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Common
Questions About Botox / Dysport
(click on a question you would like an answer to)
Common Question About Dermal Fillers
(click
on a question you would like an answer to)
Questions
on Botox And Dysport
What
is Botox?
A Botox
Cosmetics treatment is a simple, non-surgical procedure that smoothes
the deep, moderate or mild facial lines that developed over time. One
ten-minute treatment - a few tiny injections - relaxes the muscles that
cause those lines to form, and keeps them relaxed for approximately four
to six months. Botox Cosmetics has been widely tested and now is approved
by the FDA (since 2002). Botox, however, has been used safely, for medical
purposes, for over 25 years.
The results
are dramatic and apparent within days. In clinical trials, nearly 90%
of the men and women surveyed rated the improvement in their brow lines
as moderate to better after receiving Botox. For many, Botox Cosmetics
virtually "erases" those lines.
Unlike surgery,
Botox Cosmetics is fast, simple, and minimally invasive, with no downtime
or recovery period. Most people return directly to work or normal activity
following treatment. Within days, they report looking more natural and
relaxed. With Botox Cosmetics, they'll know you've done something ...
they just won't know what. (Back To Top)
What
is Dysport?
Botox,
a product manufactured by Allergen Pharmaceuticals, was the first product
on the market to help relax wrinkles so their product became the brand
name that people use. Dysport was the second product on the market that
is basically the same type of product (Botulism Toxin Type A) as Botox
but is manufactured by Medicis Pharmaceuticals. Dysport's manufacturing
process was designed to produce the same results as Botox but many people
feel it is a better product because it has been known to last longer.
This may be due to a higher protein load in the dysport. Currently 98%
of my clients utilize Dysport, due to the fact that it kicks in quicker,
lasts longer, and require fewer injections. Out of the 98% of my clients
currently using Dysport, a large percentage of them used to use Botox,
but now prefer the Dysport. (Back To Top)
Where
does Botox and Dysport Cosmetics come from?
Botox/Dysport Cosmetics is a purified protein produced by the clostridium
botulinum bacterium. Because of the purification process that is done,
there is absolutely no live bacteria in Botox Cosmetics. It is a non-surgical,
medical professional administered treatment that can temporarily reduce
moderate to severe lines on the face. During treatment, very low doses
of Botox/Dysport Cosmetics are administered via a few tiny injections
directly into the muscles that cause those stubborn lines. The treatment
is usually done in about 10 minutes, and no recovery time is needed. Within
days, you will see an improvement that can last approximately 4 - 7months.
(Back To Top)
How does Botox or Dysport work?
Botox/Dysport Cosmetics is approved by the FDA for the glabellar area
(frown lines) and marionette lines (puppet lines). However, Botox/Dysport
Cosmetics can be used in other areas of the face as "off-label".
This is perfectly legal. Those moderate to severe frown lines between
your brows form over time as the result of muscle activity. Botox/Dysport
Cosmetics is injected directly into the muscles between your brows. It
works by stopping the release of acetycholine which blocks transmission
of nerve impulses to the injected muscles; this reduces the activity of
the muscles that cause those persistent lines to form. The muscles relaxes,
therefore the skin over the muscle relaxes, giving a much more youthful
appearance. (Back To Top)
Is
Botox/Dysport Cosmetics right for you?
If
doing all you can to look your best is important to you, Botox/Dysport
Cosmetics may be for you.
Thousands
of appearance-conscious women and men have already discovered the benefits
of Botox/Dysport Cosmetics. Not just models and movie stars, but ordinary
people - teachers, mothers, and business people from all walks of life.
(Back To Top)
When
will I see results and how long does Botox or Dysport last?
Results will be seen within 2 to 8 days. Improvement can continue up to
2 weeks, with results lasting approximately 4 to 7 months. If you discontinue
treatment, the lines will look like they did before treatment. As subsequent
treatments are done, the results tend to last longer. In clinical trials,
nearly 90% of men and women rated the improvement in their appearance
as moderate to better one month after treatment. Dysport tends to kick
in quicker and last approximately 4 weeks longer. (Back
To Top)
Who
should administer Botox or Dysport?
