There are so many myths out there regarding Botox and Dysport that it would be exhausting to post about all of them here. But let’s review – and debunk – 5 of the most common myths about Botox and Dysport injections for unwanted wrinkles and creases.
- Your face will be frozen from Botox and Dysport. If done well, Botox and Dysport will smooth out unwanted wrinkles and lines, but should leave you with some degree of animation and movement – preserving a natural look.
- Botox and Dysport are toxic and dangerous to your body. Botox and Dysport – as I say to so many of our San Diego med spa patients – are some of the safest drugs I have ever seen in the world of medicine. In my experience, the chances of you having a negative reaction to Botox or Dysport injections are literally lower than well-known drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Although Botox and Dysport are, indeed, neurotoxins – the form and dosage used in cosmetic treatments are incredibly safe.
- Botox and Dysport injections are really, really painful. Although there is a pinching feeling that is felt by many patients undergoing Botox and Dysport treatment, it is much less painful than many other types of injection. Plus, we try and use a vibratory device that helps distract you from the needle entering the skin. Topical ice application can further help. Application of numbing medicine in advance can also reduce discomfort, but this requires nearly 45 minutes to truly work.
- Botox and Dysport are one-time treatments. Botox and Dysport last, on average, 3 months before the muscle movement starts to really return. The effects of the Botox and Dysport gradually fade away over that 3rd month. It doesn’t just stop working one day! Most new patients who try Botox or Dysport love the results so much, they return almost every three months to the office for repeat injections. This is part of the reason our office has become so popular here in San Diego when it comes to Botox and Dysport injections. In fact, we got so busy doing Botox and Dysport that we couldn’t squeeze patients in last minute who were coming up on their 3 month mark. This then forced us to implement an automatic reminder system to notify Botox and Dysport patients that they are soon due up for another treatment and should call to schedule an appointment in advance.
- Botox and Dysport will fill in lines and creases. Botox and Dysport work by stopping muscles from moving excessively – leading to relaxation of these muscles and less wrinkling. In many cases, these unwanted wrinkles and lines will smooth out over time. But Botox and Dysport do not fill in the lines and creases. Injectable fillers, such as Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse and Bellafill, will actually fill in lines by adding volume under the skin to plump the wrinkle out.