BOTOX® Cosmetic (onobotulinum toxin A) and Dysport® (abobutulinum toxin A) are FDA-approved injectable treatments that are used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in the face. The areas that are most commonly treated are the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes (crow’s feet). The medication works by blocking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, thereby diminishing the activity of the muscles treated. When these muscles are relaxed, wrinkles are smoothed, and the surface of the skin appears to be more youthful.
BOTOX and Dysport have similar active ingredients, and both work to limit muscle activity. However, there is a major difference between them. Dysport has a thinner formula, which means it spreads more quickly beneath the skin and can be used to treat wider areas. BOTOX is often used for more targeted injections. Dysport may also take effect slightly sooner than BOTOX, though both provide results that last for roughly 3 – 4 months.
Our team will be happy to help you decide whether BOTOX and/or Dysport is right for you. We might recommend these treatments if:
BOTOX and Dysport have some impressive benefits:
Botox requires you to have a series of injections, so it’s natural to be concerned about pain, especially if you don’t like needles. You might be surprised to learn the injections aren’t very uncomfortable. Any pain you do feel only occurs for a short time, which will stop as soon as we are finished with your treatment.
Although wrinkles and fine lines tend to appear as you age, there isn’t a set number that signifies when you should start the injections. While many patients are older, we also treat people who are in their 20s. You’ll need an initial consultation at our center for facial plastic surgery in Chicago to have your concerns evaluated. Based on the results you want to achieve, we’ll help determine if Botox is right for you.
Botox injections require little preparation; however, we recommend you don’t consume any alcohol for at least 1 week before your session. In addition, you might need to stop taking certain medications that might thin your blood, like aspirin or Ibuprofen. This helps to prevent unwanted bruising after your session.
Botox is an FDA-approved treatment that has few serious side effects. Generally, the most common side effects include mild bruising, swelling, redness, or tenderness at the injection sites, but they will subside within a few days.
You’ve probably heard several people joke about a “frozen” look after a person receives Botox injections, but you have no reason to worry. Dr. Wiesman is specially trained to deliver completely natural results. The subtle treatment will help eliminate fine lines and wrinkles without causing you to look “overdone.”
There isn’t a magic number of injections used for Botox treatments because the amount required varies from person to person and the area you’re improving. On average, 3 injections are needed to treat crow’s feet while 5 may be required to remove frown lines. We’ll explain how many you’ll need during your consultation.
If you’re ready to reveal a younger appearance, your first step is to contact our office to see if you’re a candidate for Botox. We’ll create the customized plan you need to feel confident about your looks. Schedule your consultation today to turn back the hands of time.
