At The Mack Cosmetic Center in Tampa, FL, we understand that everyone has unique concerns and goals. That’s why we proudly offer a wide range of solutions for cosmetic concerns that clients worry about. Today, we’re highlighting two of our most popular dynamic wrinkle treatments, BOTOX and Dysport. If you’re wondering which neuromodulator is right for you, read on to discover how they differ.
What Are the Key Differences Between BOTOX and Dysport Treatments?
One key difference between BOTOX and Dysport is the rate at which the results develop. The former usually provides visible results within three to five days of injection. The latter typically provides visible results three days after treatment. However, you may see an improvement in your countenance just 24 hours after your treatment. On the other hand, if you have severe rhytids, it may take seven days to see smoother skin.
Another significant difference between the two treatments is that BOTOX has a higher viscosity, so it spreads throughout the treatment less than neuromodulators with a lower viscosity. This makes it great for treating small areas, like crow’s feet and lines around the mouth. Dysport is optimal for the treatment of large areas, like the forehead, so it may be a great fit for you if you are concerned about forehead folds or brow lines.
Am I a Good Candidate for an Injectable Muscle Relaxant Treatment?
To find out if an injectable muscle relaxant treatment is right for you, an initial evaluation is required. We must assess your areas of concern to confirm that they are caused by muscle hyperactivity. If they are, there is a good chance that you will be considered a good candidate for this type of treatment. Contrastingly, if your cosmetic concerns are caused by moderate or severe volume loss, you may be a good dermal filler candidate.
It is not just the efficacy of the treatment that must be considered before we can confirm your candidacy, though. We also need to ensure that this type of treatment will be safe for you. While it is appropriate for most adults, it is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. Additionally, you won’t be able to get neurotoxic protein injections if you suffer from such medical conditions as bleeding disorders or neuromuscular disorders.
Will I Need to Take Any Preparation Steps Before Treatment?
Yes, there are steps you will need to take to prepare for your treatment. For example, due to the nature of the medication, you must not take any oral muscle relaxants before your treatment. Furthermore, you must avoid taking certain sleep aids. During your initial consultation, we will give you a comprehensive list of drugs and supplements, such as fish oil supplements and garlic supplements, that you need to avoid.
We will also advise you on other things you have to avoid, like alcohol and tobacco use. Moreover, we can’t perform this treatment on irritated skin, so you’ll need to mitigate your risk of sunburn by staying out of the sun as much as possible and wearing sunscreen and a brimmed hat when spending time outdoors is unavoidable.
What Can I Expect During My Treatment?
You can expect a quick and painless treatment regardless of the injectable muscle relaxant you choose. Typically, three to five injections are administered in each area of concern, and the injections usually take five to 10 minutes to administer. How long your treatment takes depends on many factors, including the size of your problem muscles, the severity of your rhytids, and the number of areas that need to be treated.
Before your treatment begins, we will inspect your skin to confirm that you do not have a sunburn, infection, or any other irritation. If your skin is healthy, we will remove any cosmetics that are present in the treatment areas and sanitize your skin. After that, we will mark the ideal injection sites and use a sterile, fine-gauge needle to administer the optimal dose of medication into each treatment area.
What Can I Expect My Recovery Period to Be Like?
You can expect your recovery period to be very brief. There is a chance that you will need to take some time off from work; sweating, excessive heat, and vigorous exercise must be avoided for 24 hours after treatment. However, if you work in a climate-controlled environment, you can come in during your lunch break and return to your job with your coworkers being none the wiser.
You also need to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking blood-thinners during the first 24 hours following your injection session. Another vital rule to follow after your treatment is to not lie down for at least four hours. This helps to ensure that your medication does not spread outside of the intended treatment area. Moreover, for 24 hours following your treatment, you need to avoid applying too much pressure to the injection sites.
How Long Can I Expect the Results of My Treatment to Last?
Regardless of the muscle relaxant you choose, the longevity of your results may vary based on numerous factors. For example, generally, the more severe your rhytids are, the sooner you will need to come in for a follow-up appointment. Typically, you can expect to enjoy wrinkle-free skin for three to four months after treatment. However, it is possible for optimal results to remain for six months once they become apparent.
To enjoy your optimal results for as long as possible, it is advisable to maintain healthy habits. It is a good idea to take zinc supplements if you don’t get a lot of zinc in your diet. Also, you should wear sunscreen diligently.
Schedule Your Evaluation Today
While BOTOX and Dysport are both neuromodulators, there are differences between the two treatments. The former may take longer to provide results, and the latter is great for treating large areas. For a tailored treatment plan that optimally addresses all of your cosmetic concerns, contact us now at The Mack Cosmetic Center in Tampa, FL to schedule an evaluation.