The tried-and-true wrinkle smoother is available at JPO Aesthetics. Botox contains trace amounts of botulinum to temporarily paralyze facial muscles. Botox is commonly used for horizontal forehead lines, frown lines (lines between the eyebrows) and crow’s feet that appear in the outer corners of the eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long before I see results?
Occasionally, with active musculature, mild results can be seen immediately! However, the more usual onset of action is within 3 to 4 days with up to 2 weeks for maturation of effect.
How long will it last?
Typical duration of action is 3-4 months, but with repeated use can sometimes stretch out injections to every 6-9 months.
Is foreign, counterfeit or “fake” Botox a real issue?
The US FDA has the strictest guidelines for producing, manufacturing and promoting safety in the world. Unlicensed sources are rampant. Not only can the drug be ineffectual due to improper storage, but may be unsafe.
A warning to practices from the FDA as recent as spring 2013: Purchases from such suppliers “may be misbranded, adulterated, counterfeit, contaminated, improperly stored and transported, ineffective, and/or unsafe. Medical practices that purchase and administer illegal and unapproved medications from foreign sources are putting patients’ health at risk, as patients may not be getting proper treatment.”
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fake-botox-real-threat/
Dysport is another botulinum-based formula that was approved by the FDA for the treatment of facial wrinkles in 2009. This formula has been shown in some studies to work more quickly and last longer than its forerunner Botox. Dysport is commonly used for forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet and lipstick lines (vertical lines that appear above the lip line).
FAQ:
1) What is the main difference between Dysport and Botox?
Dysport lacks several binding proteins compared to Botox so it may be of consideration if people have had lessened response with Botox over time and may be better for areas where more spread or surface area is desired such as periorbital crow’s feet or forehead.
2) Any special concerns with Dysport?
The product contains albumin, a cow’s milk protein, so those with an allergy (albeit very rare) should not consider Dysport. This does not mean lactose intolerance in which case the product is not contraindicated – meaning it is safe to use.
Xeomin is the latest option in neuromodulators. It was recently approved as a wrinkle treatment by the FDA, after proving its effectiveness in treating cervical dystonia and blepharospasm (uncontrolled eye twitching). This formula has proven effective for some patients that do not respond as well as they’d like to Botox injections, due to slight modifications in the formulation.
FAQ:
1) How is Xeomin different from Botox?
This product contains no binding proteins. It is pure botulinum toxin with similar dosing and duration of action. The theoretical advantage is less antibody formation and thus perhaps less resistance to the product.
Botox has a much longer track record of safety in trained practitioner hands.
2) How long has it been around?
It has been used in Europe since 2008 but just recently approved by the FDA. Another advantage for practitioners is no need for refrigeration.
Injectable treatments take just a few minutes to complete and patients may return to regular activities immediately following the procedure. Results become apparent within the first week or two after receiving the injections and may last three months or more. To learn more about your options in neuromodulators like Botox, contact JPO Aesthetics at 424-652-6576.
