Botox® and Dysport®

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?

Botox® and Dysport® (botulinum toxin A) are used to soften and sometimes eliminate wrinkles and lines in the face. It is FDA approved for glabellar rhytids and crow's feet. Dr. Kayan performs this procedure in the office and is a quick injection into the muscles of the face. It is most commonly used to treat the horizontal forehead lines, vertical lines between the eyebrows (glabellar rhytids), wrinkles around the outer part of the eyes (crow's feet), and wrinkles around the mouth. It can also sometimes help reduce the appearance of the vertical bands in the neck known as platysmas bands. It works by paralyzing the muscles in these areas, which in turn prevents the muscles from pulling on the skin and causing wrinkles. It usually takes effect in 1 week and lasts anywhere from 3 to 6 months. The longer a patient consistently undergoes injections, the longer each injection will last because it causes long term atrophy of the muscles that cause wrinkles. Injections may also be used in the feet, palms or underarms to decrease sweating.

THE PROCEDURE

Botox® and Dysport® injections usually take 5-10 minutes and are done in the office. The injections are quick and superficial, and the will feel a tiny pinch. The needle is smaller than that used for the flu vaccine, and the injections are very well tolerated. Some may experience a small amount of bleeding and later bruising at the injection site, but this is usually minor.

RECOVERY

It is recommended to not lay down for 3-4 hours after receiving injections, as this may cause it to migrate to places where unintended muscles become affected such as those that raise the eyelids. Otherwise, the patient may return to normal activities immediately. Any bruising around the injection sites can easily be covered with makeup.