Any authorized healthcare professional can administer Botox/Dysport Cosmetics
(physician, physician assistant, registered nurse, nurse practitioner).
One of these clinicians can help you decide if Botox/Dysport Cosmetics
is right for you. (Back To Top)
Is
treatment with Botox or Dysport painful?
Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. Prior to injecting, your physician
may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. The
entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. Many people return directly
to work or normal activity following Botox/Dysport treatment. (Back
To Top)
Who
should not use Botox or Dysport?
Botox/Dysport should not be used in the presence of infection at the proposed
injection site(s) and in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any
ingredient in the formulation. Patients with neurological/muscular disorders
such as ALS, Myasthenia Gravis, Parkinson's or Lambert-Eaton syndrome
should not be treated. Due to the lack of studies that have been, pregnant
and lactating women should not be treated. (Back To Top)
Will
I experience any side effects?
The most common side effects are redness and possible bruising at the
injection site. Bruisng does not occur frequently, but can be exacerbated
in patients on blood thinning agents. Other side effects that rarely occur
include headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid
droop, and nausea. These events are thought to be associated with the
injection and occurred within the first week. For more details, see the
full Prescribing Information in the Allergan Medication Insert. (Back
To Top)
Will
my facial expressions continue to look natural?
Although the results are visible, a treatment with Botox or Dysport will
not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you
"had work done." The muscle activity that causes lines is simply
reduced, so you can still make expressions or look surprised without all
the wrinkles and creases. (Back To Top)
Is
Botox or Dysport affordable?
When considering your facial aesthetic options, Botox and Dysport are
quite affordable. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, treatments with Botox or Dysport are one of the least expensive
facial aesthetic procedures in the United States. Like other appearance-related
investments, such as hair coloring and cuts, teeth whitening, and chemical
peels, the cost must be weighed relative to your expectations. Consult
your clinician for further information. (Back To Top)
Fill
me in on Dermal Fillers
What
causes wrinkles?
The way your skin looks is directly related to the way your skin is supported.
Wrinkles form when the natural collagen and hyaluronic acid in your skin
diminish during the course of aging. Other factors that cause wrinkles
include exposure to the sun, disease, injury, heredity and lifestyle.
Collagen provides skin structure while hyaluronic acid provides volume
to your skin. (Back To Top)
What
is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar. It is found in the human body in the
skin, cartilage, joints and the eyes. In
skin tissue, hyaluronic acid fills the space between collagen and elastin
fibers. The role of hyaluronic acid in skin is to deliver nutrients, to
hydrate the skin by holding in water and to act as a cushioning agent.
(Back To Top)
What
is Restylane and Perlane?
Restylane and Perlane are dermal fillers made of chemically modified hyaluronic
acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar found in the fluids surrounding
cells and tissues. It is chemically, physically and biologically similar
in the tissues of all species. Dermal fillers are substances that are
injected below the surface of the skin temporarily adding volume and/or
structure, thereby filling lines, wrinkles and folds from the inside out.
Dermal fillers can temporarily restore a smoother appearance. (Back
To Top)
Is
a pre-treatment skin test required?
No. You can receive dermal fillersthe same day as your initial consultation
or office visit. (Back To Top)
Do
the injections hurt?
In general, injections may cause some discomfort. Dermal Fillers are injected
directly into the skin using a fine needle to reduce injection discomfort.
Clinicians may choose to anesthetize or numb the treatment area to further
minimize discomfort. Also, ice is utilized and their is now Lidocaine
in the product. You may feel the first few pokes initially, but the Lidocaine
numbs the area as the product is being injected. (Back To
Top)
Is
the product safe?
Yes, for most people. The primary ingredient in Dermal Fillers is hyaluronic
acid, which is a component of all organs and tissues. Dermal Fillers have
undergone extensive testing including scientific clinical trials to establish
its safety and effectiveness. Dermal Fillers were approved in April 2004
for injection into the skin for correction of moderate to severe facial
wrinkles and folds (such as smile lines) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA). (Back To Top)
Can
anyone be treated with Dermal Fillers?
