We are demystifying the magic of Botox and Dysport with our newest injectables expert, Courtney English. Courtney and Haley have worked closely together to learn the art of cosmetic injecting tailored towards Haley’s specific technique and style of injection. Courtney also has a Master of Science in Nursing and is a Family Nurse Practitioner with years of experience in critical care.

She says the best idea is to ask questions and do your research. These questions below are common ones we hear and will help to ease any apprehension you may have. We hope they inspire you to make your needs a priority. You deserve to feel confident.

So without further ado, here are the top 10 questions you’ve always wanted to know about the best neuromodulators available here in the United States: Botox and Dysport.

1. How do I know if I’m a good candidate for Botox or Dysport?

If lines or wrinkles between your brows, along your forehead, around your eyes or mouth bother you, then you are a great candidate. You’re even a good candidate if you want to PREVENT those lines or wrinkles from forming! Botox and Dysport are great wrinkle preventatives for younger adults as well as smoothing agents for those who already see the wrinkles forming on their skin.

2. How do the injections work?

Botox and Dysport basically work as a temporary muscle relaxer by blocking the signals of the nerves to the muscles. When your body sends a signal to the nerves to frown or raise your eyebrows where Botox and Dysport have been injected, these muscles will stay relaxed, thereby not creating a wrinkle in the skin. Because of this, Botox results effectively prevent and treat wrinkles that have been formed from excess muscle movement in the face.

3. Where can it be injected?

The main injections spots for Botox and Dysport are above the eyebrows, the upper forehead and around the eyes. Examples of other areas for injections can include the upper lip, jawline (to help slim the face and control TMJ/teeth grinding/clenching), chin, nose, neck and armpits (to decrease excessive sweating). We even inject Botox superficially into the skin to treat enlarged pores!

4. Will it get rid of wrinkles?

Botox and Dysport are injected to help soften and even treat the fine lines and wrinkles of the face. To help you know what your potential result will be, do the “stretch test” on yourself! If you can stretch the skin apart and the wrinkle goes away, then Botox and Dysport might do the trick. However, if you stretch the skin apart and the wrinkle is still noticeable, then Botox and Dysport may soften the winkle, but not completely eliminate it.

5. Will it change my face?

Your face can change slightly, but typically by a few millimeters only, which is so small. For example, Botox and Dysport can be used to create an eyebrow lift, to lessen the appearance of a “gummy smile” or to upturn the upper lip. During the consultation you will be asked specific questions so that we can help change only the areas of your face you wish to either lift or relax with Botox and Dysport injections.

6. Will it help sagging jowls?

Botox could possibly help sagging jowls when injected into the platysmal bands in the neck and jawline. For more severe jowls, dermal fillers and surgery would be more effective.

7. Which brand is the best?

There are 4 FDA approved brands when it comes to neuromodulators. The most popular being Botox and Dysport in the US. These are the two neuromodulators used at The Look. When describing these to people we like to describe them as Coke and Pepsi. The molecular make-up of the two toxins is very similar; very slight differences in the protein complex that protects the core molecule. But just like some folks prefer Coke and others prefer Pepsi, we find that same phenomenon with Botox and Dysport. Some clients can’t tell a difference between the two results, others find one lasts longer than the other; some find one has more of a “gentler” look, others find that one may “lift” better. It boils down to provider and client preference, and we can discuss this during a consultation.

8. Which brand lasts longer?

According to studies produced by each brand, both Botox and Dysport claim that their neurotoxins should last around four months. This will vary person by person with some lasting longer and shorter than others. Both brands will typically have their maximum effect in two weeks. Dysport does have studies that show a shorter onset of effectiveness when compared to other brands.

9. Which is the safest?

Both brands are extremely safe. It is very rare to have any adverse side effects from Botox or Dysport. The main concern when it comes to Dysport is that there is a contraindication if the patient is allergic to cow’s milk protein. You can read more about the facts about Botox and Dysport here.

10. Where does Botox come from?

The name Botox came from “botulinum toxin.” Botulinum toxin comes from a bacterium called clostridium botulinum. Certain serotypes of this bacteria are used to create what we know as Botox. The amount of core toxin actually used to create muscle relaxation is extremely small and has been studied for safety and efficacy. Typically, the dose used to treat large muscles for spastic bladder, cervical dystonia and migraines can be 10 times higher than the dose we use to relax facial muscles. Even at 10x higher dosing for bladder and large muscle issues, the safety profile for Botox and Dysport is extremely safe.

We would love to help you decide what treatment is best for you! Call us to schedule a consultation today at (615) 814-2150.