Botox/Dysport/Xeomin
For frown lines/wrinkles (typical treatment 20-50 units). Lasts approximately 3 months. Duration of effect is related to the amount used.
Botox
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription drug that temporarily paralyzes muscles. It contains a purified and safe form of botulinum toxin A. Manufactured by Allergan, Inc., it is used to treat permanent furrows and deep wrinkles in the skin that are formed by the continual contraction of facial muscles. In addition to its cosmetic applications, it is used to treat a number of medical problems, including excessive sweating, overactive bladder, anal fissures, neck spasms, crossed eyes, chronic back and jaw pain, TMJ disorder and migraines.
APPLICATIONS FOR BOTOX COSMETIC
Although originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of eye and muscle spasms, BOTOX Cosmetic was quickly recognized for its cosmetic value. Properly placed injections of BOTOX Cosmetic block nerve impulses sent to muscles, weakening them to the point where they cannot contract, and temporarily eliminating moderately severe furrows and lines. BOTOX Cosmetic is used to treat the following:
- Forehead furrows
- Frown lines
- Crow's feet
- Skin bands on the neck
According to Allergan, BOTOX Cosmetic has been "extensively researched, with approximately 2500 studies."
BOTOX COSMETIC PROCEDURE AND RESULTS
Using a very fine needle, BOTOX Cosmetic is injected directly into facial muscles that are causing furrows and lines. Receiving the injections requires no anesthetic, but some doctors choose to numb the area to be injected with ice packs or a topical anesthetic cream, especially when treating lip lines. Results can usually be seen within a few days of treatment, and typically last up to four months, although areas that are treated on a regular basis may retain results longer. Injections should be given only by qualified medical professionals.
SIDE EFFECTS OF BOTOX COSMETIC
Injection-site side effects of BOTOX Cosmetic are usually mild and temporary, and include the following:
- Pain
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bleeding
- Bruising
Normal activities may be resumed immediately after receiving injections.
DYSPORT®
Prescription Dysport® injectable is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for temporarily lessening or eliminating moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows. Like BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport® injectable is placed directly into the muscle underneath a furrow, weakening the muscle to the point where it cannot contract.
Dysport®, also known as Reloxin, is made from a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum; it is the same class of neurotoxin used in BOTOX® Cosmetic.
APPLICATIONS FOR DYSPORT® INJECTABLE
Medically, ®Dysport injectable is used to treat excessive underarm sweating; symptoms of cervical dystonia, which include neck pain and abnormal head position; and muscle spasms. Cosmetically, Dysport® injections are used to treat the following:
- Forehead furrows
- Frown lines
- Crow's feet
- Skin bands on the neck
DYSPORT® INJECTABLE PROCEDURE AND RESULTS
Using a very fine needle, Dysport® injectable is placed directly into facial muscles that are causing furrows and lines. No anesthetic is required, but some doctors choose to numb the area to be injected with ice packs or a topical anesthetic cream. Results can usually be seen within a few days of treatment, and typically last up to 4 months, although areas that are treated on a regular basis may retain results longer. Injections should be given only by qualified medical professionals.
CANDIDATES FOR DYSPORT® INJECTABLE
According to the manufacturer's website, candidates for Dysport® injectable are "adults less than 65 years of age" who want "temporary improvement in the look of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines)." It may not be suitable for those with the following:
- Allergies to Dysport® or its ingredients
- An allergy to cow's milk protein
- Surgical facial changes
- Very weak muscles in the treatment area
- A face that looks very different on each side
- Inflammation or infection in the area to be injected
- Droopy eyelids or sagging eyelid folds
- Deep facial scars
- Thick, oily skin
- Wrinkles that cannot be smoothed when spread apart
Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, or has a neuromuscular disease, should not receive Dysport® injectable.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DYSPORT® INJECTABLE AND BOTOX® COSMETIC
Although made from the same bacterium, there is anecdotal evidence that Dysport® injectable may last longer, spread farther and take effect more quickly than BOTOX® Cosmetic.
SIDE EFFECTS OF DYSPORT® INJECTABLE
Side effects of Dysport® injectable are usually mild and temporary, and normal activities may be resumed immediately after receiving injections. Injection-site side effects include the following:
- Pain
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bleeding
- Bruising
Eyelids can droop when Dysport® injections are made in the glabellar region; they usually return to normal within 3 weeks. Side effects of Dysport® injectable are the same as those of BOTOX® Cosmetic.
Xeomin®
Xeomin® is a smart toxin with a double-filtered formula that removes unnecessary proteins, so you get only what’s needed for smoother frown lines, treatment after treatment.
Frown lines form when facial expressions are made as the muscle under the skin contracts. Over time, as your skin ages, these repeated expressions cause lasting frown lines. Neurotoxins, such as Xeomin®, are prescription medications that block the release of chemicals that cause these muscle contractions so frown lines are softened.
Xeomin® is made through a unique precision manufacturing process called XTRACT Technology™, that uses two filtration steps to isolate the therapeutic component of the molecule and removes the complexing/unnecessary proteins that don’t play an active role in treatment. Xeomin® is a double filtered neurotoxin.
Dr. Howlin and Katherine Hillig, NP, use all three of these neurotoxins interchangeably and are well trained in the nuances of each.
We await the arrival of Daxxi, a new neurotoxin that has a duration of 6 months. It is FDA approved, and will arrive in our area in 2023.