Everything you ever wanted to know about Botox and Dysport, right here in one place. Read on to find out exactly how to prepare for your wrinkle treatment, what to do after your procedure is finished, and much, much more.
To get started, here’s how are patients typically prepare for their Botox treatments…
Pre-Instructions for Botox and Dysport
Patients must disclose if they have had any previous neuromodulator treatments.
- To help avoid bruising, patients are recommended to discontinue use of blood thinning medication.
- Patients must consult their primary care physician prior to discontinuing use of any medication.
- Prior to treatment, your healthcare provider will remove makeup from injections site.
Alright, your treatment is over and you’re ready to head home. Here’s what to expect next…
Post Treatment Instructions for Botox and Dysport
- Try to exercise your treated muscles for the first 30 minutes after treatment. Practice frowning, raising your eyebrows or squinting. This helps Botox and Dysport work into your muscles. This will not impact your treatment negatively.
- Do not rub or massage the treated areas for 4 hours after your treatment.
- Do not do strenuous exercise for 4 hours after treatment. Also avoid facials, saunas for 4 hours after your treatment. This will minimize the risk of raising your blood pressure and therefore minimize the risk of temporary bruising. Feel free to shower and go about most other regular daily activities.
- Do not lie down for 4 hours after treatment. this is to avoid the risk of pressure on the treated areas (from your pillow) and to avoid the risk of having the area rubbed accidentally.
- Results of your treatment can take up to 14 days to take full effect. Please wait until 14 days have passed to assess the results of your Botox and Dysport treatment.
What is Botox Cosmetic?
Botox is a treatment for wrinkles caused by repeated movements. The most commonly treated areas include:
- the lines around the eyes known as crows feet caused by squinting or smiling
- the horizontal lines across the forehead caused by raising the eyebrows
- the lines & folding of skin between the eyebrows caused by frowning
How effective is Botox at treating wrinkles?
Botox Cosmetic is a medication. And like any medication, it will not always hit the mark in terms of outcomes. How many times will it miss the mark? A deeper look into Allergan’s study may provide an answer.
Allergan’s study wanted to find out just how effective Botox is for the reduction of glabellar line severity. Their study looked at improvement in frown lines, and results were measured by both a third party and the patients themselves.
With optimal dosing and a trained cosmetic professional, about 4 out of 5 patients can expect to be satisfied by their treatments by the end of the first month, with results maintaining for about 2 months, after which they will gradually diminish.
This is why patients need to undergo periodic treatments with Botox—while it is not a cure for wrinkles, it’s still a very effective treatment.
Is it safe?
Yes! Botox has been available for 20 years, and has been used to treat many diseases. In fact, it is used in children as young as 2 years old to treat cerebral palsy.
Is Botox a poison?
No, it is not poison and it is not toxic to you. The product is a natural, purified protein. It is an approved drug that is used in VERY tiny doses. It comes from a naturally occurring bacterium – similar to how Penicillin comes from mold.
How do I know it won’t be toxic to me?
Typically, for a cosmetic treatment you may receive under 100 units. To make someone remotely sick, you would have to receive OVER 35 times this dose all at one time which would NEVER happen (plus it would cost you over $42,000 – absolutely impossible). You really are getting a VERY TINY does.
How does it work?
Botox works by simply relaxing the muscles underneath the skin to create a smooth and refreshed appearance.
How long does the procedure take?
Generally, after the consultation , the procedure only takes up to 15 minutes. Since there is no downtime, you can do it on your lunchtime and no one would know you have had it done.
How quickly does it work?
It can take UP TO 2 weeks for it to take full effect. usually we ask patients to wait for the 14 days to pass in order to fully see the results.
How is it done?
It is injected with a very tiny needle (it only feels like a little pinch).
My Botox Cosmetic treatment didn’t work!
Botox takes up to 14 days to take full effect. You will need to wait until the full 2 weeks has passed and then please call if you have any concerns. If it has been more than 2 weeks, then let’s book an appointment so that your treatment can be assessed and to see if you require a little more Botox.
How long does Botox last? Is it permanent?
No. Botox is not permanent. It lasts between 3-4 months on average e but everyone id different. If you promptly receive treatments every 3 months, then your treatments may start to last longer than 3 months.
Does it hurt?
Most patients say the injections feel similar to a little pinch, although everyone is different. We usually hear that patients say, “Is that all?”
You might experience a little bleeding at the injection sites. This does not always happen but there is not need to panic if it does.
Is it going to be worse when it wears off?
