BOTOX®
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription drug that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes muscles. BOTOX Cosmetic injections treat moderate-to-severe facial lines and wrinkles that are formed by continual muscle contraction. Treatment with BOTOX Cosmetic is the most popular physician-performed nonsurgical cosmetic procedure in the United States.
According to its manufacturer, Allergan, Inc., "BOTOX Cosmetic is the first and only FDA-approved prescription product that temporarily improves the appearance of both moderate-to-severe frown lines between the brows and moderate-to-severe crow's feet in adults."
Properly placed injections of BOTOX Cosmetic, which contains a purified and safe form of botulinum toxin A, block nerve impulses sent to muscles, weakening them to the point where they cannot contract.
Results from BOTOX injections are apparent within 24 to 48 hours, and are maximized by 30 days. Results often last between 3 and 4 months.
Yes; 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.
The manufacturer of BOTOX Cosmetic recommends that injections only be given by a doctor who has experience with BOTOX Cosmetic, and has a "medical practice that focuses on facial aesthetics and offers other facial aesthetic treatments."
Side effects of BOTOX Cosmetic are usually mild and temporary. Possible injection-site side effects include pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, bleeding and bruising.
Depending on where they are given, cosmetic side effects of BOTOX injections include eyelid drooping and swelling.
Dysport® Injectable
Prescription Dysport® injectable is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for temporarily lessening or eliminating moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows. Like BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport injectable is placed directly into the muscle underneath a furrow, weakening the muscle to the point where it cannot contract.
Dysport, also known as Reloxin, is made from a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum; it is the same neurotoxin used in BOTOX Cosmetic.
Applications for Dysport Injectable
Medically, Dysport injectable is used to treat excessive underarm sweating; symptoms of cervical dystonia, which include neck pain and abnormal head position; and muscle spasms. Cosmetically, Dysport injections are used to treat the following:
- Forehead furrows
- Frown lines
- Crow's feet
- Skin bands on the neck
Dysport Injectable Procedure and Results
Using a very fine needle, Dysport injectable is placed directly into facial muscles that are causing furrows and lines. No anesthetic is required, but some doctors choose to numb the area to be injected with ice packs or a topical anesthetic cream. Results can usually be seen within a few days of treatment, and typically last up to 4 months, although areas that are treated on a regular basis may retain results longer. Injections should be given only by qualified medical professionals.
Candidates for Dysport Injectable
According to the manufacturer's website, candidates for Dysport injectable are "adults less than 65 years of age" who want "temporary improvement in the look of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines)." It may not be suitable for those with the following:
- Allergies to Dysport injectable or its ingredients
- An allergy to cow's milk protein
- Surgical facial changes
- Very weak muscles in the treatment area
- A face that looks very different on each side
- Inflammation or infection in the area to be injected
- Droopy eyelids or sagging eyelid folds
- Deep facial scars
- Thick, oily skin
- Wrinkles that cannot be smoothed when spread apart
Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, or has a neuromuscular disease, should not receive Dysport injectable.
Differences Between Dysport Injectable and BOTOX Cosmetic
Although made from the same bacterium, there is anecdotal evidence that Dysport injectable may last longer, spread farther and take effect more quickly than BOTOX Cosmetic.
Side Effects of Dysport Injectable
Side effects of Dysport injectable are usually mild and temporary, and normal activities may be resumed immediately after receiving injections. Injection-site side effects include the following:
- Pain
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bleeding
- Bruising
Eyelids can droop when Dysport injections are made in the glabellar region; they usually return to normal within 3 weeks. Side effects of Dysport injectable are the same as those of BOTOX Cosmetic.