Chances are, if you are currently reading this article, then you are unhappy about frown lines and wrinkles on your face. Unfortunately, everyone ages. Thankfully, we live in a time where we have plenty of options to not only help mask our real age, but to also allow us to look and feel our absolute best.
Two cosmetic treatments that are readily available to assist with these goals are Botox® and Dysport®. Both offered at the Dermatology Medical Group Inc., these injections each have their own benefits, depending on an individual’s wants and needs. Do you know which treatment would be best for you? Keep reading to find out!
It is highly likely that you are already familiar with Botox®. When performed by a trained professional, Botox® treatments can successfully (though, temporarily) improve the appearance of both moderate and severe frown lines, often found between the brows and around the mouth.
Wrinkles are often caused from too much frowning and squinting over the years, and Botox® aims to attack these repeated muscle contractions. Botox® is injected into these muscles to temporarily reduce muscle activity, after which, you shortly begin to notice a smoothing of the skin. Even after treatment, you should still be able to show expression and emotion on your face.
Generally, Botox® injections take little time to perform, just 10 minutes. Often described as “pain free,” prior patients have noted that the treatment feels likes a pinch. For those who have overly sensitive skin, or who are worried about the level of discomfort they may experience, numbing cream is available.
As with any type of injection or treatment, there are side effects associated with Botox®. However, when your treatment is performed by an educated, trained, and experienced professional, then it is less likely side effects will occur. Yet, these side effects can include the following:
- Dry Mouth
- Blurred Vision
- Swelling
- Redness
- Numbness
- Dry Eyes
- Allergic Reactions
If you do experience any of these side effects, it is imperative to contact your doctor immediately. When or if side effects do take place, they often do not last.
Dysport® is a similar treatment to Botox®. Again, this injection can help attack frown lines between the eyebrows, while leaving you with a natural appearance, still looking like yourself. Like Botox®, Dysport® can assist with both moderate and severe frown lines.
Dysport® is injected into each of the five points between and above the eyebrows, temporarily preventing muscle contractions. These injections generally take 10 to 20 minutes to complete, with results showing in two to three days. These results can last up to four months. One of Dysport®’s main attractions is the fact that there is relatively no downtime following treatment, meaning you can immediately go on with your day.
As with Botox®, and all other cosmetic treatments and injections, there are side effects associated with Dysport®, such as:
- Muscle Weakness
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Nausea
- Headache
Again, these side effects are less likely to occur when treatment is performed by a professional. Other, more serious side effects have been connected to Dysport®, including trouble breathing, severe skin rash, and chest pains. If you do happen to experience any of the side effects listed after your Dysport® treatment, it is vital to contact your doctor immediately.
Now that you are a little more familiar with both Botox® and Dysport®, you may be wondering which injection is best for you. Of course, each individual is different. Depending on what you hope to achieve with treatment, you may favor one injection over the other.
Many have argued that Dysport® may work a little quicker than Botox®, as well as cost less than Botox® treatments. While the results of both treatments are similar, Dysport® may remain active in the body a bit longer than Botox®, meaning less treatments are needed. Further, Dysport® injections are typically administered deeper than Botox® injections. While this feature can have its benefits, it is important to ensure an experienced professional is performing the treatment, otherwise droopy eyelids and/or brows may occur.
Regardless of which injection you choose for your face – Botox® or Dysport® – just be aware of the facility you choose to perform the treatment. After all, this is your face, and there is no room for error.
To find out more about Botox® and/or Dysport®, or to schedule a consultation, contact the Dermatology Medical Group Inc. in San Francisco today by calling 415-362-2238.
