Botox and Dysport injection for cosmetic use overview

We are proud to present our two special products: Botox Cosmetic and Dysport. With over 25 years of hands-on experience with injectables, Dr. Shafa is your dermatologist at OC MedDerm in Irvine, Orange County, CA.

What is Botox, Dysport or Xeomin?

Botox® (onabotulinumtoxinA) and Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA) and Xeomin are all FDA-approved for cosmetic use in the United States. All three products are purified proteins collectively called BTX-A (botulinum neurotoxin type A), FDA approved for cosmetic use.

The above photo of Dr. Shafa, herself. In the before picture, notice how tired and droopy she looks without botox or Dysport.

How does BTX-A work?

All three products are injected in exactly the same way: directly into the muscles beneath the skin that create facial wrinkles and folds. After a few days, the injected muscle relaxes, and this effect lasts for a few months As a result of the diminished movement in the muscles under the skin of the face and neck, the existing wrinkles of the face start to disappear. Other cosmetic effects include lifting the eyebrow and corner of the mouth. Muscles that “pull down” those areas will be relaxed, giving your face a lifted, happy look. Regular injections with Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin is a great way to stop lines and wrinkles from becoming a fixed feature of the face. BTX- A has many other medical uses. Here are some examples: BTX- A for migraine headache BTX- A for excessive sweating BTX- A for TMJ and creating narrow sharper jawline

What are the areas that can be injected on the face?

The following photo shows areas that are frequently injected with Botox or Dysport.

Botox Before and After for female and male

How long does the effect last?

BTX-A temporarily relaxes the injected muscles for 3 months. The results may vary, but in our experience, about only 5% of patients experience effects lasting from as short as 6 weeks to as long as 6 months.

How does it work?

Botox and Dysport work by blocking nerve impulses to the injected muscles. This reduces the muscle activity that is responsible for the formation of frown lines between the brows, crow’s feet around the eyes, and horizontal lines on the forehead.

Does BTX work for all my facial lines?

It works for dynamic lines but not static lines, which can be removed by laser and fillers.

What are dynamic and static lines and wrinkles?

Dynamic lines are created when the muscles under the skin of the face contract and cause your skin to fold and develop lines and wrinkles, such as frown lines, horizontal forehead lines, or crow’s feet lines. These types of lines are not very visible when the face is relaxed or unanimated. Dynamic lines can be reduced and later even eliminated by Botox and Dysport injections. Static lines are lines that exist even when your muscles are at rest. These are the result of aging, where the skin loses collagen and elastin. They also deepen with time, due to repetitive movement of the underlying facial muscles over the years. These types of lines can be improved with Botox, Dysport or Xeomin injections. However, they may need to be additionally treated with fillers (i.e. Juvederm or Restylane) to fill the grove and laser to tighten the skin for optimal correction.

Are there any Safety concerns with Botox or Dysport treatments?

Botox has been used therapeutically since 1980 (more than 30 years!) to treat a variety of medical conditions. Dysport and Xeomin have been in use for over 20 and 10 years, respectively. BTX- A products are now approved in more than 100 countries worldwide. These products remain as some of the most widely researched medicines in the world for their therapeutic use without significant concern if it is used correctly.

What are the side effects of Botox or Dysport?

Side effects include possible discomfort or bruising at the site of injection. Other extremely rare, transient reported side effects are infection, sore throat, flu, headache, fever, neck or back pain, itching, difficulty with swallowing, speaking or breathing and anxiety. You should not be treated if you have an infection at the site of injection or are hypersensitive to any of the ingredients. Serious allergic reactions and cardiac events have been rarely reported with high dosage of BTX- A injection; these are considered to be unusual cases or situations. Dr. Shafa has been injecting Botox, and later Dysport and Xeomin, every single day since 1986. She admits that she has never ever experienced any significant unwanted side effects. For more information, please read the package insert.

Is Botox or Dysport treatment right for me?

It all depends on what kind of changes or corrections you desire. You are welcome to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Shafa, who will listen to your concerns and educate you on how we are able to achieve your desired results. You might benefit from a combination treatment such as adding dermal fillers, laser and/or a skin rejuvenation plan along with having Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin injection. Visit OC MedDerm to learn more about risks and benefits as well as alternative treatments for each anti-aging procedure we perform. View the Similarities and Differences between Botox and Dysport.

Other Treatments

Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin: Which One Is the Best? | Botox or Dysport for Migraine Headache | BTX for Excessive Sweating | Non-Surgical Jawline Contouring | BTX and Fillers Combination