While most people have heard of Botox®, the neurotoxin is not alone in its class. There are plenty of different cosmetic injectables, including those that use the same components. For example, Dysport® can be used in a similar manner to Botox. However, it takes a master injector to know which is best for each specific circumstance.
At DiGeronimo MD Advanced Plastic Surgery in Miami, Florida, Dr. Ernest M. DiGeronimo can help determine whether Botox or Dysport will be a good choice for you, and introduce you to other injectables if you need additional facial rejuvenation.
To understand injectables, you have to have an understanding of your skin, along with the muscles and nerves that lie beneath. While neurotoxins were originally used to treat nerve problems like migraines and strabismus (lazy eye), they are now used to prevent wrinkles.
This is because dynamic wrinkles, or creases that form due to repeated facial expressions like squinting or frowning, can be prevented by paralyzing the nerve that controls the responding muscle. This is done using targeted injections of a neurotoxin, which not only prevents the wrinkle from forming when you smile or frown, but also keeps it from deepening into a permanent line.
Other injectables can correct other types of wrinkles. For example, static wrinkles caused by volume loss can be alleviated using dermal fillers. These replace lost collagen and stimulate the production of proteins that keep the skin soft and supple.
Botox and Dysport are both derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which is commonly known as botulism.
Both injectables are purified and designed for intramuscular and subcutaneous injection, so the risk of actually contracting food poisoning is extremely low, especially if you’re only receiving small amounts of cosmetic injections.
The exact differences between Botox and Dysport come down to a few trace proteins and FDA approvals. Dysport has been approved for glabellar lines, or the ones between your eyebrows, while Botox is recommended for crow’s-feet and other forehead lines as well.
The choice mostly comes down to preference, potential allergies, and the specific wrinkles you need to address. If you have a negative reaction to one injectable, your body might respond better to another. In addition to Botox and Dysport, there is also Xeomin®, which is considered a “naked” form of the neurotoxin with no additives.
Dr. DiGeronimo can tell you more about each individual injectable, and help you decide which would best address your needs. To schedule a consultation, call 305-376-0378 or request an appointment online.
