Wrinkle Relaxers: Botox & Dysport Information
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Conditions or Concerns Wrinkle Relaxers (Botox & Dysport) Treat
Botox and Dysport smooth dynamic wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movement. They are FDA-approved to treat frown lines (glabellar lines), forehead lines, and crow’s feet around the eyes. They are also used for other concerns such as jawline slimming (Masseter Botox), lip enhancement (“Botox Lip Flip”), and neck rejuvenation (“Nefertiti Neck Lift”). Both Botox and Dysport can also be used preventively to help keep new wrinkles from forming.
The Procedure Used for Wrinkle Relaxers (Botox & Dysport)
Both Botox and Dysport use purified botulinum toxin type A to temporarily relax targeted muscles. Small amounts are injected precisely into facial muscles, preventing them from contracting and softening the appearance of wrinkles.
Do Wrinkle Relaxers (Botox & Dysport) Hurt?
We can use ice or topical numbing cream for patient comfort upon request. However, the needles are very fine, and injections are very well tolerated – described as a quick pinch – so most patients do not require numbing.
How Long Wrinkle Relaxers (Botox & Dysport) Take
Botox or Dysport treatment usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the number of areas treated. Dr. Ali or our nurse injector will have you assume certain facial expressions to see how the muscles in your face contract to cause wrinkles and lines – so that the most precise and effective injection locations can be identified.
How Long Recovery from Botox or Dysport Takes
Recovery is minimal and there is no downtime after Botox. Some patients may experience tiny bumps, redness, or mild bruising at injection sites, which resolve quickly. But patients may return to normal activities immediately.
Botox Aftercare Instructions
Proper aftercare is essential to ensure your Botox results look their best and to minimize the risk of unwanted side effects. Immediately after treatment, patients should avoid touching, rubbing, or massaging the injection sites, as this can cause the product to spread into unintended areas. It is also recommended to remain upright for at least 4 hours after treatment and to avoid lying down or bending forward excessively during that time.
For the first 24 hours, patients should avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, hot tubs, tanning beds, and excessive sun or heat exposure, since these activities may increase blood flow and swelling. Alcohol should also be avoided, as it can increase the risk of bruising.
Makeup can usually be applied gently a few hours after treatment, but patients should be careful not to press or rub the skin. Mild redness, swelling, or pinpoint bruising at the injection sites is common and usually resolves within a few days. Following these simple aftercare steps will help ensure smooth, natural-looking results that last as long as possible.
How Long Wrinkle Relaxers like Botox & Dysport Last
Results generally last 3 to 4 months – and in some cases longer. Longevity varies with metabolism, muscle strength, skin quality, and aftercare habits. Avoiding smoking and protecting skin from sun helps results last longer.
Botox vs Dysport
Both Botox and Dysport are both excellent wrinkle relaxers. Botox is the most recognized name, with a precise effect ideal for small areas. Dysport has a slightly quicker onset (2 to 3 days vs. 5 to 7 days for Botox) and spreads more easily, making it ideal for larger areas such as the forehead. Many patients are happy with either product, and we will recommend the best choice for your goals.
In rare cases, some patients may develop a reduced response to Botox over time due to the formation of antibodies or natural resistance. For these individuals, Dysport can be an excellent alternative. While both Botox and Dysport are botulinum toxin type A products and work in a similar way, their formulations are slightly different. This difference can make Dysport effective in patients who no longer achieve the same results from Botox. Dysport also tends to spread a bit more in the tissue, which may be beneficial for treating larger areas such as the forehead.
Dr. Ali carefully evaluates each patient’s response history and treatment goals to determine whether Botox, Dysport, or a combination approach will provide the most effective wrinkle reduction.
Other Uses of Botox & Dysport
In addition to wrinkle reduction, Botox and Dysport can be used for: Lip Flip, Nefertiti Neck Lift, and Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating in underarms, palms, or feet):
Botox (and Dysport) Lip Flip
A Lip Flip with Botox or Dysport is a subtle enhancement designed to improve the appearance of the upper lip without adding volume. Small amounts of the product are injected into the muscles around the mouth, allowing the upper lip to gently relax and “flip” upward. This creates the look of a fuller, more defined lip while maintaining a soft, natural appearance. The Lip Flip is an excellent option for patients who want to enhance their smile without the added volume of dermal fillers.
Botox and Dysport Nefertiti Neck Lift
The Nefertiti Neck Lift uses Botox or Dysport injections along the jawline and into the platysma muscles of the neck. By relaxing these muscles, the treatment softens vertical neck bands, improves jawline definition, and reduces downward pulling on the lower face. The result is a smoother, more youthful, and lifted appearance of the neck and jawline — inspired by the elegant profile of Queen Nefertiti. This is a non-surgical option for patients who wish to address early signs of neck and jawline aging without downtime.
Botox and Dysport for Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)
Botox and Dysport are both FDA-approved for the treatment of hyperhidrosis, a condition in which a person experiences excessive sweating. When injected into the underarms, palms, or soles of the feet, the neurotoxin blocks the overactive nerve signals that trigger sweat glands. This significantly reduces perspiration in the treated areas, improving comfort and confidence. Results typically last 6 to 12 months, and treatment can be repeated as needed. Hyperhidrosis injections are a safe and highly effective solution for patients whose excessive sweating has not improved with prescription-strength antiperspirants.
Botox and Dysport for Masseter Reduction (Face Slimming)
Botox or Dysport can be used to slim and contour the lower face by targeting the masseter muscles, which are located at the angle of the jaw and used for chewing. In patients with enlarged or overactive masseters, the face may appear wide, square, or bulky. By carefully injecting small amounts of neurotoxin into these muscles, Dr. Ali or our nurse injector can relax and reduce their activity, gradually decreasing their size over time. The result is a slimmer, more tapered jawline and a softer, more balanced facial shape.
Masseter Botox not only provides aesthetic benefits but can also relieve tension or pain from teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching. Results typically last 4 to 6 months, with continued improvement seen after repeat treatments.
Cost of Botox & Cost of Dysport
Each patient’s Botox or Dysport plan is unique – depending on the product used, the number of units, and the treatment areas. Therefore, the cost of Botox or Dysport will vary. During consultation, we will recommend the best wrinkle relaxer plan and provide the cost.
To Schedule Botox or Dysport at AMAE In Birmingham, MI Call: 248-335-7200
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The information contained on this website is intended as general educational information only, and is not to be taken as medical advice. Plastic surgery and aesthetic procedure techniques and technologies are subject to change, and this information may or may not apply to your specific situation or unique condition. To understand what surgeries or cosmetic treatments are right for you, please schedule an in person consultation at AMAE Plastic Surgery & Med Spa by calling: 248-335-7200.