With ages comes wisdom, fine lines and moderate-to-severe wrinkles. You may find yourself growing happier the wiser you become, but you’re probably not happy about looking older. That’s where injectable muscle relaxants come in. Today, our experts at YourSkinRN in Kitchener, ON discuss whether Botox or Dysport may be better for you.
Botox or Dysport: Which One Is Right for You?
It can seem difficult to decide whether Botox or Dysport would benefit you more. These injectables share a great number of similarities because they are both injectable muscle relaxants. That said, there are several differences between the injectables that will make your decision easier.
Additionally, it is possible both injectable neurotoxins are right for you. You may have some aesthetic concerns that are treated very effectively with Botox and other aesthetic concerns that are treated very effectively with Dysport. Furthermore, you may choose to alternate between the two injectables to enjoy results that last as long as possible.
Different Neurotoxin
The most significant difference between these two injectable muscle relaxants is the difference in the formula used. Botox uses ONA molecules that are great for the treatment of large muscles and deep folds. Dysport uses ABO molecules that may be more appropriate for larger surface areas and milder concerns.
Since ONA molecules are significantly larger than OBA molecules, the doses used to achieve the desired results are different. We will help you decide which formula is right for you based on the areas you are targeting for treatment and how severe your cosmetic concerns are.
Different Result Speeds
Another effect of different formulas is the injectables provide ideal results at different rates. As a typical rule of thumb, Dysport provides faster results. Since ABO molecules are so small, they attach themselves to the receptors in your muscles quickly and, subsequently, block muscle hyperactivity quickly.
You may be able to see the final results of Dysport within 24 hours. In contrast, it can take two to three days to see the final results of Botox. However, it is important to understand that Dysport may not be right for you even if you want immediate results. You may need several Dysport injection sessions to achieve your ideal results depending on the severity of your lines and wrinkles.
Different Spread
As noted above, ABO molecules spread throughout the treatment area quickly. Additionally, they spread a lot farther than ONA molecules. If you’re concerned about crow’s feet developing around your eyes, Dysport may not be appropriate for you because it may spread outside of the targeted area and relax surrounding muscles. It may be appropriate if you want to improve the appearance of your forehead.
An Overview of the Injectable Muscle Relaxants
You are probably familiar with Botox already as it has been used for well over a decade to treat both cosmetic and medical concerns. On the other hand, you may not have heard of Dysport. Dysport is also FDA-approved to treat wrinkles and folds caused by dynamic muscles. Here’s a brief overview of the injectable muscle relaxants.
Botox
Botox has the distinction of being the first injectable muscle relaxant to earn FDA approval for the treatment of dynamic facial wrinkles. This injectable neurotoxin works because the toxin derived from specific bacteria impedes communication from the brain to the overactive muscles. It was designed to treat blepharoplasty but is now used for the treatment of several concerns, including glabellar lines and gummy smiles.
Dysport
Both injectable muscle relaxants can provide you with your desired results through the injection of a botulinum toxin A formula. However, the specific formula used to manufacture Dysport is a little different. The treatment process is incredibly similar, but the slight formula difference makes Dysport a little better for the treatment of mild cosmetic concerns.
At the end of the day, these injectables are so similar, choosing the best one for you is a bit like choosing between brands of mac and cheese. That said, we can help you pick the best injectable for you based on the specific goals you are trying to accomplish.
What Are the Benefits of Injectable Neurotoxins?
There are many benefits associated with injectable neurotoxins. For example, irrespective of the neurotoxin you choose, you can feel confident you will enjoy ideal results that last between three and four months. Another great thing about injectable muscle relaxants is you can feel confident you will see your final results quickly.
Furthermore, neurotoxins can be used to treat muscles in the upper face. Other anti-aging treatments, like dermal fillers, cannot treat the upper face effectively. Here are some other benefits associated with injectable neurotoxins:
Smoother Skin
You’ve probably seen a commercial for an over-the-counter cream or lotion that promises to smooth your wrinkles away. Unfortunately, topical anti-aging treatments are rarely effective for the treatment of volume loss-related wrinkles. If you have such wrinkles, you would need to apply the topical product daily for four months for a chance to enjoy a little volumization.
On the other hand, if the appropriate injectable is selected to treat your cosmetic concerns, you can expect ideal results every time. It is important to note that if your cosmetic concerns are caused by overactive muscles, only an injectable neurotoxin can smooth away your wrinkles and folds. Dermal fillers increase localized volume. They don’t slow muscle activity.
