1. When will I see results from a BOTOX Cosmetic treatment?

Botox takes effect in about 7 to 10 days. The new Dysport is also Botulinum Toxin Type A. It is a new competitor to BOTOX. The FDA approved it in April 2009 for treatment of frown lines. It has been in use in other countries for about 15 years. It is marketed by Medicis, the same company that markets Restylane and Perlane. It works just like BOTOX, but the unit values are different and therefore the dosing is different. It may become effective a little quicker than BOTOX, maybe 3 to 7 days. They both last about 3 to 4 months and then wear off. It costs very slightly less than BOTOX.


2. Is there anything I need to tell my doctor?

If you are pregnant, breast feeding or have any neuro muscular diseases such as myasthenia gravis you must not have BOTOX. If you have taken aspirin within the past 7 to 14 days you may bruise more. You should not have any skin infections where the BOTOX might be placed. Antibiotics in the class known as aminogycosides may increase the effect of BOTOX and make it unsafe and should be avoided when using BOTOX. BOTOX should not be used in anyone taking calcium channel blockers.


3. Will I still be able to make facial expressions?

BOTOX is injected into specific muscles to stop them from moving. It should not affect other muscles. If it gets outside the intended area it could affect other muscles. The most common muscle at risk could cause the upper eyelid to look partially shut. This will wear off and come back to normal as the BOTOX affects wear off. BOTOX or Dysport should be used sparingly against special targeted muscles only. Used in this way it enhances facial expression.


4. What will happen to the frown lines between my brows if I choose not to continue treatments?

If BOTOX is injected into the muscles that create the frown lines, then the lines will fade. The amount of fading depends on how deep the frown lines were before treatment started. If you never have BOTOX again the frown lines will return. They will be no better or worse than before.


5. Do treatment results differ?

Some people are resistant to BOTOX. If this happens it is worth trying Dysport. Although they work at the same neuro muscular junction they do have some slight pharmacological differences. One might work when the other does not.


6. What BOTOX Cosmetic is not.

BOTOX is not a filler. It does not fill out lines. Other products like Restylane and Perlane do that.


7. What can I expect from BOTOX Cosmetic treatment?

BOTOX and Dysport paralyze specific muscles. The targeted muscles pull the skin into folds and create wrinkles. Botulinum Toxin Type A products, such as BOTOX and Dysport stop the muscle action and improve the lines. The injections are mild and are done with a tiny needle, which is easily tolerated. The product is painless. Minimal risks apply but overdose and allergy to the medication is possible.