NEUROMODULATORS (BOTOX®, DYSPORT®)
Botox is one of many treatment options offered to address expression lines like crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles. Through a carefully-administered series of virtually painless injections, certain wrinkles can be effectively smoothed, to bring about a more youthful appearance to the face.
Botox treatments are fast and comfortable, and there are no visible signs of the procedure afterwards. Many patients even choose to perform this treatment during their lunch break.
If you’re considering Botox as part of your skin care regimen, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BOTOX
What Is Botox?
Botox is a neuromodulator, which is a novel therapeutic protein derived from the Bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. Neuromadulator is a purified, natural protein that relaxes wrinkle-causing muscles, creating a smoother and improved appearance.
How Does Botox Work?
It is important to understand that neuromodulators are used to treat Dynamic wrinkles, blocking signals from nerves to the muscles that cause frown lines, relaxing them and preventing the muscles from causing more wrinkles. This will result in a more relaxed and improved appearance.
Static wrinkles, which are fine lines and wrinkles caused by sagging skin, and include lines in the cheeks, jowl and neck areas, do improve with botox but need additional treatments such as dermal fillers or skin resurfacing.
Are There Other Neuromodulators?
Yes. Botox is one of the neuromodulators available in North America. Other similar neuromodulators available in Canada include Dysport and Xeomin. All three products are variants of Botulinum Toxin A. At Carefiniti Health, we empower our patients by offering them a variety of products and counselling them on strengths and benefits of each
Botox vs. Dysport, Is there a difference?
The most widely used muscle relaxer is Botox, considered to be the gold standard. Dysport treats the same areas as Botox.
It’s reported that Dysport delivers faster results than Botox. Dysport, on average, is less expensive than Botox, but many doctors use more units of Dysport to achieve the same results, so there’s not much difference in price.
Typically, Dysport results are visible within 1 to 2 days, while Botox can take up to 5 days, but Botox typically lasts longer.
Both treatments are not permanent and must be repeated every 3 to 4 months to continue their muscle-relaxing effect.
How Are Neuromodulators Administered?
Neuromodulators are administered via a few tiny injections into the muscles. These injections are simple, quick and minimally invasive but do deliver a dramatic result with no downtime.
How Long Do the Results Last?
Maximum effect of neuromodulators usually occur 10-14 days after injection.
Results may persists up to 3-4 months, at which point, re-treatment is recommended.
Results may last longer with repeated injections.
Who Is Performing the Treatment?
Medical spas, day spas, dentists, physicians, etc. offer injectable treatments, but ultimately bad results are usually caused by the injector, not the product.
No matter which type of injection you choose, to ensure a successful outcome, it’s important to select the right professional to administer it.
It’s recommended that you use a board-certified physician and discuss which wrinkle-removing injectable is right for you before you begin treatment.
BOTOX FOR EXCESS SWEATING
A person with a medical condition known as Hyperhidrosis, often sweats excessively and unpredictably. People with hyperhidrosis may sweat even when the temperature is cool or when they are at rest. Botox may be used to treat hyperhidrosis after deodorant and oral medications have been tried without relief. Botox is a natural, purified protein with the ability to temporarily block the secretion of the chemical that is responsible for “turning on” the body’s sweat glands. By blocking, or interrupting, this chemical messenger, botulinum toxin “turns off” sweating at the area where it has been injected. Botox injections are very shallow, meaning that the medicine is injected just below the surface of the skin, where it remains. This procedure is extremely effective, though can be costly.
By injecting the affected are with botulism toxin, sweating will be reduced for approximately 6 months.