Wrinkle Relaxers (Botox®, Dysport®)
Natural aging usually produces lines and wrinkles, most prominently between the eyebrows, around the eyes (crow's feet), on the forehead and around the lips. These lines are mostly caused by repetitive muscle movements like frowning, squinting and pursing of the lips. Past or present sun exposure may worsen these lines and wrinkles.
Botox® and Dysport® are products that are injected directly into the facial muscles responsible for the formation of wrinkles. By weakening the muscles' ability to contract, the wrinkles fade and the overlying skin appears smoother. The two specific products are approved by the FDA to temporarily reduce moderate to severe frown lines.
Botox Cosmetic®… this is the best known muscle relaxer, containing a purified protein that is administered in a simple, nonsurgical procedure. Very low doses of Botox Cosmetic® are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the targeted facial muscles. Within 10-14 days you will notice a softening in the appearance of the wrinkles and this improvement usually continues for up to a month. Botox® treatment only takes a few minutes and usually requires no recovery. There is minimal discomfort.
Dysport®… this is a newer product approved by the FDA in 2009, but one that has steadily gained in popularity in other countries since 1991. Like Botox, it also reduces muscle activity in targeted areas, ultimately resulting in the reduced appearance of wrinkles. Dysport® is similar to Botox® in terms of the procedure and outcome. You can talk to Dr. Hearth and the staff of Granite Bay Dermatology and Laser Center to determine which product is best for you.
