Wrinkle Reduction Treatment
BOTOX®, Dysport®, and Xeomin® all temporarily freeze targeted muscles to eliminate or reduce contraction-induced wrinkles in areas such as the lines between the brows, around the eyes, and on the forehead. Results typically last 3-4 months, longer with regular use.
What is BOTOX®?
BOTOX® also known as Botulinum Toxin is a prescription drug that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes muscles. It contains a purified and safe form of botulinum toxin A, which is produced by the microbe that causes botulism. There are several manufacturers of BOTOX® including Botox Cosmetic, Dysport, and Xeomin.
It is used to treat permanent furrows and deep wrinkles in the skin that are formed by the continual contraction of facial muscles. In addition to its cosmetic applications, it is used to treat a number of medical problems, including excessive sweating, overactive bladder, neck spasms, crossed eyes, chronic back and jaw pain, and migraines.
To learn more about Botox, click this link: Muscle Relaxing Injections: Overview
Benefits of BOTOX®
Aside from the obvious medical advantages, there are many other benefits associated with this treatment.
- Cost – The cost of Botox injections may vary from person to person depending on what issues you wish to correct. It has been found that Botox most often costs less than half the price of most other methods.
- Surgery Time – A Botox injection usually takes only 10-15 minutes for most people and requires little or no anesthesia. Other relatable procedures such as facelifts, usually require at least two or three hours procedure time while under anesthesia.
- Recovery Time – Botox treatments have no recovery time, while surgical facelifts require anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks of recovery.
- Temporary – The effects of Botox will begin to wear off after a few months. This allows patients whom would rather not continue with the treatments to stop all together. Other methods of wrinkle reduction are often times more expensive, time-consuming surgeries if it is even possible to reverse.
- After-Effects – Even after the effects of Botox wears off, most people see a considerable reduction in the visibility of wrinkles thereafter.
What concerns can BOTOX® treat?
Although originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of eye and muscle spasms, BOTOX® was quickly recognized for its cosmetic value. Properly placed injections of BOTOX block nerve impulses sent to muscles, weakening them to the point where they cannot contract, and temporarily eliminating moderately severe furrows and lines. BOTOX® is used to treat the following:
- Forehead furrows
- Frown lines
- Crow’s feet
- Skin bands on the neck
Botox Before and After
The BOTOX® Procedure
Using a very fine needle, BOTOX® is injected directly into facial muscles that are causing furrows and lines. Receiving the injections requires no anesthetic, but some doctors choose to numb the area to be injected with ice packs or a topical anesthetic cream.
How long will it take to see the results of Botox?
BOTOX® results can usually be seen within a few days of treatment, and typically last up to four months, although areas that are treated on a regular basis may retain results longer. Injections should be given only by qualified medical professionals.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for BOTOX® Treatment?
If you have dynamic wrinkles or want to postpone them, you may be a good candidate for neuromodulator injections. We proudly offer BOTOX as well as Dysport and Xeomin for the treatment or prevention of frown lines, worry lines on the forehead, crow's feet, bunny lines, and more.
How to Prepare for BOTOX® Treatment
Our primary goal in helping you prepare for your BOTOX, Dysport, or Xeomin treatment is to reduce your chances of experiencing unnecessary side effects. The most common and avoidable side effect is bruising. While you cannot completely eliminate the risk, you can reduce it by avoiding certain products for about one week prior to your appointment. The most common culprits of post-injection bruising are anti-inflammatory medications, red wine, and garlic. If possible, avoid these items for several days before getting injectable treatment.
Recovery and Aftercare for BOTOX®
There is no downtime after neuromodulator injections as we might associate with surgical facial rejuvenation. However, there are steps you should take to attain the very best results. Generally, we like patients to avoid lying down and exercising for three to four hours after their appointment. It is also necessary to avoid touching or rubbing the treatment area for 24 hours. This means that you should not schedule a massage, facial, or even a dental appointment for at least one day after your injectable treatment. Also, to avoid unnecessary swelling and bruising, wait at least four hours to use a hot tub or sauna.
Are There Any Risks Associated with BOTOX®?
The risk of serious complications after BOTOX injections is very low. If you are new to getting neuromodulator injections, talk to your provider about potential risks and what to look out for. Generally, the side effects of treatment are limited to temporary fatigue, a headache, flu-like feelings, and redness or swelling at the injection sites. With proper aftercare, the risk of migration or drooping is significantly lower. Though extremely rare, there is also a risk of allergic reaction to the ingredients in your neuromodulator. Signs of an allergic reaction include difficulty swallowing, unusual muscle weakness away from the treatment area, sore throat or cough, hoarse voice, or changes in vision.
Can I Combine BOTOX®, Dysport®, and Xeomin® Treatments?
You can! BOTOX, Dysport, and Xeomin are all within the same class of drug. They are neuromodulators that work on muscle tissue. However, each has a unique characteristic that may make it ideal for one concern or another. What you want to do is receive combination treatments from the same provider. Don't receive BOTOX from one provider and then, shortly thereafter, see another provider for Xeomin or Dysport. Doing so could invite unwanted side effects and can also degrade your cosmetic outcome.
What is Dysport® injectable?
Dysport is an injectable very similar to BOTOX®, made from a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. Once placed within the treatment area, it aims to temporarily lessen or eliminate moderate to severe lines and wrinkles.
Similar to BOTOX®, Dysport can also be used for forehead furrows, frown lines, crow’s feet and skin bands on the neck.
Dysport Vs. BOTOX®
With the introduction of Dysport into the cosmetic market alongside BOTOX®, many question their similarities and key differences . Although research finds that both Dysport® and BOTOX® require injections every 3-6 months, pricing for Dysport are found to be slightly less expensive in some cases. These common trends are coupled with a few differences between the two:
- Dysport may not last quite as long as BOTOX®
- Results appear quicker for Dysport (2-5 days vs 4-7 days for BOTOX®)
- Dysport spreads out further within the treatment area.
- Increased amounts of Dysport is necessary to achieve the same result as BOTOX®.
What is Xeomin®?
Much like BOTOX® and Dysport, Xeomin injectable is composed of the same bacterium Clostridium botulinum, to help target treatment areas.
Xeomin more specifically targets intramuscular conditions such as blepharospasm or abnormal involuntary closing of the eye. Once Dr. Keamy injects Xeomin into the affected muscle, this helps to reduce activity, ultimately reducing spasms in many patients.
The number of injections necessary is all dependent on the severity of the condition and varies from case to case. Once treated, our patients notice results after one week and typically lasts for up to 12 weeks.
Schedule A Consultation
If you are noticing wrinkles around the mouth, eyes, or forehead, BOTOX®, Dysport, or Xeomin are all great cosmetic treatments that can help improve this. Call 508.836.8733 to schedule a consultation at Keamy Cosmetic Centre in Westborough or Salem, MA.
