Botox/Dysport/Xeomin
Since receiving FDA approval in 2002, botulinum toxin type A injections have been the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the US. More than six million people receive this skin tightening treatment every year.
Today, you can find three FDA-approved formulations on the market, including the most well-known Botox Cosmetic, manufactured by Allergan, along with Dysport, produced by Medicis, and Xeomin, by Merz Aesthetics.
Botox Benefits
Botulinum toxin type A injections target unwanted lines and wrinkles in many areas of the face. FDA-approved for lines between the eyebrows, Botox can also be used off-label to freeze wrinkles around the eyes, lips, and foreheads. Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin injections effectively target:
- Frown lines
- Crow’s feet
- Brow asymmetry
- Lip wrinkles
- Neck banding
- Bunny lines
- Forehead creases
- Severe sweating
How it works
During the treatment, which lasts a couple of minutes, you’ll receive several tiny injections of botulinum toxin A into the muscles. The toxin works by blocking nerve signals that cause your facial muscles to constrict. This allows the muscles to relax, reducing the expression lines that form during contraction.
No anesthesia is required. However, we may suggest a topical anesthetic or cold pack to reduce any discomfort.
Maintaining the results
The effect lasts three to four months before your muscles start moving again and the wrinkles reappear. To maintain long-lasting results, patients typically get Botox injections three to four times annually.
BOTOX BEFORE & AFTER
Post Treatment Protocol
After the procedure, you may notice tiny red dots for a few hours. That is normal. You might also experience mild bruising, which usually resolves within a week. To minimize the appearance of bruising, you can safely apply cosmetics to the surface of the skin. A cold compress will also help alleviate bruising or swelling. Avoid lying down, bending over, applying pressure, or strenuous exercise for a few hours after.
Possible Side Effects
After Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin treatment, it’s normal to experience mild discomfort, bleeding, and bruising at the injection sites. Some patients experience drooping eyelids in very rare cases, which resolves over time and occasionally through treatment intervention. A small number of Botox patients have also reported non-underarm sweating, infection, sore throat, flu, headache, fever, neck or back pain, itching, and anxiety.
Patients with certain neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome should not be treated with botulinum toxin A due to the increased risk of severe side effects. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also not receive Botox injections.