Your clinician will ask about your medical history,including allergies,
to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for treatment. (Back
To Top)
Do
I need to take time off to recuperate?
Dermal Fillers are a simple office procedure. Most patients feel comfortable
resuming their normal activities immediately following treatment. Temporary
puffiness of the treated areas, however, should be expected. As with any
injection, you may also notice temporary redness, slight bruising and
tenderness around the treatment sites. You are free to eat, drink, or
wear makeup or sunblock shortly after treatment. (Back To
Top)
What
areas can be treated with Dermal Fillers?
The most common areas treated are the smile lines around your nose and
mouth, marionette lines at the corners of your mouth, frown lines between
the eyes, fine lines above the mouth and volumizing of the face and lips.
(Back To Top)
How
often will I require treatment?
To maintain optimal correction, touch-up injections are usually needed
one to two times a year. Everyone's skin is different. That is why the
timing of any additional treatment varies from person to person. Over
time, Dermal Fillers will be absorbed by your body, which is why you may
want ongoing treatments. If you choose not to continue with your treatment,
any remaining Dermal Filler is simply absorbed by your body over time
and your skin gradually returns to its natural shape. Your clinician can
work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. If you
keep up the treatments on a regular basis, you will be able longer in
between treatments and use less product. This is due to the residual product
left and the building of collagen in your face. (Back To
Top)
Without
touch-up injections, how will my skin look?
Correction will reduce gradually until your skin looks like it did before
treatment with Dermal Fillers. Touch-up injections will help you maintain
correction of the skin surface. (Back To Top)
How
are Dermal Fillers treatments different from Botox® Cosmetic (Botulinum
Toxin Type A)?
Botulinum Toxin Type A is a protein that is injected into muscles to relax
them, smoothing lines and wrinkles caused by repeated facial movements.
In contrast, Dermal Fillers are injected just below a wrinkle in order
to "fill" it in, smoothing the surface of the skin. (Back
To Top)
How
are Dermal Filler treatments different from collagen treatments?
Dermal Fillers temporarily adds volume to your skin by mimicking the hydrating
effects of your skin's natural hyaluronic acid. Treatment with CosmoDerm®
and CosmoPlast® (and bovine collagen) replenish your skin's lost collagen,
restoring skin structure.
Collagen is no longer used due to it's short term effects (last approximately
2 - 3 months). (Back To Top)
Can
I get treatment with more than one filler?
Although the safety and effectiveness of combination use has not been
clinically evaluated, there is an emerging trend to use various dermal
fillers in combination to temporarily replace lost structure and volume,
smoothing away unwanted lines and wrinkles.
(Back To Top)
Who
can inject Dermal Fillers?
Dermal Fillers can be injected by a physician, such as a dermatologist
or plastic surgeon or a qualified health care professional, such as a
registered nurse, physician assistant or nurse practioner. (Back
To Top)
How
long does the procedure take?
Treatment and recovery with Dermal Fillers usually takes less than one
hour. This may also depend on the amount of dermal filler used to provide
the desired correction. (Back To Top)
Can
I have more than one area treated at the same time?
Yes, more than one area can safely be injected at the same time. (Back
To Top)
How
do I know if a dermal filler is what I need?
To help determine if a dermal filler is right for you, perform a simple
stretch test. Pull your skin tight on either side of the wrinkle you want
to test, this will allow you to assess the potential for optimal treatment
capability. If the line/wrinkle goes away when the skin is pulled tight,
then full correction may be achieved. Keep in mind that if you can still
see a line when you pull the skin, your clinician will be able to smooth
the area and fill in the wrinkle, but you may still see the line. (Back
To Top)
How
much do the treatments cost?
Pricing varies depending on the number and types of areas being treated,
the amount of filler material required to achieve the desired results
and the clinician administering the treatment. Typically treatments are
priced competitively with other injectable wrinkle correction procedures.
(Back To Top)
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