by Stephanie SImons on October 06, 2015
Injectable toxins are among the most popular wrinkle-reducing strategies in your arsenal. And since there are different types, there's plenty of room for confusion. Not to be confused with
fillers, toxins temporarily erase wrinkles by paralyzing facial muscles but they also prevent the formation of etched-in lines in the long run with regular use. Can we get a 'hoorah'?
Some people will argue that injection technique is more critical than the actual kind of injectable you choose, but products can vary slightly from brand to brand, which is why it’s wise to do your homework before deciding on the chosen one. It’s a lot like comparing apples to apples... and if you’re an apple-loving Snow White you'll know the importance of recognizing the difference between a Fuji and a Gala.
By now you’ve heard of the original toxin, Botox®, the most widely-known injectable used to treat rogue wrinkles, mostly because it was the first to arrive on the scene and be used by a number of Hollywood actresses. It’s obviously been around the longest and has been the most publicized.
Lesser known but equally as effective, Dysport® (formerly used only in Europe) works very much in the same way, with a few key differences. Using a slightly different formulation of the same substance, botulinum toxin A, Dysport® blocks nerve impulses and paralyzes the muscles just like Botox. This, of course, eliminates your ability to make repeated expressions that cause wrinkles, particularly in areas such as the forehead, around the eyes and between the brows. Both Botox and Dysport® involve needles and the treatments take about 20 minutes to perform. Both are safe for all skin types and skin colors. And each can be used to treat everything from wrinkles and migrane headaches to unsavory underarm sweating.
Where Dysport® has the edge, however, is that offers a more even distribution, making it the best option for correcting lots of fine lines around the eyes and mouth. More diffusion equals a wider spread so you can treat broader areas with fewer needle sticks. Dysport® has fewer and smaller proteins than Botox, so its unit measurements are different and it works quicker with faster results up to 24 to 48 hours earlier than Botox (perfect for a last-minute party or reunion). Dysport® also results in the formation of fewer of the body’s natural antibodies against it, so clinical effects may last longer.
Lastly, those who have become Botox-resistant after repeated treatments may respond better to a shot of skin-enhancing Dysport®…
To recap:
- Both injectables are a type of botulinum type A
- Both prevent muscle contractions that cause frown lines, crow's feet and other facial wrinkles caused by making repeated facial expressions
- Both are safe and effective with a low rate of side effects
- Both treatments take 15-20 minutes and last approximately three to six months
Abstract: With the popularity of facial fillers increasing exponentially in the United States, the incidence of filler complications also is on the rise. This has led to the necessity for medical aesthetic physicians to have tried-and-true protocols they can turn to for the treatment of filler complications, including impending necrosis and hypersensitivity reactions.
Filler treatments are the second most commonly performed nonsurgical cosmetic procedure in the United States. Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of hyaluronic acid for cosmetic use in 2003, its popularity has skyrocketed with more than 1.3 million treatments performed last year in the United States alone.1
The ability to quickly, safely and efficiently volumize and shape an aged or disproportionate face has revolutionized the way cosmetic medicine is perceived and delivered, and it likely will continue to positively influence the way physicians think about and practice cosmetic medicine. However, along with its rise in popularity, there has been an increase in the amount of physician and non-physician providers with varying backgrounds and experience performing the treatments.
