Neurotoxin treatment has been used for years to combat wrinkles and rejuvenate people’s appearance. Most people are familiar with one particular neurotoxin product Botox®. However, there are many other options, namely Dysport®, Xeomin®, Jeuveau® and others. In addition, Dysport® and Botox® are the only two available in South Africa.
This blog article will explain neurotoxin treatment, its uses and the differences between Botox® and Dysport®.
Meet Dr Sheryl Smithies, Head of our Facial Aesthetics Department
Dr Smithies has extensive knowledge and experience in administering Botox®, Dysport® and Juvéderm® products to various face areas. She is passionate about providing our patients with natural results using minimally invasive treatments. Learn more about Dr Smithies and our facial aesthetic treatments here.
What is a Neurotoxin Treatment?
Neurotoxins are substances that influence the structure or function of the human nervous system. Botox® and Dysport®, for example, prevent skin from folding over into wrinkles on your face.
These two toxins contain an active agent known as Botulinum, which blocks or paralyses nerve signals that cause your facial muscles to contract. Muscle contraction frequently occurs during many facial movements we do daily, like smiling, squinting and frowning. Botulinum enables us to address the wrinkles created by these movements.
During a neurotoxin treatment procedure, we inject Botox® and Dysport® in affected areas of the face or neck. The toxins, in turn, cause the contracted muscles to relax, resulting in a patient’s facial expressions becoming softer, more youthful and attractive.
What is Neurotoxin Treatment for?
Whilst the Glabella is the only on-label use for either Dysport® or Botox®, these are other areas that can be treated with toxin :
- Wrinkles around the eyes, like crow’s feet.
- Forehead creases.
- Smoker’s-type lines around the mouth.
- Bunny lines on the nose.
Aside from revitalising your appearance by reducing wrinkles on your face, neurotoxin treatment also:
- Minimises chronic migraines pain.
- Treats severe underarm sweating (hidrosis).
- Reduces the pain of bruxism.
- Relaxes the platysma muscle responsible for your jawline appearance.
- Reduces the appearance of a dimpled chin.
- Treats gummy smiles – this is done by injecting the toxin into the upper lip muscle to prevent excessive lift of the lip in smiling.
Through Neurotoxin treatment Dr Smithies and her team can help you regain your youthful vitality by giving you a wrinkle-free, relaxed, fresh appearance.
Botox and Dysport : What’s the Difference?
Though both neurotoxin brands share the same classification, they have a few differences.
Formulation
The two brands of neurotoxin use two different bacteria in their formulation. While both are made with the same bacterium (Clostridium Botulinum Type A), the formulation creates subtle differences between the two drugs. These differences are seen in the time of onset of action, the rate of spread of the drug in the muscle and tissues, and the duration of effect.
Results
Dysport® and Botox® results have different time frames to show results. Botox® generally takes up to 2 weeks to fully develop in targeted areas. Dysport®, on the other hand, shows results within 3-5 days.
Costs
Dysport® is considered more cost-effective than Botox® due to the quantity required per injection differs. The units are calculated differently for each drug.
Start Your Neurotoxin Treatment Journey Today!
The first step to beginning your treatment is booking a consultation appointment with our facial aesthetics department.
During this consultation, Dr Smithies and her team will assess your case and suggest the best treatment solution for you. Additionally, the team will discuss your concerns and disclose any vital health-related issues.
Let’s help you revitalise your look. Book your appointment today.
