Pretty Poisons: Botox & Dysport

Tired of looking tired and old?  Feeling youthful but the mirror telling you otherwise?  Your answer might just be found in Neuromuscular Blockers.  Just a few droplets from these “magic potions” turns back time and diminishes wrinkles and the frown lines that keep staring back at you from the mirror.

Historically for facial rejuvenation Botox has been used.  The bacteria in Botox produces several toxins but is limited to only type A which was originally used for medical purposes.  Botox treated excessive twitching of the eye muscle in the 1960’s until it was observed that the wrinkles around the eyes were showing an improvement. Today, Botox is used to treat many conditions from headaches to hyperhydrosis (profuse sweating of palms and armpits).  However, the most widespread use of Botox is its cosmetic application in improving facial lines and wrinkles.

Communication between the nerves and the muscles are hindered with the use of Botox,  therefore, paralyzing the treated muscles. The result is a relaxed muscle unable to contract. No contraction, No wrinkle!

The two types of wrinkles are, dynamic and static. The static lines are the result of loss of collagen and thinning of the skin caused by factors such as; sun damage, smoking, or genetics. Dynamic lines are caused by repetitive contraction of the corresponding muscles.   Botox acts only on the “dynamic lines”.

Botox acts locally at the site of injection.  It is not metabolized within the body, which  minimizes systemic side effects. And since it only affects the motor nerves, sensation remains intact; therefore, there is no risk of numbness.

These pretty poisons are one of the few procedures that may be done preventatively even before wrinkles ever appear to slow the aging process. This is especially true in patients with darker skin, where most other rejuvenation modalities such as laser treatments are limited due to possibility of pigmentation. Therefore, taking care of your skin today is an investment in the future.

The majority of patients are women but more and more men are enjoying the results of these injections.  Whether it is just for your own self-esteem or for that job interview, looking more youthful gives you more self confidence.  The procedure is relatively easy, quick and causes only minimal pain. Injections are done with an ultra super thin needle in the areas of glabella (between the head of the brows), forehead and the crows feet. The frown lines between the eyes can give the look of tiredness or being angry. Treatment with Botox or Dysport in this area, results in a more rested, refreshed and relaxed appearance.

When Botox first became popular, the patients’ goal was to totally paralyze and freeze the muscle. It was not uncommon to spot a person looking expressionless; therefore, suspecting Botox as the culprit. Nowadays, most patients opt for a more natural look, allowing some level of expressive movement.

Customization may be done with Botox, where the results are geared to the patients’ anatomy and desires.  For example, injecting a lesser amount in the forehead area compared to the glabellar region may give more of a lift to the head of the brow. Experienced surgeons may be able to further utilize Botox to treat smoker’s lines ( vertical lines around the lips), drooping of the corners of the lips and the corresponding marionette lines.  Even some subtle changes can be made in the neck bands.

Botox and dysport are both very effective. It is not unlike the comparison between Coke and Pepsi. However, it does come down to the expertise of the treating doctor to determine which product and technique will achieve the desired look of youth and rejuvenation.  Since very few things are permanent so it is true for the effects of Botox and Dysport.  Depending on the uniqueness of each patient, the treatment may be repeated every three to six months to maintain the results.