Austin Botox Procedures
Botox®, Dysport and Xeomin are all protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botox was first used in the early 1980′s in the treatment of a number of ophthalmologic disorders. Now it is widely used to treat expression lines. An emerging use is in the treatment of migraine headaches. Dysport and Xeomin are newer forms of botulinum toxin with effects very similar to Botox. Dr. Zimmet has both Botox and Dysport at Zimmet Vein & Dermatology.
Botox and Dysport can successfully treat expression lines such as frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines. In addition, they can be useful in rejuvenation of the neck and as a treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the hands and underams).
*Individual results may vary
FAQs ABOUT BOTOX, DYSPORT, and XEOMIN INJECTIONS FOR WRINKLES
- What are hyperfunctional facial lines?
- How does it work?
- Are there any side effects?
- Are there contraindications?
- What do I do before and after Botox® treatments?
WHAT ARE HYPERFUNCTIONAL FACIAL LINES?
These are facial lines are caused by facial expression. Over time the scrunching of the skin caused by the muscle contractions used in expression damage the collagen, causing prominent lines such as frown lines, forehead lines and crows feet. Frown lines are often interpreted as anger, anxiety, fatigue, fear or sadness. The only function of the muscles that cause frown lines are to make that expression. Relaxing those muscles with Botox, Dysport or Xeomin are generally incredibly well tolerated.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Botox®, Dysport, and Xeomin block “nerve impulses.” If they are injected into a muscle, it prevents the muscle from being activated, thereby avoiding muscle contraction. Botox® usually takes a week or so to reach full effect, while Dysport and Xeomin may work a little sooner. Because the effects tend to wear off after a few months, repeat injections are often done 2-3 times a year.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
Botox® has been used for over many years, in thousands of patients and has an excellent safety record. As with any treatment, side effects can occur. Reported side effects have included bruising, swelling and transient headache. Ptosis, a drooping of the eyelid and/or eyebrow, occurs in 1-2% of patients and generally resolves within 2 weeks. Occasionally patients may observe more effect on one side than another, causing an asymmetrical appearance. Strabismus, a weakening of the eye muscles, is a temporary side effect that has been reported. Although this is a transient reaction, it could make it unsafe for you to drive. This is rare in the doses used for wrinkle treatment. Some patients develop resistance to the treatment. More serious side effects have been reported rarely, primarily when used to treat conditions that require large doses.
ARE THERE CONTRAINDICATIONS?
We do not use Botox®, Dysport or Xeominin on patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those allergic to albumin or Botox®. Also, patients with neurological conditions generally are not treated.
WHAT DO I DO BEFORE AND AFTER A BOTOX®, DYSPORT OR XEOMIN TREATMENT?
Aspirin or ibuprofen-like medications may increase the chance for bruising. Consider avoiding them a 1 week before and after treatment. We suggest you avoid working out, lie down or massage the treated area for 2 hours after treatment. However, it is helpful to contract the muscles we injected 4-5 times over the first hour. Please call the office if you have any questions or concerns.
