Facial Rejuvenation Services in San Antonio

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a treatment made from a substance created by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Also known as Botulinum Type A, Botox can decrease or remove fine lines and wrinkles when used in careful amounts. It works by blocking signals from the nerves to the facial muscles. This means the muscles can’t move as easily, which smooths out the skin and lessens the appearance of wrinkles.

Botox was the first Botulinum Type A treatment approved by the FDA. It became available in 1989 and received approval for cosmetic use in 2002. Since then, it has become a popular option for injectables. When used by trained professionals, like our team of board-certified physicians and nurse practitioners trained in the art of aesthetics, Botox is safe and effective. Besides cosmetic uses, Botox can also help with other medical conditions like chronic migraines, excessive sweating, and muscle spasms.

Since Botox was first introduced, other companies have created similar injectable treatments for wrinkles. After Botox, Dysport® emerged as its counterpart in Europe and is now available in over 60 countries. In 2009, the FDA approved Dysport® for use in the United States, showing it is an effective, non-invasive option for reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Both Botox and Dysport had medical uses before they were approved for cosmetic use.

Dysport’s active ingredient is Botulinum Type A, just like Botox. When injected, Dysport targets the nerves around the injection site. This limits muscle movement, helping to relax the area and smooth the skin. Dysport is mainly used to treat moderate to severe forehead lines and glabellar lines, also known as frown lines or 11 lines.

Fundamentally, there is no significant difference between Botox and Dysport. Both contain the same active ingredient (Botulinum Type A), and both can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. That said, the main difference is the level of concentration in each product. Dysport is more diluted than Botox. This means Dysport spreads faster, especially over a larger surface area, with just a few injections.

In summary:

• Botox works well for lip lines, Crow’s feet, and other fine wrinkles. Its high concentration and slow movement make it perfect for these small areas.
• Dysport works well for larger surface areas, like the forehead and 11 lines. It’s fast-acting and spreads quickly and evenly.

Most doctors say that adults aged 35 to 65 are the best candidates for this treatment. Here are some factors to consider:

• You should have mild to severe facial wrinkles that did not improve with skin care recommended by a dermatologist.
• Your wrinkles should be in areas where Dysport or Botox can help, such as around the lips, cheeks, eyes, chin, and forehead.
• You should be in relatively good health without any preexisting skin conditions.

You should avoid this procedure if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have skin allergies, or are allergic to Botulinum Type A. 

The process is exactly the same for both Dysport and Botox. The procedure starts off with an initial consultation with one of our medical providers. The doctor or nurse practitioner will check your medical history, assess the wrinkles on the face, and come up with a game plan. 

Botox and Dysport are non-surgical cosmetic procedures that take less than 30 minutes in most cases. It’s not uncommon for patients to get their procedure done on their lunch break. Compared to invasive procedures, injectables have shorter recovery times and a higher success rate. The only difference during the procedure is the injectable used.

Your doctor or nurse practitioner will mark off the intended injection sites and then use a topical agent to numb the skin. Next, the medical provider will then inject the Botox or Dysport in the appropriate spots. Dysport injections may, at times, be deeper than Botox injections. The deeper shot helps to cover the larger treatment areas. After checking your skin to make sure all goes well, you can leave and go about your day. Your medical provider will give you some simple guidelines to follow, such as:

• Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours.
• Do not massage your face or the area of the injection, as this can accidentally spread the neuromodulator to other parts of your face.
• Refrain from exercise or strenuous activity for at least 4 hours.
• Stay out of direct sun exposure for a minimum of 24 hours.
• Do not lie down for 3 hours after the procedure.

Over the next few days, you’ll start to see changes in your wrinkles and overall look!

Both injectables have a proven track record of effectively diminishing wrinkles, contributing to a more youthful and refreshed appearance. They reduce facial lines while preserving the natural look of the face.

When a patient receives a Dysport injection, they can expect to see noticeable results within a few days. The results typically last for up to four months, allowing patients to enjoy a smoother complexion without the need for surgery.

For Botox injections, patients can anticipate similar benefits, with results lasting anywhere from four to six months, depending on the injection site. In areas like the eyes and lips, Botox often provides longer-lasting effects. As the treatment gradually wears off, patients will begin to notice more movement in their muscles, but the appearance of their wrinkles will still remain diminished. This timeframe also serves as a good reminder for scheduling the next appointment to maintain results.

Since both treatments contain Botulinum Type A, they can have similar side effects. Common reactions might include a little pain or swelling at the injection site, headaches, droopy eyelids, or dryness, especially if the injection is close to the eyes. In rare cases, you could experience more serious effects like muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, or breathing issues. That said, side effects are quite rare, especially if a licensed medical professional performs the procedure. It’s also important to keep in mind that any medical or cosmetic procedure comes with some level of risk! 

It’s not uncommon for patients to ask about other treatments along with Botox or Dysport. For instance, you can get an injectable dermal filler, plumping up your skin and adding much-needed volume. These fillers, like Juvederm or Restylane, contain hyaluronic acid, a natural compound found in the skin. When used alongside Botox or Dysport, a patient can get a “liquid facelift”. Liquid facelifts are becoming a widely popular option since you can avoid major surgery altogether. Learn more about our other facial rejuvenation services in the section below!