to cause antibody formation. The body develops antibodies when it recognizes a foreign invader and attacks it. If you develop antibodies to Dysport®, your body neutralizes the toxin, potentially preventing it from working.

Dysport Side Effects

Potential side effects of Dysport® are similar to those associated with Botox® treatment. They include local numbness, swelling, bruising or a burning sensation during injection. These side effects can be mitigated by placing ice on the injection site before and after the procedure.

Cost of Dysport

Another key factor is the cost of Dysport® compared to Botox®. Dysport® is approximately 1/3 the cost of Botox®; however, it is also 1/3 the strength. This means you will need about three times as many units of Dysport® to get the same results as you would with one unit of Botox®. As a result, the cost of the Dysport® treatment will likely end up being similar to Botox®. Cost = ($5 per unit)