Neuromodulators: Botox & Dysport

Muscles and skin are always at odds with each other. Muscles move, and initially skin can rebound well without any issues. As we age, with less collagen production and elasticity, muscles win the battle and wrinkles start to appear. Botox Cosmetic or Therapeutic (onabotulinumtoxinA) and Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) are Health Canada approved medications called neuromodulators (NM) requiring assessment and a prescription from your medical aesthetic health care provider (that’s me!) for medical or cosmetic use. These versatile, safe medications have numerous applications.

Neuromodulators can address:

Muscle movement causing dynamic or movement lines to the forehead, '11's/glabella lines, 'crow's feet'/around the eyes, lift brows, 'bunny lines'/across the nose, 'gummy smile', 'lip flip' for lip volume, facial and jawline slimming, chin, 'smoker's lines'/perioral area, neck or platysma bands  (AKA the Nefertiti Lift)

Even out asymmetrical facial movements

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and bruxism (teeth clenching/grinding)

Migraines

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

Tighten pores

How It Works

Botox and Dysport contain a purified protein used to relax muscles. As neuromodulators (NM), they block the transmission of nerve impulses between cells in the injected muscle, thereby limiting muscle activity. The results are dose-dependent; if you have a strong, large muscle, more medication will be required to calm the movement down. And using micro dosing can work well but may not last long. Over time and with consistent treatment, NMs can last longer or lower dosing may be able to be used depending on how the muscles respond. During treatment, medication is injected into or around targeted muscles via a fine needle. I take pictures of your initial movement prior to treatment in order to choose adequate dosing and monitor treatment effects. The treatment takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes and no recovery time is required. You will notice improvements within a few days and full effect in 2 weeks. Your results should last 3 to 4 months but depend on your initial muscle strength, if you’ve been treated before, and dosing used. Re-assessing the effects 2 weeks after treatment ensures that I’m able to provide the best dosing and hence, results for you.

Botox Therapeutic is prescribed to treat medical conditions such as migraines, TMJ disorders, bruxism, and hyperhidrosis. After an assessment, I prescribe adequate dosing to treat you every 12 weeks or as needed. I work together with Capsule Pharmacy in Calgary to complete extended health care benefit insurance forms, access the medication, and provide ongoing reassessment of your condition. If you are without insurance, programs may be available to help meet your need for coverage. An injection fee is charged on the day of your treatment. If you are unable to access insurance or alternative programs, I can still treat you for these medical conditions using either Botox Cosmetic or Dysport and using the clinic's aesthetic fee schedule.

Pre-Treatment

No specific pre-treatment is required after assessment and approval for treatment. I cleanse the skin thoroughly prior to injection with an antiseptic and take time to map your unique muscle movement to ensure appropriate dosing and injection techniques are utilized.

Post-Treatment

After injection, it takes approximately 4 hours for the medication to absorb well into the muscle or area treated. During that time, it’s important no pressure is applied to the treatment area.  That means no laying down, minimizing exercise to ensure you aren’t wiping your brow, and avoiding any other activity that may potentially apply pressure to the area. I encourage you to take your own ‘before’ pictures so you can monitor as the medication takes effect. Usually, a follow-up appointment is booked for 2 weeks later to ensure your treatment is exactly what we wanted or be able to provide any touch ups as necessary. Because I poke you with a needle, bruising is rare but can happen. It will heal as any small bruise would.     

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