Minimized Impacts of Stress
Stress wreaks havoc on your skin. Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, causes collagen to break down prematurely. Collagen is the protein that keeps your skin firm, hydrated, volumized and youthful. Even worse, stress causes you to tense your muscles, including the muscles in your face. Remember, the wrinkles that can be treated with injectable muscle relaxants are triggered by excessive muscle contractions.
If you think you’re too young for furrows between your eyebrows, deep worry lines across your forehead or frown lines around your mouth, stress may be the cause of your cosmetic concern. Even if you don’t realize it, stress causes your muscles to tense up. An injectable muscle relaxant will relax the facial muscles you are tensing subconsciously, making you look younger, happier and more relaxed.
Natural-Looking Results
Injectable muscle relaxants provide natural-looking results. You don’t have to worry about the treated muscles “freezing.” You will be able to emote effectively; the range of motion of your treated muscles will not change. Rather, they will not move excessively.
Additionally, your face won’t feel numb once an injectable muscle relaxant is administered. The botulinum toxin affects the motor neurons in your muscles but not the sensory neurons. Therefore, your face will feel completely natural. Additionally, you will look naturally younger.
Convenience
Injectable muscle relaxants are sometimes referred to as lunchtime anti-aging treatments; each session can be completed within 30 minutes. You don’t have to schedule time off from work or cancel plans on the day of your treatment. There is no downtime following this anti-wrinkle treatment.
What makes this treatment even more convenient is there is minimal preparation and aftercare required. All you really need to do before your treatment is not take blood-thinning supplements and drugs. Once your session is over, you just need to avoid excessive heat for 72 hours.
Safety
Both injectable muscle relaxants are approved by the FDA for the safe treatment of dynamic facial wrinkles. They are safe for most relatively healthy adults. You can feel confident if you are considered a good candidate, the injectable will work as it was designed to work and have no risk of damaging the skin. This makes it a much better option than invasive procedures, like a brow lift, that often leaves long scars that don’t fade over time naturally.
Comfort
This treatment is also incredibly comfortable. Using a fine-gauge needle, we administer the appropriate dosage of the muscle relaxant directly into the muscles causing your skin to wrinkle.
To ensure your continued comfort throughout the treatment, we will apply a topical anesthetic to your skin to numb the treatment areas before the injections are made. The needle used is so fine you won’t see any visible marks on your skin after the injections are complete.
High Compatibility
Injectable muscle relaxants are great because they are very compatible with other cosmetic treatments. Most people have several concerns related to their appearance. You may be most concerned with the appearance of lines and wrinkles. If you have other skin concerns, other treatments can be combined with injectable muscle relaxants required to relax dynamic muscles.
For instance, if some of your wrinkles are caused by volume loss, we can administer both injectable muscle relaxants and dermal fillers to treat dynamic and static (volume loss-related) wrinkles. During your initial evaluation, we will discuss all of your cosmetic concerns and make a treatment plan that accomplishes each of your aesthetic goals safely and effectively.
Easily Maintained
Another incredible benefit of injectable muscle relaxants is the results of treatment are maintained easily. For the most part, you simply need to come to maintenance appointments every three or four months to maintain your ideal results.
However, you can extend the longevity of your treatment results by supporting the health of your skin between sessions. Note, the most beneficial thing you can do for yourself is to wear sunscreen during the day. This will prevent the neurotoxin from disintegrating prematurely.
Who Is a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
You will most likely be deemed a good fit for this treatment if you are an adult with concerns about the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. However, it is important you come in for an initial consultation so we can assess your eligibility. For example, you may be concerned about the appearance of dynamic wrinkles but considered a poor candidate for this treatment if you are pregnant or nursing.
Additionally, we need to know about any history of severe allergies you have and what medications you are currently taking. We will also need to know the dosages of the medications you are currently taking. Furthermore, you should strongly consider rescheduling your injection session if your skin is infected within 14 days of the scheduled appointment.
Enjoy Smooth, Youthful Skin
Whether you decide Botox or Dysport is right for you, injectable muscle relaxants can help you address the signs of aging caused by dynamic muscles. From fine lines around your mouth to deep forehead folds and sagging eyebrows, an injectable muscle relaxant can improve your appearance for months at a time. Contact us today at YourSkinRN in Kitchener, ON to schedule your initial consultation and discover which injectable muscle relaxant will better suit your needs.