Botox & Dysport
With Botox being around since 1977, most of us are familiar with the magic ability of this product to smooth out or fine lines & wrinkles. Since then, four more brands have been created, and there continues to be more created as the years go on. Currently, there are four neuromodulators that have been FDA approved for use in the US. Those four being Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, and Daxxify. I find the highest patient satisfaction with Botox and Dysport, so I choose to use only these two in my practice of aesthetics.
There are subtle differences between the neuromodulators, and part of what we discuss in a consultation is which one will be the right choice for you and how many units you may need to achieve your desired outcome. Every person needs a unique treatment plan that is dependent upon the muscle strength and movement pattern. At your consultation I do a thorough assessment and together, we come up with a treatment plan.
Here, I want to give you a little information to get you started. They have the same mechanism of action, meaning both are going to give your skin a smoother appearance by helping to decrease lines caused by repeated contraction of the muscle (expressions).
BOTOX
Treatment time: People typically receive their “toxin” treatment once every quarter (every 4 months) to maintain their results. If you are receiving filler, the “toxin” will be administered during this visit.
Downtime: Head above heart for 4 hours. This means no working out or laying down. It is best to refrain from exercise for 24 hours post injections.
Duration: Lasts for about 3-4 months, varying person to person.
Onset of action: You will start to notice the products effect in 3-4 days, full effect will kick in by 10-14 days.
DYSPORT
Treatment time: People typically receive their “toxin” treatment once every quarter (every 4 months) to maintain their results. If you are receiving filler, the “toxin” will be administered during this visit.
Downtime: Head above heart for 4 hours. This means no working out or laying down. It is best to refrain from exercise for 24 hours post injections.
Duration: Lasts for about 3-4 months, varying person to person.
Onset of action: You will start to notice the products effect in 2-4 days, full effect will kick in by 10-14 days.
Filler
Filler is like the magic wand of aesthetics. It is an injectable gel made of hyaluronic acid that provides instant results. As we age, we loose volume to our face and that is when we see the most changes to our face/skin. Filler can hydrate fine lines and restore volume loss. It can do so much for our face, and still bring forth the gentle beauty we all desire.
There are many companies that make filler, and within each brand there are many different types of filler. My job is to listen to your desired outcome, and choose the best filler that will achieve natural results. It’s important to remember that what may be a good option for your friend, may not be the best option for you. I tailor each treatment to best fit you.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT. PLEASE PLAN AHEAD.
Book your filler appointment at least 2 weeks prior to dental work, and at least 2 weeks after. This is very important to prevent infections.
You may be bruised and swollen for 5-7 days post treatment. Some patients have no bruising, some do. Every patient will have some degree of swelling that varies on the longevity.
Medications/Vitamins such as Advil, Aspirin, Vitamin E, Fish Oil, and Ginko Biloba are best to be avoided 7 days before a filler appointment to prevent bruising. *Do not stop taking these if prescribed by your physician. Please contact me with any questions.
Please reschedule your appointment if you have recently been sick, or are starting to feel ill. This is for the safety of yourself and your injector.
Keep your travel plans in mind when scheduling, and plan head. I understand that right before a trip is a fun time to get filler, but it’s important to avoid flying for 3-5 days after your filler treatment. Please book appropriately.
I cannot inject you if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. No exceptions.
HOW TO PLAN FOR A BRUISE
Although there is no way to guarantee the absence of a bruise, there are things you can do from home prior to your filler appointment that can reduce the severity of a bruise should it occur. Taking Arnica 5-7 days prior to your filler treatment can reduce the severity of a bruise. Arnica comes in two forms, by tablet and topical gel/cream. I recommend purchasing the Arnica tablets and cream/gel that are available at most health food stores. CVS and Whole Foods are two examples of where you can find Arnica. Use per the bottle recommendations. I recommend the topical gel for after treatments, as it’s very soothing to the skin after injections and safe to apply.
AFTER YOUR FILLER APPOINTMENT
DO
Ice for 10 min every hour if needed.
Apply Arnica topically or take tablets by mouth - Arnica is a natural supplement to reduce bruising.
Take Tylenol for discomfort, as needed.
Call your provider if you experience any severe pain at injection site or any adjacent areas.
Call you provider if you experience a bruise NOT in the area injected.
DON’T
Avoid drinking alcohol or strenuous exercise for 24 hours after your treatment, as it may result in additional bruising and unwanted side effects.
Avoid the application of lipstick or chapstick for 4-6 hours post treatment. Use the product given to you by your injector.
Until swelling and redness have resolved, avoid intense heat such as sunbathing, tanning, saunas, hot tubs, and hot yoga.
Avoid massaging treated area.