Dysport® & Botox®

Dysport® & Botox®

When wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes begin to form, surgery may seem a bit drastic. Luckily, Dysport or Botox injections are non-surgical anti-aging alternatives that are a great option for many people.

Botox and Dysport are very similar but have a few subtle differences in their effect.  They both have the same active ingredient and are botulinum injectables that work on wrinkles caused by repeated muscle activity, such as the frown lines that form between the eyebrows and crow’s feet wrinkles. The injections reduce some of this muscle activity so that the skin can relax and become smoother over time.

This quick procedure is very safe and well tolerated.

Dr. Rodwell thank you for fixing the lines on my face that bothered me so much!! This was my first time ever doing anything like that and it was definitely well worth it.

— Kristin B.

For lines and wrinkles that are a result of lost volume rather than muscle activity, dermal fillers are recommended. Many patients have Botox or Dysport in addition to fillers to smooth a number of facial wrinkles.

Why consider Dysport or Botox?

Dysport and Botox can:

  • Smooth vertical frown lines between the eyebrows
  • Improve horizontal forehead wrinkles
  • Reduce the “crow’s feet” lines around the eyes
  • Improve wrinkles around the mouth and neck bands in carefully selected patients

Dr. Rodwell’s Approach to Dysport and Botox

Dr. Rodwell approaches Dysport or Botox injections with the attitude that the results should not look frozen but instead should soften your appearance and provide long-term prevention of deep wrinkles. You should look better and more rested but not as though you have had a cosmetic procedure.

While a fine needle is used, and the injections are not significantly painful, a topical anesthetic can be applied. This will make your appointment last a little longer, as the anesthetic cream must take effect before Botox or Dysport is administered.  The vast majority of patients find that numbing cream is not necessary.

Botox and Dysport are very similar but not exactly the same. After your consultation and examination, Dr. Rodwell will recommend the one he feels is best for you.  Dr. Rodwell performs all injections himself.

Patients deserve a better experience, and my goal is to exceed their expectations every time.

—Dr. Rodwell

What to Expect After Dysport or Botox Injections

We advise patients to avoid strenuous exercise on the same day following a treatment, but other than that you are free to resume your normal activities.  It is uncommon, but some patients might see a small bruise at some of the injection sites for a few days.  Usually there are just some tiny red marks that go away within about 30 minutes.

The full effects of the injections show up within one to two weeks, and the average dose lasts approximately 3 to 4 months.  Occasionally, a small touch up may be needed after everything kicks in.  This is especially true in areas like the forehead lines over the eyebrows where the smallest amount can make a big difference.

There is never any charge for doing a small touch up injection.  We would rather under do it and add a little bit more instead of having you look overdone by using too much.

If you are considering Dysport or Botox injections in Charleston, contact Dr. Rodwell today to discuss your candidacy.

Charleston Dysport & Botox Frequently Asked Questions

Below, you will find a list of frequently asked questions regarding Dysport & Botox procedures that are commonly asked by potential patients.

If you do not see your specific question, or still have concerns regarding the Dysport & Botox procedure, contact the professional staff at Charleston Facial Plastic Surgery in Charleston, SC by calling (843) 628-1415 today!

Botox injections block specific nerve endings from sending signals that cause muscles to contract. The most common use of Botox is to relax facial muscles that cause expression creases, such as frown lines and crow’s feet.

Xeomin contains a purified form of the botulinum toxin that paralyzes expression muscles, while Botox has a complex mixture of proteins. Xeomin has no additives and is referred to as the naked injectable. Botox has additives.

Botox and Xeomin can be used anywhere you are experiencing concerns caused by hyperactive muscles, including:

  • Forehead
  • Upper eyebrows
  • Nose
  • Upper eyelids
  • Back of the neck
  • Orbicular oris muscle

Botox and Xeomin results last from three to six months. Additional injections can continue their benefits.

During treatment, which usually takes about twenty minutes, your injector will administer the neurotoxin to target muscles. No anesthesia is necessary, but a topical anesthetic or cold compress may reduce discomfort. You can go back to your typical day immediately.

No other cosmetic treatment has been thoroughly used, with millions of injections administered, then the neurotoxin in Botos and Xeomin. It is proven both safe and reliable.

Botox and Xeomin may cause minor side effects, including allergic reactions, such as redness, itching, rash, swelling, dizziness, wheezing, asthma symptoms, or feeling faint.

Combining Botox or Xeomin with dermal fillers is beneficial because they treat different wrinkles. Botox relaxes dynamic wrinkles caused by repeated facial expressions like squinting and frowning. Dermal fillers soften static wrinkles caused by volume loss and are visible when your face is at rest.

The cost of Xeomin is about the same as Botox and varies on the number of injections and the credentials and experience of your injector.

Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatories, such as Aleve and Advil, ginkgo biloba, fish oil supplements, and vitamin E, for the week leading up to your injection. These products may increase bleeding and bruising from the injection.