Botox and Dysport are excellent treatments for smoothing frown lines between your brows and reducing wrinkles in your forehead and around the eyes (crow's feet). Both are administered so as to not alter your natural expression and features. Either procedure takes just a few minutes and typically lasts 3-4 months.
Despite their immense popularity in the U.S. and Europe, proven safety, and high degree of efficacy, there are still many misconceptions about Botox and Dysport. This section answers a number of frequently asked questions about the procedures. However, if you are interested in Botox or Dysport, we encourage you to have a complimentary consultation with one of our highly-trained clinicians. During that time, they can answer any other questions you may have as well as perform an individual evaluation to see if Botox or Dysport are right for you. To make an appointment call Evolutions at 805-687-0212.
Botox® and Dysport (medically known as botulinum toxin type A) are both a natural, purified protein used to treat overactive muscles and sweat glands. Botox® was first used in the late 1980’s to treat optic muscle disorders such as “lazy eye.” Dysport has been used to treat similar muscle disorders in the United Kingdom since 1990.
Botox® is now FDA-approved to treat wrinkles and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Dysport is also FDA-approved for the treatment of wrinkles.
Absolutely, as long as you receive true Botox® (made exclusively by Allergan Inc) or Dysport (made by Ipsen Group, distributed in the U.S. by Medicis Inc) and have it administered by a well-trained clinician. In fact, because Botox® is such a safe, quick (the procedure usually takes only 10-15 minutes), easy, effective, and relatively affordable treatment, it is now easily the most popular medical cosmetic procedure in the country. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2007 there were roughly 4.6 million Botox® procedures performed in the United States alone. That is more than 12,600 procedures every day, or roughly 1 every 7 seconds!
Though Dysport is a new treatment in the U.S., given its success in Europe over the last 20 years, it will likely be as popular as Botox within a short period of time.
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How do Botox® and Dysport work to soften frown lines and improve wrinkles?
Botox® and Dysport treat overactive muscles by blocking the signals that tell those muscles to contract. This can be done partially or totally, depending on the desired effect. The effects of Botox® and Dysport are temporary and typically last between 3-4 months.
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Are there any side effects?
Typically not, though the most common side effect is minor bruising in the treated area. For a full list of potential side effects, you should have a consultation and review an informed consent form.
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Are Botox® and Dysport effective?
Yes, they are highly effective treatments, both to smooth wrinkles and to drastically reduce (typically by 90% or more) excessive sweating.
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I don't want to look "frozen." Will I still be able to make expressions?
If your Botox®/Dysport treatment is administered properly by a highly-trained clinician, you will still be able to make expressions. Depending on the area treated, it may be appropriate to only weaken the muscle movement. You can discuss this with your clinician prior to treatment.
The vast majority of clients are extremely happy with the results of a Botox®/Dysport treatment. The most common comment made by friends and family of clients after receiving Botox®/Dysport is that they appear to be more "rested."
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How are Botox® and Dysport administered? How much Botox® or Dysport will I need?
Botox® and Dysport are both injected with a small needle in tiny amounts to specific areas. They are usually sold to clients by the unit. However, it is important to note that the two are measured differently (much like feet vs. meters). This difference is accounted for in the pricing.
The number of units necessary for an effective treatment varies, both by the individual and the area treated. Men usually need a few more units than women to achieve the same effect. At Evolutions, it is common to use 20-24 units of Botox (60-72 units of Dysport) for the glabellar region (the frown lines), 10-14 units of Botox (30-42 units of Dysport) for the forehead, and 10-14 units of (30-42 units of Dysport) for the peri-orbital area (“crow’s feet”). If you have had a Botox® or Dysport treatment in any of these areas and have received significantly more units, you may have received more Botox® or Dysport than is necessary for an effective treatment.
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How long do the effects of Botox® and Dysport last?
For wrinkle treatments, the effects of Botox® and Dysport typically last 3-4 months. However, with repeated treatments, the effects may last up to 6 months. When treating excessive sweating, results normally last 6 or more months.
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What is the difference between Botox®/Dysport and dermal fillers (such as Restylane®, Juvederm®, and Radiesse®)?
Though both are commonly used to treat wrinkles, Botox® and Dysport treat the cause of the wrinkle (the overactive muscle) whereas dermal fillers are used to treat the symptom (the wrinkle itself). Oftentimes both Botox®/Dysport and dermal fillers can be used in conjunction with each other to improve the overall result.
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How important is the skill level of the clinician in receiving an effective Botox®/Dysport treatment?
The skill level of the administering clinician is very important. There is an artistic element involved with Botox® and Dysport injections in order to ensure that the client achieves effective wrinkle reduction while still maintaining a natural look. Also, if a clinician is not highly-trained, they may need to inject more Botox® or Dysport to get the same effect. Thus, sometimes an attractive per unit price may end up costing you more money.
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How do Botox® and Dysport work to stop excessive sweating?
Botox® and Dysport block the signals sent to the treated sweat glands telling them to sweat. The effects of Botox®/Dysport on sweat glands typically last 6-8 months.
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Sweating is necessary for temperature regulation. Isn't it dangerous to stop it?
No, Botox®/Dysport treatments for excessive sweating are not dangerous at all. Your body has sweat glands almost everywhere, and this procedure treats only a very small percentage of those sweat glands. Treating them does not effect your body's ability to regulate temperature.
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Why is Evolutions Medical Spa the premier location in Santa Barbara to receive Botox®/Dysport treatments?
Evolutions’ owner and medical director, Dr. Terry Perkins, is one of the country’s foremost experts on Botox®. He was selected to be one of only 16 physicians in the United States to evaluate Botox® in the FDA study that led to its approval for cosmetic uses. Dr. Perkins has performed thousands of Botox® injections and has pioneered the threading technique for maximum effectiveness. Furthermore, all of the injecting clinicians at Evolutions have been personally and extensively trained by Dr. Perkins on facial anatomy, Botox® theory, optimal injection locations/techniques, and practical application.
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