BOTOX is the most popular of all non-surgical cosmetic facial procedures conducted worldwide. Along with its counterpart, Dysport, BOTOX is easy, safe, and highly effective. They’re commonly used to reduce facial wrinkles such as those on the forehead or around the eyes.
The goal of the treatment is not to create a “frozen” face. Instead, it reduces muscle movement in targeted areas for a more rested, softer and youthful look.
We have extensive training and experience with facial anatomy and injection techniques. So we tailor your treatment to your specific aesthetic goals. In our experienced hands, you’ll be restored to a more rested and refreshed-looking version of yourself.
To learn whether BOTOX or Dysport injections may be right for you, request a consultation.
HOW DO BOTOX AND DYSPORT INJECTABLES WORK?
BOTOX and Dysport both contain a highly refined purified protein derived from onabotulinumtoxinA. They work by injecting them into specific, targeted muscles. In facial rejuvenation treatment, we inject muscles that contribute to frown lines and wrinkles. The injection blocks the muscle’s nerve impulses.
After injection, the muscle stops contracting. When it relaxes, the skin overlying the muscle begins to smooth out. Wrinkles gradually soften and disappear:
- After 5 to 7 days with BOTOX
- Within 2 to 3 days with Dysport
We use ultra-fine needles to reduce discomfort and the risk of bruising.
WHY ARE WRINKLE RELAXERS SO POPULAR?
There are many benefits to injecting BOTOX and Dysport to reduce wrinkles, including:
- No downtime, so patients can go back to work or normal activities right away
- Affordable treatments
- Natural-looking results that usually last for 3 to 4 months
- A NATURAL LOOK WITHOUT A ‘FROZEN’ FACE
Subtle, natural results take an expert plastic surgeon skilled in facial anatomy and proportion. Expressionless faces, frozen foreheads and “cat woman” eyebrows are out there. We’ve all seen them. The culprit isn’t the BOTOX or Dysport itself; blame poor technique on the part of the injector. Inappropriate injection amounts or poor placement of the injectable can result in undesirable, unsightly outcomes.
We have extensive training and experience with facial anatomy and injection techniques. This, combined with an aesthetic sensibility, creates seamless, subtle and natural-looking results. Our patients look rested and refreshed but never look like they’ve been “done.”
COMMON TREATMENT AREAS
BOTOX and Dysport are versatile treatments that can improve several different areas. Read on to learn how we treat each area.
FOREHEAD
Persistent horizontal lines or wrinkles leave us looking constantly anxious or alarmed. BOTOX is a great option to help smooth the forehead.
FROWN LINES
The furrows that develop between our eyebrows can leave us looking perpetually mad or sad. This is the most common anatomical area that we inject. It’s a great place for patients to start if they want to turn the clock back but are nervous about getting started.
After BOTOX injection, the “H” shaped furrowed lines melt away. Creating a more refreshed, relaxed, and calmer looking you as a result.
BROW LIFT
It takes very little BOTOX to open up the eye and restore a pleasing elevated contour to a sagging brow. Botox in this area tends to bring focus to the eyes with a refreshed look.
CROW’S FEET
Crow’s feet can be caused by happiness. But if these lines become deeply ingrained and persistent, they are a real hallmark of ageing and photo-damage.
In our hands, treating your crow’s feet comes with an extra bonus; it elevates the brow into a more pleasing position.
TREATMENTS AROUND THE MOUTH
It takes very few BOTOX units to correct a gummy smile or a down-turned mouth. Some upper lips have lots of wrinkles. In these cases, BOTOX is used as part of a larger treatment plan. The often include laser treatments, microneedling, and other injectables such as dermal fillers.
JAWLINE CORRECTION
BOTOX is excellent for refining a square or heavy jaw. The masseter muscle is a large muscle responsible for chewing. When overdeveloped, it contributes to a bottom heavy or square-looking, masculine face.
BOTOX injection into the masseter cause the muscle to gradually lose its bulk. This helps to reshape and feminize the facial shape to more of an oval or heart-shaped one.
NECK LINES & BANDS
Nora Ephron had it right when she said, “Our faces can fool people, but our necklines give away our age.” Superficial injections into the platysmal neck muscle can really rejuvenate the appearance of the neck. Time to get rid of your turtlenecks!
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WRINKLE RELAXERS AND DERMAL FILLERS?
The differences between wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers are often misunderstood. They are both injectables, and they are both offered as a means of fixing wrinkles. The difference is in how they work and why you use them.
Wrinkle relaxers, like BOTOX, target the wrinkles caused by the repetitive movement of facial muscles. Dermal fillers replace lost volume underneath the skin. They smooth out wrinkles from below the skin’s surface, effectively “sculpting and filling” wrinkles from the inside out.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BOTOX AND DYSPORT?
BOTOX has been approved for cosmetic use in Canada since 2001. Dysport is a relative newcomer to North America, but it has been used extensively in Europe for more than 20 years.
Both are FDA-approved onabotulinumtoxinA, but they are formulated differently. Dysport is considered to have an earlier onset and could even last slightly longer.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS INJECTING BOTOX SAFE?
BOTOX is the most common non-surgical treatment modality used in facial aesthetics worldwide. BOTOX has a long track record for safety and efficacy. It has had been approved for cosmetic use in Canada since 2001.
Botox is used for medical indications including:
- Migraines
- Muscle spasms
- Excessive sweating.
Both BOTOX and Dysport are neuromodulators that are made from onabotulinumtoxinA. Many people think it sounds scary, but these are actually just purified proteins. They are safe and FDA approved.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS?
BOTOX is one of the safest non-surgical treatments available. Our recommendation is to err on the side of caution. It’s better to under-correct than over-correct a problem area.
Often for new patients, we recommend a low dose with a “top-up” 2 weeks later. This significantly reduces your risk of an unnatural outcome. It’s rare, but occasionally a brow transiently descends or an eyelid looks temporarily droopy. Bruising is uncommon.
WHY ARE FOREHEADS TRICKY TO INJECT FOR A NATURAL RESULT?
The constant movement of the brows wrinkles the skin on the forehead like an accordion. This inward accordion effect happens more as we age because our brows are descending. Unconsciously, we are trying to keep our brows in place.
We treat this area very conservatively in order to reduce the appearance of these lines while keeping the brow in a good position. Too much BOTOX in the forehead will cause the brow to descend. While you may have no forehead lines, you will look tired and depressed.
For a natural effect, it’s best to use an experienced plastic surgeon.
HOW MUCH WILL I NEED TO START?
If patients are nervous initially, we recommend that they start in small increments. Take baby steps and slowly making small changes. For patients new to BOTOX, it’s often reassuring to know that no result is permanent.
The treatment effects gradually fade over 3 to 4 months. That being said, when they see what can be achieved with small amounts of BOTOX, they are often sorry the results are temporary. Thankfully, it takes only 2 to 3 treatments per year to duplicate and maintain the best results.
WILL THE INJECTION HURT?
Fear of pain with facial injections is real. We use ultra-fine needles to reduce patient discomfort and the risk of bruising. Most patients find this an easily tolerable procedure.
ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS FOLLOWING BOTOX OR DYSPORT INJECTIONS?
The recovery time following BOTOX or Dysport injections is minimal. The only restrictions on the day of your BOTOX injections are:
- No exercise or overheating yourself after your injection session.
- No massage or pressure on injection sites or head-down maneuvers for 4 hours.
After your treatment session, you can resume all your normal activities. Many people return to their day jobs or normal activities.
Book an appointment for facial muscle relaxers in Newmarket!