Botox/Dysport Frequently Asked Questions

What is BOTOX/DYSPORT?

BOTOX/DYSPORT are treatments for dynamic wrinkles. The most commonly treated areas are:

• the lines & folding of skin between the eyebrows caused by frowning, known as “frown lines.”

• the lines around the eyes are known as crows feet caused by squinting or smiling

• the horizontal lines across the forehead caused by raising the eyebrows

 

Is it safe?

Yes! BOTOX/DYSPORT has been available for over 25 years and has been used to treat many diseases. In fact, it is used in children as young as 2 years old to treat cerebral palsy. It has been proven to be very safe through extensive testing and research.  BOTOX is an approved drug used to treat patients with cosmetic wrinkles.

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Will it give me Food Poisoning? Is it botulism? Isn’t BOTOX/DYSPORT poison?

No, BOTOX/DYSPORT will not cause food poisoning. No - BOTOX/DYSPORT is NOT Botulism. To clarify, Botulism is the name of an illness. The product is a natural, purified protein.  It is an approved drug that is used in VERY tiny doses. It comes from a naturally occurring bacterium – similar to how Penicillin comes naturally!

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How do I know it won’t be toxic to me?

Typically, for a cosmetic treatment, you may receive fewer than 100 units.  To make someone remotely sick, you would have to receive OVER 35 times this dose all at one time intravenously.

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How does it work?

BOTOX/DYSPORT works by simply relaxing the muscles underneath the skin to create a smooth and refreshed appearance.

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What is involved in the Pre-treatment?

Do not take any aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, or any anti-inflammatory medications.

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What does the After Care involve?

No touching or rubbing the area that was injected for the next four hours. Avoid any exercise or lying down/sleeping as well for the next four hours. Exercise the muscles by making expressions for the next 30 minutes after the treatment.  

For a complete list of Botox/Dysport Post Treatment Instructions, download the attached document.

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How long does the procedure take?

Generally, after the consultation, the procedure only takes up to 15 minutes. 

Since there is no downtime – you can do it at your lunchtime – and no one would know you have had it done! 

 

How quickly does it work?

It can take up to 2 weeks for it to take full effect. Usually, we ask patients to wait for 14 days to fully see the results. DYSPORT has been shown in studies to start working within 3 days and last 2 to 5 weeks longer- this may vary from individual.

 

How is it done?

It is injected with a very tiny needle (it only feels like a little pinch). 

 

How long does BOTOX/DYSPORT last? Is it permanent?

No – BOTOX/DYSPORT is not permanent.  It lasts between 3-4 months on average, but everyone is different. 

If you follow the directions given to you by Darlene and book your first 3 treatments promptly every 4 months (without waiting in between!) you can eventually increase the duration of results from each treatment.

 

Does it hurt?

Most patients say the injections feel similar to a little pinch, although everyone is different. 

We usually hear that patients say, “Is that all?”

 

Will it look worse when it wears off? What if I stop doing BOTOX/DYSPORT?

No! Your face will never get worse if you stop using BOTOX/DYSPORT or when it wears off. 

BOTOX/DYSPORT gives your facial muscles a “rest”. If you stop getting treatments, the muscles start to work again like normal.  At the very minimum, you will simply return to where you started, but most will have a long-term benefit even from one treatment. 

If you use BOTOX/DYSPORT for a number of years and then stop, your muscles learn to relax and therefore, you will end up looking a little better than when you originally started. You have just stopped time.

 

How much does it cost?

The cost of treatment varies by each patient and a personal consultation can give you a specific amount. Botox/Dysport is charged by the number of units (the dosage that is used) Price can range from $8.00 to $15.00 per unit.

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Come in for a consultation for a customized treatment plan. 

There are a few things you should consider in addition to price:

• What kind of medical expert is doing the injecting?

• Does the medical expert have a lot of experience injecting BOTOX/DYSPORT?

• Is the doctor/nurse gentle and using the latest techniques to ensure a great result?

 

I don’t want to look like a mask without expression- will that happen?

Darlene prefers a natural look with some movement and expression but a reduction in the “angry and tired” appearance.  Most people simply want to look NATURAL, RELAXED and REFRESHED, without looking “done”.

In the experienced hands at our clinic, patients typically say that no one knows that they had anything done. Friends simply say that they look well-rested and great!

 

What is a unit?

A unit of BOTOX /DYSPORT is simply a very tiny measurement of the drug. You can think of it as SIMILAR to a millilitre of liquid (although this is not accurate). The exact number of units you require to achieve the look you want will be discussed during your confidential consultation.   

 

What are the side effects?

Some get minor bruising (which is easily covered up with makeup) or a slight short-term headache (15%).  Most patients do not experience any side effects at all.  Any side effects are temporary and not permanent.

 

I have heard that you can get a drooping eyelid. Is this true?

The incidence of a drooping eyelid is less than 1% and will last from only a few days to a few weeks. Most patients do not experience any side effects at all. Darlene has not had any patients with a droop.

 

Where does it go in my body?

BOTOX/DYSPORT stays local to the muscle where it was injected. After the injection, it is simply metabolized & broken down into natural byproducts within a few hours.

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