BOTOX AND DYSPORT
Botox and Dysport are a cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, or Onobotulinumtoxin A, a neurotoxin that is used to "freeze" muscles.
A botulinum toxin injection blocks the nerve signals to the muscle, which means that it cannot contract. Since these contractions are responsible for highlighting and deepening existing wrinkles, Botox injections serve to give your face a smoother, younger appearance.
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In addition to diminishing facial wrinkles, Botox can also be used for issues such as excessive sweating, migraines, eye twitching, jaw pain and overactive neck muscles.
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Some people can also get Botox injections to soften a square jawline, smooth a dimpled chin or correct an overly gummy smile.
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Is botulinum toxin safe?
Botox is generally safe when administered by a licensed healthcare provider. Ask your medical team if Botox injections are right for you.
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What should I expect during botulinum toxin treatment?
Your healthcare provider uses a fine needle to inject small amounts of Botox into the treatment area. Depending on the issue, you may receive several injections in different spots. Here’s what else you need to know about Botox therapy:
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Botox is an outpatient procedure. You’ll be able to go home the same day.
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Discomfort is usually mild. The injections may sting and feel uncomfortable, but the procedure is over quickly.
What should I know about botulinum toxin aftercare?
Unless your healthcare provider says otherwise, you can return to work and most activities immediately after treatment. To reduce redness, swelling or bruising:
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Don’t rub or put pressure on the treatment area for 12 hours.
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Stay upright (don’t lie down) for three to four hours.
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Avoid physical exertion for 24 hours.
How often should you get botulinum toxin?
On average, the effects of Botox last about three to four months. Retreatment is recommended at this time. Eventually, however, your muscles may train themselves to contract less. As a result, treatments can be spaced out over longer periods of time. Your healthcare provider can let you know how often you should get Botox based on your unique needs.
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Are there any botulinum toxin side effects?
Side effects from botulinum toxin injections vary depending on the area receiving treatment. Most issues are mild and improve in a day or two. Possible Botox side effects include:
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Pain, swelling, redness or bruising at the treatment site.
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Flu-like symptoms.
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Temporary drooping eyelids (ptosis).
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Eye irritation or redness.
Who should not get botulinum toxin injections?
Botox injections are relatively safe. Still, you shouldn’t get this treatment if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or have:
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Neuromuscular disease.
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Drooping eyelids (ptosis).
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Weak facial muscles.
How long does it take for botulinum toxin to work?
After Botox treatment, most people notice the desired effects around the third or fourth day. Full results will be visible within 10 to 14 days.
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Dysport - Results typically appear 2-3 days after treatment.
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How long does Botox last?
Within three to six months after Botox therapy, toxins wear off and muscles regain movement. As a result, wrinkles return and issues like migraines and sweating may resume. To maintain results, you may choose to receive more Botox injections. Your healthcare provider can let you know how often to undergo Botox treatment.
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What is the difference between Botox and Dysport?
Botox and Dysport are quite similar. Both come from botulinum toxin, a neurotoxic protein that is safe when used in small amounts. Although you can use Botox and Dysport for improving various medical conditions, their most popular use is to diminish wrinkles.
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Both injectables are considered noninvasive and work by temporarily relaxing facial muscles. This stops the muscles from contracting and ultimately smooths the appearance of wrinkles.
The differences between the two are rooted in their trace proteins and how they’re manufactured.
One of the main differences between Dysport and Botox is the areas in which they are approved for use. Dysport is primarily used for correcting glabellar lines, the frown lines between your eyebrows. Dysport is a great option for those who have moderate to severe frown lines.
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Botox, on the other hand, can be used to treat many different types of wrinkles, including crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, and laugh lines. If you have mild to moderate wrinkles, Botox may be a better option for you.
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Some people have experienced quicker results with Dysport, noticing a reduction in wrinkles in only 2-3 days. The results of Botox generally take around a week to appear, but both injectables reveal their peak results at around 2 weeks. When looking at how long the results last, both Dysport and Botox last around 3-4 months.
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A single unit of Botox has about 3 times the potency of a unit of Dysport. This doesn’t mean that Botox works better, but rather that more Dysport is needed to achieve the same effect. As a trade-off, the price of a Dysport unit is less than that of a Botox unit, so you’ll spend about the same amount of money to achieve similar results.
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