Until recently, Botox Cosmetic was the only FDA approved Botulinum toxin A available as a wrinkle relaxer.
Dysport (Reloxin), which has been used in Europe since 1991, was FDA approved in the United States last week.
Physicians in the U.S. will be able to inject this product in a couple of months. The main question for patients
and physicians is: How does it compare to Botox Cosmetic?
As with most new products, there is literature to support claims of superiority of both products. The ultimate
answer will come with time, as physicians in the U.S. gain experience with the product. Here are some early claims:
- Dysport seems to spread more that Botox Cosmetic, which can be desirable on the forehead (requiring fewer injections),
but undesirable near the eyebrows.
- The dilution of each product is different, which may affect price.
- You will undoubtedly see aggressive marketing promoting Dysport, because it is the latest FDA approved product.
However, have a frank discussion with your physician to determine if their is truly an advantage to this product.
I believe that with any new product or procedure, only time will tell.
We will strive to provide you with updated information as it becomes available. One thing is for sure: Competition is
healthy, and there will be even better wrinkle relaxers in future years.
If you are interested in Dysport (Reloxin) and how it may work for you, give our Naples office a call at (239) 594-9100,
or e-mail us to set up an appointment at The Aesthetic Surgery Center to discuss this exciting advancement in wrinkle treatment.
How do I know which injectable is right for me?
The choice of injectable agent is critical to the successful treatment of wrinkles, folds, and facial depressions. An
individual consultation with one of our Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeons will give you an accurate assessment of
what will be best suited for your face. Often, a combination of agents (i.e. BOTOX ® Cosmetic, Restylane, Radiesse) may be used to
achieve optimal results in different portions of your face.
How long do injectables last?
Longevity of BOTOX® Cosmetic and Facial Fillers can vary from person to person. However, in general, BOTOX® Cosmetic lasts 3 to 5 months,
Restylane and JUVEDERM® Injectable Gel last 6 to 8 months in facial folds, JUVEDERM® Injectable Gel lasts 3 to 5 months in the lips,
Radiesse lasts 9 to 12 months in the folds, and Artefill lasts 1 to 5 years. These ranges are on the conservative side, and are often underestimates.
Is BOTOX ® Cosmetic safe?
BOTOX® Cosmetic has an excellent safety record and has one of the highest patient satisfaction ratings of any cosmetic procedure.
Who performs the injectables at your practice?
All of our injectables are physician administered by one of our plastic surgeons. They have the skill and aesthetic training
required to provide three dimensional volumetric enhancement and facial muscle relaxation.
Do injectables hurt?
Any injection will cause mild pain. However, we use a variety of measures to minimize this discomfort. Ice, topical anesthetic
creams, and/or nerve blocks with lidocaine are all techniques used to reduce pain, bruising, and swelling.
Will I bruise?
This varies from person to person. In general, BOTOX® Cosmetic rarely causes bruising. However, facial fillers, especially near the
corners of the mouth, often result in mild bruising. Avoidance of blood thinners can help reduce bruising, as long as you
are cleared to stop these by your medical doctor. Make-up can be applied the same day for camouflage, if necessary.
How much do each of these cost?
Please call us at 239-594-9100 for a price list of all of our injectables. BOTOX® Cosmetic is priced by the unit, while the facial
fillers are priced by the syringe. Keep in mind that only one of our plastic surgeons can give you an accurate assessment
of the number of syringes or BOTOX® Cosmetic units that are needed to accomplish your goals.
I am only 30 years old. Am I too young to start?
Many lines, folds, and depressions are hereditary. It is not too early to address these. In fact, many facial fillers
are made up of natural constituents of the skin, such as hyaluronic acid or collagen. Therefore, it makes sense to
restore these to the skin.
Do injectables accomplish the same thing as a facelift?
No!!!. Injectables are often complementary to facelifts, but a needle will not restore facial fat pads, muscle laxity,
or skin laxity to their youthful positions like surgery will.
Vice versa, surgery often softens but does not eliminate deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines. In these cases,
direct injectable fillers such as Restylane, Radiesse, JUVEDERM® Injectable Gel, or Artefill can complement surgical treatment.
Can BOTOX® Cosmetic or Facial Injectable Fillers be performed on the same day as my consultation?
Absolutely. When you call to make your appointment with one of our plastic surgeons, just specify whether you are
planning on having a consultation with or without actual injectable treatment on the same day.