No. Your face will never get worse if you stop using Botox or when it wears off. At the very minimum, you will simply return to where you started. If you use Botox for a number of years and then stop, your muscles learn to relax and therefore, you will end up looking a little better than when you originally started.
How much does it cost?
The cost of treatment varies by each patient and a personal consultation can give you a specific amount. Peach charges $10.25 per unit and the number of units you will need can be determined during your consultation.
I don’t want to look like a mask without expression – will that happen?
No. Our providers will ensure you get the look you want, as natural as you want. Most people simply want to look natural, rested, and refreshed, without looking”done”. friends simply say that they look well rested and great!
What is a unit?
A unit of Botox is simply a very tine measurement of the drug.
What are the side effects?
Side effects are rare and are not permanent. rarely, there can be some minor bruising or a light short term headache. Most patients do not experience any side effects at all.
I have heard that you can get a drooping eyelid – is this true?
Side effects are rare and are not permanent and this can include a drooping eyelid. The incidence of these side effects is less than 1% and will last from only a few days to a few weeks. Most patients do not experience any side effects at all.
Where does it go in my body?
Botox stays local to the muscle where it was injected. After the injection, Botox is simply metabolizes and broken down into natural by products.
I have _____________ (any medical condition). Can I get Botox?
That is a great questions. This can be answered by one of our providers to make sure you are a right candidate for the treatment.
How Much Does Botox Cost?
Some Botox providers price their product by area treated, others by volume, others by units. The most reliable method is by units.
Ask your provider “how many units are you placing in each of the specific areas”. Patients can expect to pay a range of $200 – $500 depending on the number of units used.
How long does it take for Botox and Dysport to kick in?
Most patients will begin to see gradual effect within 3-4 days. Patients should wait at least 14 days for the full effects. The treatment of Botox or Dysport does not immediately kick in and does not immediately wear off.
Although the effects may last 3 months, it will gradually start to wear off. Patients are recommended to come in before the 3 month mark to avoid the treatment wearing off completely.
How long does Botox and Dysport last?
Most patients will see their results last about 3 months. Very few patient will experience results that last 1-2 months and some patients will see results lasting much more. It is important to remember that this is a medication that interacts with each patient different. Therefore, the results can vary.
How many units of Botox and Dysport will patients need for frown lines?
The units of Botox and Dysport will be different from patient to patient. However, based on previous patients, you can expect to receiving the following units:
- Botox: 15 – 25 units
- Dysport: 45 – 60 units
What areas can Botox and Dysport be injected?
Botox Cosmetic and Dysport can be administered on forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet lines around the eyes, and the “11 lines” between the eyebrows. Other advanced areas are the following:
- “Bunny lines” on the sides of the nose
- Nasal flare reduction
- Corners of the mouth
- Jawline
- Eyebrows
Can Botox and Dysport be injected under the eye?
Yes. An advanced healthcare professional is able to administer Botox and Dysport under the eye to help with the tissue that folds to create “gummy” bears under the eye.
Are there ways to avoid Botox side effects?
Side effects like bruising and bleeding can be avoided with ice. To avoid eyelid drooping and over treatment, it is important that patient ask questions about technique, dilution, and experience. All these factors can cause variability in treatment results.
Who is qualified to perform Botox and Dysport treatments?
The regulations on who can perform Botox and Dysport can vary from state to state. In the state of Arizona, authorized injectors are Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and MDs.
How many units of Botox or Dysport will I need to treat crow’s feet?
The units of Botox and Dysport will be different from patient to patient. However, based on previous patients, you can expect to receiving the following units:
- Botox: 22 – 28 units
- Dysport: 66 – 70 units
Are there any Botox alternatives?
The alternatives to Botox include the same medication but have a different brand name. Some of the most common ones are Dysport and Xeomin. There are differences in dosing but the medication is the same.
How many units of Botox and Dysport to treat horizontal forehead lines?
The units of Botox and Dysport will be different from patient to patient. However, based on previous patients, you can expect to receiving the following units:
- Botox: 15 units
- Dysport: 40 units
Can you exercise after receiving Botox and Dysport treatments?
The best recommendation is to avoid exercising for at least 4 hours. It is also important to avoid massaging the area that was injected to avoid any medication migration.
Does Botox Cosmetic or Dysport spread from the site of injection?
The spread of Botox Cosmetic or Dysport medication after treatment can be affected by the amount of medication used and also the volume. Medication typically does not disperse or travel very far from the injection site.
Still have questions?
Don’t hesitate to call us or send us an email! We’re always ready to help, and get you started living the best life you possibly can.