Botox^® click here or scroll down to read about Dysport

BOTOX Injection

Botox® is an injectible treatment for reducing or ridding unwanted wrinkles in the face. Botox has revolutionized our ability to treat deeper "motion wrinkles" of the face. Botox works by decreasing the activity of muscles which produce these wrinkles. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2.8 million Botox Cosmetic treatments were performed in 2007. Of these patients, 97% reported that they were satisfied with their results and 74% returned for at least one injection within a year.

Botox has been approved by the FDA for treatment of glabellar rhytides (the vertical lines between the brows that appear when you frown), and is used safely to treat horizontal forehead lines as well as the "crow's feet" around the eyes. Patients may opt to treat one of these areas or all three.

The effects of botox generally appear in 5-7 days and are fully evident within one to two weeks. Effects generally last 3-4 months. Published literature now shows that patients who maintain a schedule of treatments over time may permanently reduce the severity and onset of facial wrinkles.†

Over many years of use and millions of patients across the globe, botox has proven itself safe and effective, with minimum side effects (see below). The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery ranked BOTOX Cosmetic as the most popular physician-administered aesthetic procedure in the United States for the fourth year in a row (surgical and non surgical combined). Indeed, we currently have no other medical or surgical treatment capable of predictably emulating the effect of the botulinum protein  on deeper motion wrinkles.

In our San Diego office, strict guideline are followed regarding storage and dilution of botox. By minimizing dilution and disposing of unused material after several days, we are able to provide our patients with consistent, long lasting results. All botox injections at the La Jolla Center for Facial Plastic Surgery are administered by our facial plastic surgeon or a skilled, highly - trained nurse.

Mechanism of Action of Botox:

Botox Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium Botulinum bacteria that prevents the the action of wrinkle-forming muscles. This botulinum protein was initially used successfully to treat muscle spasm in the face and neck, and the cosmetic effect of diminishing wrinkles was noticed as a side effect.

The botulinum protein, following injection into the skin and muscle, is absorbed by nerve endings (nerve terminals), where it blocks the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine by those nerve endings. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter responsible for making muscles contract. After several months, the nerve terminals recover and begin releasing acetylcholine again, and muscle function recovers.

Side effects of Botox:

Many first-time botox patients wonder if botox will prevent them from making or conveying facial expressions. In reality, you will still be able to make facial expressions - just without the accompanying wrinkles and lines.

Side effects of the injection are relatively rare in skilled in hands, but may include bruising at the injection site, or temporary eyelid drooping. Patients who are pregnant or breast feeding should avoid treatment, as should patients with any active infection around the injection site. Botox is contraindicated in patients with underlying muscle weakness diseases such as myasthenia gravis.

For Botox injections in San Diego or La Jolla contact La Jolla Medi Day Spa at (858) 658-0595.

† Long-term effects of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) on facial lines: a comparison in identical twins. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2006 Nov-Dec;8(6):426-31.

Dysport^®

Dysport gained FDA approval for aesthetic treatment of glabellar (frown) lines in April of 2009, and is used in an identical fashion to Botox. Both products are botulinum toxin type A, but Botox is prodcued by Allergan Corporation, and Dysport is

produced by Medicis (makers of Restylane).

We have been using Dysport since its release and are very pleased with the results. Our patients and staff report a quick onset of action, and a duration as long or longer than that of Botox (typically 3-4 months).

So what are the differences?

Approximately 3.0 units of Dysport are required for each 1 unit of Botox to acheive the same effect (this has to do with the manufacturing process and not quality of product). Accordingly, Dysport is priced less than Botox per unit. Generally the cost overall is similar, however the two companies run competing specials and this is reflected in special pricing at our spa (CHECK OUR SPECIALS PAGE!)

Our recommendation: Try both, and then look for deals!