Botox and Dysport are brand names for botulinum toxin type A, a neuromodulator that is FDA approved to temporarily soften facial wrinkles. Botox and Dysport work by blocking messages between muscles and the nerves that control them. The areas that are most commonly treated are in the upper area of the face: the lines in between the eyebrows, the horizontal lines across the forehead, and the lines around the outer corners of the eyes.
Dermal fillers are composed of clear hyaluronic acid (HA) gels. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the body that hydrates the skin, acts as a cushioning agent, and provides support to soften wrinkles and lift folds. The FDA has approved the use of HA fillers to temporarily improve winkles and folds, as well as temporarily increase or restore volume in areas such as the lips, chin, and cheeks.
To better understand which areas are commonly treated with Botox/Dysport vs. filler, please see the diagram below!
BOTOX OR DYSPORT
You may have little, slightly red bumps at the sites where Botox or Dysport were injected, but these bumps usually resolve within the first hour.
Botox and Dysport start to take effect 3-7 days after treatment, but it typically takes 14 days to see results. This is why it is highly recommended that you get treated at least 2 weeks before a special event. Please plan ahead of time!
Botox or Dysport typically last 3-4 months. Each person metabolizes or breaks down the medication differently so duration does vary.
No, this is false information. Wrinkles will not be worse if you stop getting Botox or Dysport. Your facial muscles will return to having full movement.
DERMAL FILLERS
Most side effects from filler treatments are mild or moderate and usually last 7-14 days. Side effects are temporary injection site reactions such as swelling, redness, tenderness, firmness, lumps/bumps, bruising, discoloration, numbness or altered sensation, and reactivation of cold sores.
To reduce the risk of these temporary side effects, please avoid blood-thinners for 1-2 weeks before treatment. If you have had a cold sore in the past, injections to the lip area can cause a cold sore outbreak after filler. Let your provider or injector know about your history so that s/he can prescribe acyclovir (Valtrex) to help minimize this risk!
Yes, results after filler treatments are immediately noticeable, but are best observed 2 weeks after the treatment because of the swelling and/or possible bruising. This is why it is highly recommended that you receive your filler treatment at least 2 weeks before a special event. Please plan ahead of time!
Depending on the product and treated area, fillers last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Each person metabolizes or breaks down product differently so duration does vary.
Each type of filler is designed to address a different area or concern. The provider performs an in-person assessment of a patient’s face then chooses the filler based on the individual’s skin, volume loss, and facial anatomy in general.
