Frequently Asked Questions & Answers: Botox® / Dysport®
WHERE IS BOTOX® / DYSPORT® INJECTED?
The most common treatment areas for BOTOX® / DYSPORT® are the vertical frown lines between the eyebrows (Glabella), the horizontal forehead lines (Frontalis?) and the lines around the eyes, commonly referred to as crow's feet. Other treatment areas include the upper lip, chin and neck.
Facial areas most commonly injected include:
- Forehead (‘transverse’ lines and vertical lines between the eyebrows)
- Eyes (‘crow’s feet’ lines and lower eyelid fine lines)
- Mouth (upper lip fine lines or ‘smoker’s lines, mouth angles or ‘sad corners’)
- Nose bridge (‘worry’ lines and ‘bunny’ lines)
- Chin (‘pebbly’ chin)
- Neck (‘necklace’ lines and vertical neck bands)
WHAT IS BOTOX® / DYSPORT®?
BOTOX® and DYSPORT® are a purified protein toxin produced by the clostridium botulinum bacteria. Although technically a toxin, it has been safely used in the medical arena for the treatment of nervous facial ticks and eye squints for over 20 years. Used in miniscule quantities, it is highly effective for use as localised cosmetic treatment and does not spread throughout the body.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE TREATMENT?
Prior to treatment, all traces of make-up and perspiration are removed from the treatment area using a surgical cleanser. The Cosmedicate consultant will then identify the muscle areas requiring treatment by observing the patient making different facial expressions. The patient is photographed whilst making these expressions for the purpose of client records. Using a fine gauge needle, a tiny volume of BOTOX® / DYSPORT® is then injected directly into the muscle that creates the wrinkle.
HOW DOES BOTOX® / DYSPORT® WORK?
When BOTOX® / DYSPORT® is injected into the muscle, it blocks the nerve impulse from reaching that area and as a result, the muscle weakens. As the muscle weakens, the skin overlying the muscle gradually relaxes and the wrinkle in the skin progressively softens and depending on the depth of the wrinkle fades or entirely disappears.
DOES A BOTOX® / DYSPORT® INJECTION HURT?
Since only a minute quantity of BOTOX® / DYSPORT® is injected, an extremely fine gauge needle is used; hence patients may feel an initial minor sting for a few seconds, if at all. Once the injection is complete, there is usually no discomfort and any slight redness disappears a few hours after treatment.
AFTER TREATMENT
Following the treatment, patients must remain upright for a minimum of 6 hours. Patients must avoid rubbing or touching the treated area and must not undergo any facial beauty or massage treatments for a 14 day period after treatment. Air travel is not advised for 7 days following treatment.
HOW FAST WILL IT WORK?
It takes several days for the muscles to be affected, during which time you will notice the gradual loss of ability to frown and the lines in the treated muscle area will begin to diminish.
The optimum effect is usually noticeable after one week, but improvements are visible after 2-3 days.
WILL OTHER FACIAL EXPRESSIONS BE AFFECTED?
Since the effects of BOTOX® / DYSPORT® are limited to the immediate area of the injection, the surrounding muscles related to other expressions remain completely unaffected. Similarly, sensory nerves remain unaffected, so you will not experience any numbness in the treated area.
HOW LONG DOES A BOTOX® / DYSPORT® TREATMENT LAST?
The effects of BOTOX® / DYSPORT® usually last between 3 to 4 months, after which time another injection is required to maintain a line and wrinkle free appearance. After several treatments, the effects of BOTOX® / DYSPORT® may last longer, sometimes up to 6 to 9 months. Cosmedicate recommend a treatment every 3 months for the first year, followed by repeated maintenance treatments as visibly required.
HOW SAFE IS BOTOX® / DYSPORT®?
BOTOX® is Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved for the treatment of wrinkles and has been used safely and successfully in the medical field of ophthalmology for over 25 years and for wrinkle therapy for over 18 years. In cosmetic therapy, the only possible side effects are temporary and are localised to the area of injection. This is most commonly a droopy eyelid or eyebrow and is inevitably the result of an inappropriate dosage where the injected material finds its way into the surrounding muscles. Hence, it is essential that clients considering BOTOX® / DYSPORT®only undergo treatment administered by a qualified medical professional. At Cosmedicate, BOTOX® / DYSPORT®are only performed by highly trained and experienced Cosmedicate doctors.
IS BOTOX® / DYSPORT® SUITABLE FOR ME?
There are very few contraindications for BOTOX® / DYSPORT® treatments and allergic reactions to BOTOX® are extremely rare. Cosmedicate clients are required to complete an in depth health questionnaire during consultation and prior to treatment to assess suitability for treatment. Patients who are pregnant/breastfeeding or have a neurological disorder will not be treated.