Botox® is one of the most well-known and sought-after cosmetic procedures. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, ASDS performed nearly 1.2 million neuromodulator procedures in 2011. But despite its popularity, many questions still exist regarding injectables. Here, I’ll answer many questions that patients and readers alike shouldn’t be afraid to ask.
What is Botox®? How does it work?
Onabotulinum toxin A is the generic name for Botox®. It is a purified protein derived from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Because it is the piece of protein, and not the bacteria itself, it can’t generate more toxin in your body and make you sick. Botulinum toxin is a well-known injectable agent that treats frown lines and wrinkles. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons are able to smooth facial muscles by injecting the toxin into eyebrows, foreheads, outer corners of the eyes, the upper lip, corners of the mouth, and neck to reduce frown lines, crow’s feet, and other common wrinkles.
Botox® works by weakening facial muscles that frequently contract during smiling or frowning by attaching itself to the junction between nerve and muscle. By blocking muscle activation, creases are not permitted to form on your face, which allows your existing lines to slowly fade or disappear completely.
I’ve recently had a Botox® injection. Should I try to keep my facial muscles as still as possible over the healing time?
After a Botox® treatment, it’s rather common for people to try to keep their facial muscles as still as possible for fear of lessening the treatment, but you cannot actually make Botox® wear off faster by engaging your facial muscles. That said, keeping your muscles still will also not lead to better results. However, some physicians feel that higher facial engagement will help your muscles absorb Botox® more effectively, which could lead to better results.
I’ve heard of similar injectables like Dysport® and Xeomin® that work like Botox®. What are the differences between the three?
Think of Dysport® and Botox® as brand names. Dysport® (Abobotulinum toxin A) and Xeomin® (Incobotulinum toxin A) work in similar ways to Botox® because all have the same underlying toxin molecule wrapped in slightly different carrier proteins. Botox® has been around the longest, followed by Dysport®. Xeomin® is newest and is FDA-approved for medical conditions, as are the other two, but is still awaiting formal but expected FDA approval for cosmetic purposes. However, FDA-approved medications may be used by any physician “off label” if they understand the treatment well and know how to adapt it. For example, Botox® was first used only for blepharospasm, but it was discovered by accident that it helps wrinkles, and doctors used it for many years for wrinkles before the FDA actually approved any additional uses at all.
Botox® or Dysport® – which works better? Which has a shorter recovery time?
The two are different versions of the same basic underlying toxin molecule, so it depends on individuals as to which will work best for that patient. Some people will respond well to both, some won’t respond to either, but if you like the results you get with one, it’s a good idea to stick with it until there is a reason to switch.
As far as recovery time is concerned, Dysport® achieves its full effects in about 5 days, whereas Botox® may take up to two weeks. Faster results are not necessarily better; again, it depends on the patient and his or her individual case.
Will Botox® or Dysport® cause bruising or swelling?
Both are injected with very small needles, and the amount of fluid injected, determined by your physician, can affect how the fluid spreads in your facial tissue. This could also affect how much swelling or lumpiness you experience, which will resolve itself as the diluent saline is absorbed into your skin. Bruising occurs if a small blood vessel is poked during the treatment, which will disappear within a few days.
Bottom Line
Botox® and Dysport® are both injectable smoothing agents that work to erase fine lines and wrinkles. Both work well, and which one you choose is dependent upon your individual needs and your doctor. Make sure your physician is well qualified and knows Botox® and Dysport® equally well so your results are because of the substance, rather than the questionable nature of your injector.