Botox/Dysport Treatments

A neuromodulator is a medication that works to stop the contraction of the muscle by using small amounts of purified botulinum toxin A. This means that it stops the wrinkles from forming when we are being expressive (i.e., raising your eyebrows). This medication is naturally occurring in the environment and has been harnessed for both cosmetic and medical purposes. There are four approved neuromodulators on today’s market: Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Nucevia. Our favourite is Dysport. During your consult we will select the most appropriate neuromodulator for your beauty goals.

Neuromodulators are most commonly used to treat the upper one third of the face including the glabellar region (the 11’s or frown lines), the upper forehead, and around the eyes. It can also be used as a brow lift, a lip flip, to treat a gummy smile, to lift the corners of the mouth, and even the jelly roll (the bulge that occurs under our eyes when we smile). Neuromodulators can also be used to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), TMJ disorders and/or bruxism (grinding of the teeth), and facial slimming. Neuromodulators can also be used to treat eye spasms, migraines, and even contractures. Pretty cool, right?

When it’s your first-time having treatment, we understand the fear of the unknown. Luckily, your nerves are probably the most uncomfortable part of the treatment. Treatment is extremely fast, and most clients rate it a 2-3/10 on the pain scale and compare it to a sensation of being pinched. Botox & Dysport are known as the “lunch time treatment” because it has little-to-no down time, and you can go back to work after a quick treatment without anyone noticing. You may be a little red 30 mins-1 hour following treatment but then it subsides. Easy peasy!

Depending on which product we choose for you, it will start taking effect at different times. Dysport takes 3-5 days to start kicking in, while Botox takes 5-7 days to start kicking in and full effect, for both, is at 14 days. Treatments lasts on average 3-4 months for wrinkle relaxation in the face and usually 6-9 months for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) treatments and facial slimming (masseter muscle reduction). Some folks get more or less time based on lifestyle factors, meaning that an individual that is athletic, has a high metabolism, is in the sun a lot, or hot environments (vacations, saunas, hot tubs) may break it down at a faster rate. One important piece of information is that dose equals longevity, so if you are underdosed or request “Baby Botox”, this means that the muscle will have more movement and may not last as long as a heavier dose to stop muscle movement completely. More movement equals faster breakdown.

Side effects are rare, but depending on the treatment area, you may experience heaviness of your eyebrows, eyelid ptosis (drooping), a wonky smile or dry eye. We do everything in our power to mitigate these risks by landmarking out your injections, our injection technique, and treating you with a conservative dose of Botox & Dysport. None of the side effects are permanent, and they will resolve over a couple of months.

We carry both products but our favourite is Dysport! Both are neuromodulators that relax the muscle. They have subtle differences such as Dysport has a faster onset than Botox and spreads a little bit more than Botox. Dysport tends to give a more natural look and feel, whereas Botox is a little “stiffer”. The feedback our clients give us is that Dysport lasts a little bit longer than Botox for them and looks a little bit more natural.