BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport

Plastic Surgery in Charleston, SC

Deep lines and creases in your forehead and elsewhere can make you look and feel older than you are. If you want to reduce the appearance of creases in your forehead or elsewhere, BOTOX® Cosmetic is a nonsurgical option for reduction of the appearance of many facial wrinkles. BOTOX® Cosmetic injections take just 10 minutes or less, and the effects last for up to four months. Dysport is a very similar treatment, though the cost is less. Studies show that overall results of the two treatments are very similar.

If you would like to learn more about BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport injections, please contact Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse at Port City Plastic Surgery in Charleston, South Carolina.

What BOTOX® Cosmetic Treats

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a treatment for a common type of facial wrinkles and folds. Facial expressions are caused by muscle contractions that fold the skin. As we age, our skin changes, becoming more prone to wrinkling, but our muscles also develop a habit of contracting, which can cause wrinkles and folds in many places. BOTOX® Cosmetic injections treat these wrinkles by helping your muscles relax. Wrinkles that can be treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic injections include:

• Vertical lines between brows
• Horizontal lines in the forehead
• Crow's feet
• "Lipstick lines" around the mouth
• Banding in the neck

Treatment can be performed in several areas during the same session.

BOTOX® Cosmetic injections do not treat all wrinkles. Other wrinkles may be treated with dermal fillers, or with fractional laser skin resurfacing. You can also get longer-lasting treatment of wrinkles with a forehead lift or face lift.

Am I a Good Candidate for BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport Injections

BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport injections may be right for you if you:

• Are between 18 and 65 years of age
• Do not have an infection where BOTOX® Cosmetic will be injected
• Are not allergic to any of the ingredients in BOTOX® Cosmetic
• Are not pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant soon

Make sure you tell Dr. Widenhouse about all medications you are taking.

How BOTOX® Cosmetic Injections Work

During your treatment session, BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into specific muscles. The active ingredient in BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by bacteria. This protein blocks signals that control the habitual constriction of muscles. This allows the muscle to relax, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It does not affect the muscle itself, and if used properly BOTOX® Cosmetic injections allow you to make voluntary facial expressions.

Over time, the nerves related to the treated muscles grow new branches that allow the muscles to work around BOTOX® Cosmetic, and wrinkles return in their previous state. This takes about 4 months, although your personal length of results may vary.

How Is Dysport Different from BOTOX® Cosmetic?

Dysport is a different preparation of the same active ingredient in BOTOX® Cosmetic. Although they work in essentially the same way, they do have some minor differences. Dysport has a tendency to spread slightly more than BOTOX® Cosmetic, which might make it better for treating larger areas. Some studies indicate that Dysport might work faster. Other studies indicate Dysport might work longer. Neither of these findings is universally confirmed, and it may be that the individual response to either treatment is more variable than the difference between the two treatments.

What Are the Risks of BOTOX® Cosmetic Injections?

BOTOX® Cosmetic injections are probably the safest cosmetic procedure performed. With over 5 million BOTOX® Cosmetic injections given in 2008, there are few reports of serious complications. And many complications are due to injector error, which is why you should have your BOTOX® Cosmetic injections performed by an experienced doctor whenever possible.

However, BOTOX® Cosmetic injections do carry some risks, including:

• Drooping eyelids
• Unresponsive facial muscles
• Spread of effect to other parts of the body
• Breathing difficulties
• Cardiovascular effects

These risks are rare, and are generally reported with BOTOX® injections used for medical, rather than cosmetic reasons. During your consultation, Dr. Widenhouse will discuss risks in detail.

Why Port City Plastic Surgery for Your BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport Injections?

At Port City Plastic Surgery, Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse is the only one who will administer your BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport injections. Dr. Widenhouse is a board-certified plastic surgeon and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). He has met the high standards of the ASPS, which includes extensive training in the anatomy of facial muscles and the proper injection of BOTOX® Cosmetic. This is part of Dr. Widenhouse's commitment to personalized care for every one of his patients.

If you would like to talk to Dr. Widenhouse about BOTOX® Cosmetic injections and whether they are right for you, please schedule a consultation at Port City Plastic Surgery today.