If you want to get rid of unsightly facial wrinkles, crow’s feet, or frown lines, you’re not alone. In 2018, more than 7.4 million Americans treated those conditions with injections of Botulinum Toxin Type A, known by the brand names BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport®, making these the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the country.
At Farrell Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, Dr. Deborah Farrell is proud to offer both BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport treatments. Dr. Farrell is a Fellow of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, and is one of Pennsylvania’s most experienced aesthetic medicine physicians. She’s dedicated to ensuring your treatment is comfortable, safe, and gives you the results you want. Dr. Farrell serves Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, and surrounding areas of Pennsylvania. Call (717) 732-9000 today to schedule a consultation.
What Are BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport?
BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport are neuromodulators, which means they affect the way your nerves interact with other areas of your body. BOTOX® Cosmetic has been around and used for treatments for many years. The FDA approved it for cosmetic use in 2002. The FDA approved Dysport in 2009, although it was used in Europe for a decade before then.
Photos provided by Allergan
Certain facial wrinkles and lines are caused by the repeated contractions that your facial muscles make every day. Over time, those contractions can cause wrinkles and lines to appear and persist. Your muscles contract when your nerves release a chemical called acetylcholine at the junction where the nerve endings meet the muscle cells.
BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport block from your nerves from releasing acetylcholine. So, your brain still sends signals to your nerves that tell your muscles to contract, but BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport prevent that from happening. That makes your muscles relax, and so it gets rid of those unwanted wrinkles.
What Can BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport Treat?
BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport are effective at treating many cosmetic facial conditions, including:
- Lines between the eyebrows
- Frown lines
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet
- Brow lines
What Are the Differences Between BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport?
Although BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport are the same active substance and have essentially the same effects, there are subtle differences between them that impact the results you will achieve from each injectable option. Dysport has smaller protein molecules attached to it than BOTOX® Cosmetic does. That means Dysport may diffuse over a slightly wider area than BOTOX® Cosmetic. That difference can manifest in several ways:
- Dysport can sometimes be more effective in treating larger areas, like your forehead, whereas BOTOX® Cosmetic can target more specific points, like crow’s feet and frown lines
- Dysport may take effect slightly sooner. That means Dysport may be preferable if time is of the essence.
- The effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport last similarly. Some people feel BOTOX® Cosmetic lasts slightly longer, although this usually depends on the amounts used and sites treated.
Because of this, you should communicate your goals to Dr. Farrell during your consultation so you and she can choose the injectable that best fits your needs.
Patient Testimonials
"I had a great experience with Dr. Farrell and his amazing team. They have great bedside manners and make you feel right at home. Dr. Farrell took the time to throughly explain the procedure both pre and post. I went back several time ti ask question about my procedure prior to my surgery. I.m very satisfied with the outcome of my surgery. I would recommend Dr. Farrell to anyone looking to have an outstanding outcome regardless of what service you choose."
"I have had the most amazing experience with Dr. Farrell and the staff here. I had a breast reduction and the staff really helped me through the entire process from insurance questions to aftercare questions . I’m very pleased with the look of my results as well as everything about this surgery. Dr. Farrell even took the time to talk to me twice on different weekends with concerns I had. Highly recommend!!!!!!"
Are BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport Safe?
Yes, they’re both safe. They are the purified, protein derivative of the C. botulinum toxin. They are mixed with saline before they’re injected and are administered in tiny amounts that are regulated at concentration levels far below anything that could be harmful.
Dr. Farrell is also recognized by Allergan, the manufacturers of BOTOX® Cosmetic, as a certified provider. Her experience and expertise will ensure your injections are as safe and effective as possible and help you get the results you want.
Do BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport Have Any Recovery Period?
No. BOTOX and Dysport are non-invasive and non-surgical. They involve no anesthesia, incisions, sutures, or stitches. There is generally no downtime. You can resume your normal activities immediately after the procedure.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Dr. Farrell is an experienced, caring aesthetic physician who is dedicated to helping restore your youthful, beautiful, wrinkle-free skin. She serves Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, and surrounding areas of Pennsylvania. Call (717) 732-9000 today to schedule a consultation.