What can Botox and Dysport treat?

One common concern among patients as they age is the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Many times, these lines are due to the action of the muscles under our skin. The contraction of our facial muscles produces wrinkles in the overlying skin and with time these lines can become present even at rest. These can sometimes be referred to as ‘frown lines’, ‘crow’s feet’, ‘bunny lines’ or ‘forehead furrows’. Luckily there has been a medicine around for almost three decades that may prevent these lines from forming or soften them once they appear.

Neurotoxins, such as Botox and Dysport, have been used in medicine since the early 1990s and first received FDA approval in 2002. They work by blocking the ability of the targeted muscles from contracting, which stops or softens the wrinkle from appearing. These medicines can be used in many locations on the face and body.

Some common uses for Botox and Dysport include:
-Frown lines
-Horizontal forehead lines
-Crow’s feet
-Eyebrow lift
-Lower eyelid lines
-Bunny lines
-Nasal tip ptosis
-Gummy smile
-Perioral lip lines
-Marionette lines
-Chin puckering
-Neck bands
-Palm and armpit sweating

Treatment with Botox or Dysport helps correct existing lines and also may prevent the development of future lines when treated on a regular basis. Men and women can see results from this treatment. Additionally, there is no age restriction and some recommend starting before the lines begin to “etch” in to the skin. Many doctors discuss Botox and Dysport treatment as “pre-juvenation”, as opposed to rejuvenation.

The effects of Botox and Dysport typically last three to four months, but sometimes will last longer after multiple sessions. The results can be seen as early as 3 days, but the full effects are not seen for 1-2 weeks. The technique for injection cannot be done ‘cookbook style’ by following a recipe; every patient is different and every treatment needs to be tailored to her or his needs and individual anatomy. This is why it is important to seek out a Board-certified dermatologist with experience performing this treatment. Contact us for a consultation with one of dermatologist to see if you can benefit from Botox or Dysport.