The most common cosmetic treatment is Botulinum toxin injections. And the most prominent brands when it comes to Botulinum toxin injections are Botox and Dysport. Why is Botox/Dysport so popular, and what are all of their effects?
What is Botulinum Toxin?
Hearing the “toxin” part in the name of the active ingredient of Botox and Dysport, the substance may sound quite scary. You might wonder why are so many people willingly have the substance injected into their bodies. That is because a Botulinum toxin injection does wonders to the skin if appropriately administered.
Although Botulinum toxin is a poisonous biological substance, controlled amounts of it in the right places produce cosmetically pleasing effects. The toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The neurotoxin attacks and paralyzes nerve endings; experts use its influence to limit muscle stiffness, spasms, or movement disorders.
What are All the Effects of Botox/Dysport?
Experts have found a way to use the effects of Botulinum toxin to achieve medical and cosmetic wonders. The most trusted brands of injectable Botulinum toxin are Botox and Dysport. Here’s a list of everything Botox and Dysport can do:
Combating Wrinkles
The first and most common use of Botox/Dysport is treating wrinkles. Skin wrinkling is a common and natural problem; it makes anyone look older and quite unattractive.
Wrinkles form due to the muscle movements underneath the skin and the effects of UV light. UV light breaks the skin’s connective tissues (collagen and elastin fibers), making the skin weaker and less flexible. Wrinkles result when you compound the effects of UV light with the impact of repeated muscle movement underneath the skin.
Repeated facial expressions, such as frowning, smiling, or squinting, form the wrinkles on the weakened skin. Botox/Dysport combats the forming of wrinkles by paralyzing the muscles responsible for wrinkle formation. Unfortunately, Botox/Dysport has does not reverse the effects of UV light.
Botox and Dysport are not only good for preventing the formation of wrinkles, but they are also valuable for smoothing wrinkles that are already there.
Medical Conditions
Botox/Dysport injections are effective in treating various medical conditions.
Migraine
Botox is FDA-approved to treat and prevent migraine attacks. If no other treatment options for chronic migraine work for you, you may talk about Botox/Dysport injections with your physician.
Botulinum toxin’s paralyzing effects block the release of chemicals involved in pain transmission and prevent spasming muscles from causing pain. Botox/Dysport will reduce nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to sounds, lights, and smells.
Depression
Experts were surprised to find that in many studies involving clinically depressed individuals, a Botox/Dysport injection in the glabellar frown lines (the area between the eyebrows) substantially decreased symptoms of depression.
Although scientists are still unsure how Botulinum injections in the glabellar frown lines decrease depression, there are many theories. One theory suggests that constant frowning or a sad facial expression is a symptom of depression. By paralyzing the muscles responsible for frowning or negative facial expressions, Botox/Dysport treats depression.
Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
In 2004, the FDA approved the use of Botox to treat hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. Botox/Dysport paralyzes the nerves that trigger sweating.
Overactive Bladder
The use of Botox/Dysport is proven to treat overactive bladder (OAB). The active ingredient in Botox/Dysport calms the muscles and nerves around the bladder, preventing accidental contracting. The injections may take time to take full effect, but patients will notice improved control over urinary incontinence within two weeks of the injection.
Crossed Eyes (Lazy Eye)
The common cause of lazy eye is the imbalance in the muscles that control the eye. By relaxing specific muscles around the eye, a professional can balance the muscles responsible for eye positioning. The same principle applies in treating eye twitching.
Severe Neck Spasms (Cervical Dystonia)
This severe condition uncomfortably twists or turns your head because of uncontrollable contractions of the neck muscles. Botox/Dysport injections calm those muscles, effectively treating cervical dystonia.
Muscle Contractions
Cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions are treatable with Botox/Dysport injections. The primary symptom of these neurological problems is the uncontrolled contracting of muscles.
Side Effects of Botox/Dysport
Botox and Dysport injections are safe for any qualified candidate, but they may have temporary side effects. The most common side effects are slight pain, numbness, and headaches – but these will subside soon.
The more severe side effects include droopy eyelids, sore throat, and muscle spasms. Lastly, Botox/Dysport injections may cause botulinum toxicity or paralysis, although this side effect is incredibly scarce. Botulinum toxicity symptoms are speaking, swallowing, and breathing difficulty.
It is best to speak with an expert about your candidacy for a Botox/Dysport injection before taking the treatment. If you are a qualified candidate, you will likely experience only the mildest temporary side effects.
Who are Good Candidates for Botox/Dysport Injections?
Botox/Dysport injections are safe for adults who suffer from moderate to severe facial lines or want to prevent wrinkle formation. The treatment is also suitable for people suffering from the medical conditions listed above, as advised by a doctor. As long as the adult is in good general health, the injections will be safe for them.
There are a few exceptions to who can have the treatment, though. A doctor will likely advise against Botox/Dysport injections if you are:
- Pregnant
- Allergic to milk
- Over 65 years old
- Sensitive to botulinum toxin
It is best to consult a healthcare professional before committing to the treatment.
Are There Differences Between Botox and Dysport?
Although Botox and Dysport are just brand names of similar products with similar effects, they have a difference. The difference between the two brands is the potency of their trace proteins (Botulinum toxin). Botox tends to have a more substantial effect and is used for more severe cases.
Also, because of their potency, Dysport tends to yield results sooner, but the effects of Botox tend to last longer.
Do You Need Botox/Dysport?
Botox/Dysport injections are helpful for more than cosmetic reasons. The active ingredient in these two products works miracles for the body. Help yourself to the wonders of Botox/Dysport injections; book a session with Elite Medspa to look better or relieve yourself of pain.
