Botox® & Dysport® FAQs: What to Know Before Your Treatment in Oakville
- Darlene Walchuk
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Considering neuromodulators, but you have a few questions and don’t know where to turn?
You’ve got a lot of Botox® and Dysport® questions, and we’ve got the honest answers that you’re looking for. In this updated FAQ, you’ll find the most common questions asked by our wonderful clients in Oakville, including how to make sure your fine line and wrinkle treatment goes according to plan.
Read on for answers to all your top Botox® and Dysport® FAQs.
What Are Botox® and Dysport®?
Botox® and Dysport® are the brand names for neuromodulators used to address dynamic wrinkles, which are the lines that appear after repeated muscle movement over time. Botox® and Dysport® soften these lines.
Dynamic wrinkles refer to:
● Frown lines, such as the 11s – Between the brows
● Crow’s feet – Around the eyes
● Forehead lines – Horizontal lines from raising the brows
There are some differences between Dysport® and Botox®. Botox® is better at precision work, while Dysport® is ideal for larger areas, like the forehead. The choice of which product to use depends on the treatment area, anatomy, and how your muscles move.
How Do Botox® and Dysport® Work?
Botox® and Dysport® temporarily relax targeted facial muscles that have tightened over time and with use. Once the muscle activity is reduced, the skin above the treated area appears smoother.
To be clear, we’re not “freezing” anyone’s face. The goal isn’t to erase your expressions—we want to soften lines that can look harsh or tired-looking while preserving natural movement. The aim is for natural-looking results for our Oakville clients.
What’s the Treatment Like?
Treatments are minimally invasive
They:
● Are performed using a very fine needle.
● Feel like a quick pinch.
● Take only about 10 – 15 minutes.
● Require no downtime—you can return to your day right after.
Many clients seeking Botox® in Oakville schedule treatments during lunch breaks.
Does Botox® or Dysport® Hurt?
We can’t say there’s zero pain, but we’re told that the pain is minimal—like a quick pinch. How painfully that registers person-to-person varies, but this is what the vast majority of our clients report.
Is Botox® / Dysport® Safe?
Absolutely. Neuromodulators have been used safely for over 25 years in both medical and cosmetic care. They are Health Canada-approved.
Neuromodulators are used in medicine for a wide range of conditions, and are administered in extremely small controlled doses in aesthetics, for example, as fine line and wrinkle treatments.
Is Botox® the Same as Botulism?
No. Botulism is an illness. Botox® and Dysport® are purified medical proteins, not food-borne toxins. This may feel confusing due to the fact that botulinum toxin is the more generic name for Botox®.
To put it into perspective: even if it was the same thing (it’s not) the amount used cosmetically is far below levels associated with toxicity.
Where Does the Product Go in My Body?
Botox® and Dysport®, and similar neuromodulators, stay localized in the treatment area and are naturally metabolized by the body within hours. They don’t travel through your system—were that the case, Health Canada would not approve them for use.
What’s a “Unit”?
When you’re going for your first Dysport® treatment in Oakville, and we talk about “units” and how many will be required, what are we talking about?
A unit is a measurement of dosage. The number of units you will require depends on:
● Muscle strength
● The area being treated
● Your desired level of softness vs. movement
Your exact dosage is determined during your consultation.
What Are the Possible Side Effects?
Most clients experience no side effects.
Occasionally, some people experience:
● Mild redness or swelling at the injection site
● Small bruises that are easily covered up
● Temporary, short-lived headaches
All side effects are temporary and relatively uncommon. Following pre and post-procedure instructions can help reduce the potential for side effects.
Can Botox® Cause a Droopy Eyelid?
The droopy eyelid issue occurs in less than 1% of patients and is temporary.
The best way to avoid side effects is by ensuring that your treatment is being administered by an injectionist who knows what they’re doing and has proper credentials. A well-trained, experienced injectionist will have the experience and placement know-how that can prevent side effects.
What Can I Expect Before, During, and After My Treatment?
Pre-Treatment Guidelines
To avoid/reduce bruising, avoid the following pre-treatment:
● Aspirin
● Ibuprofen / Advil & other anti-inflammatory medications
● AND, always disclose medications during your consultation!
Knowing what medication a client is on is important, and allows your injectionist to appropriately determine, dose, and monitor your treatment.
Aftercare Instructions (Simple & Short)
For the first 4 hours:
● Do not rub or massage the area
● Avoid lying flat
● Avoid exercise
Gentle facial movement is encouraged immediately after treatment.
When Will I See Results?
Effects will begin to settle in at different times depending on what’s being treated and what’s being used to treat the area.
Generally:
● Initial effects: 3–7 days
● Full results: 10–14 days
Some clients may notice that Dysport® begins working slightly sooner than expected.
How Long Do Results Last?
When asking “How long does Botox® last?”, you have a few things to keep in mind. Generally, results last 3–4 months, depending on:
● Your metabolism
● Muscle strength
● Treatment consistency
● Type of treatment
With regular treatments, many clients notice results last longer over time.
Will My Face Look Worse When It Wears Off?
No. When Botox® or Dysport® wears off, your muscles simply return to their previous state.
Many clients find that after stopping treatments, their lines appear softer than before, because the muscles have had time to rest and relax a bit.
How Much Does Botox® or Dysport® Cost?
Treatment is priced per unit, and the total cost depends on:
● Areas treated
● Units required
● Your individualized plan
A consultation provides clear pricing before treatment begins.
Your consultation is a critical part of treatment. Who you choose as your medical aesthetician is important, as they will be responsible for ensuring your face looks just the way you want it to.
Make sure to consider the following when choosing a practitioner:
● Medical credentials
● Years of injector experience
● Technique and approach to ensuring natural results
● Patient care and communication style
Will I Look Frozen or Expressionless?
Not when treated conservatively and correctly.
At Secret Faces Oakville, the approach is:
● Maintain natural movement
● Softening—not erasing—lines
● Results that look refreshed, not “done”
● You can always add more, so start slow
When clients leave our shop, they hear comments like “You look well-rested” rather than “Did you get Botox®?”
Every face is different. That’s why every treatment starts with a personalized consultation and a customized plan.
At Secret Faces Oakville, we specialize in Botox®, Dysport®, dermal fillers, advanced skin rejuvenation, and hair loss treatments, all delivered by a Registered Nurse. Whether you're seeking wrinkle reduction, facial balancing, or hair restoration solutions, our personalized treatment plans are designed to enhance your confidence while preserving what makes you uniquely you.
The best part?
Our results are so natural…you can keep them a secret.
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