Dysport® & BOTOX® Treatment in Houston & Sugar Land, TX
What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Botox cosmetic is a prescription drug that contains a purified and safe form of botulinum toxin A. When injected, it temporarily paralyzes the muscles. Botox is used to treat permanent furrows and deep wrinkles in the skin that are formed by continual contraction of the facial muscles.
BOTOX® Treatment Areas
BOTOX®’s main objective is to block nerve impulses sent to muscles. By doing so, this weakens the muscles to the point of temporarily eliminating moderate to sever furrows and lines. Common treatment areas include:
- Forehead furrows
- Frown Lines
- Crow’s feet
- Skin bands on the neck
How Does BOTOX® Work?
As a purified protein toxin, we administer BOTOX® Cosmetic carefully through a series of small injections with a micro-needle. Once applied to the necessary areas, BOTOX® Cosmetic works by paralyzing the muscles around facial wrinkles, forcing them to relax. Once relaxation is achieved, the skin smooths and wrinkles disappear or fade considerably.
This procedure does not require anesthetic, however Dr. Altamira may choose to numb the area of treatment with ice packs or a topical anesthetic cream.
Results Of BOTOX® Injections
You may see results within a few days of treatment and they can last up to 4 months, although areas that are treated on regular basis results may last longer.
Patients must not rub the injection sites for 12 hours after their injections, as this can cause the BOTOX® to migrate to an unwanted muscle. This can cause temporary drooping of an eyelid or other unwanted effects.
Dermal Fillers Vs. BOTOX®
BOTOX® works its magic only on wrinkles that form from muscle contractions. These are known as dynamic wrinkles. These wrinkles usually form around expressions when we perform behaviors such as frowning, squinting, and the like.
Dermal fillers are completely different. They generally “fill” the space under the wrinkle where sun damage or loss of collagen has allowed the skin to sink. Fillers push the skin back up, eliminating the wrinkle. Fillers only work on static wrinkles, the type of wrinkles that show themselves at all times.
Will My BOTOX® Results Look Natural?
As long as BOTOX® and other neuromodulators like Dysport® have been around, there is still a fair amount of concern about looking frozen or surprised after treatment. If you are interested in trying this treatment but are worried about the potential outcome, schedule a consultation with us! The primary problem with looking overdone is that too much product is used. Dr. Altamira and our experienced clinical staff are fully trained in the use of popular injectable treatments. They're familiar with facial anatomy and know how neuromodulators act on the target tissue. Here, we take our time to administer injectable treatments in just the right way to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results. We're happy to talk with you about our techniques and safety protocols.
When Should I Start Getting Injectable Wrinkle Treatment?
You might think that you should wait until a certain age to start talking to a doctor about BOTOX®. Rather than your age, it is your appearance that your provider will evaluate when considering if BOTOX® or Dysport® is right for you. In recent years, we've seen a noticeable increase in younger patients coming in for neuromodulator injections to correct and prevent dynamic wrinkles. You may be in your late twenties or thirties and be a great candidate for this treatment. You may be an equally good candidate if you're in your sixties and have reached that point at which you want to get a little help addressing the signs of aging that make you look older than you feel.
How Long Does the Procedure Take and Will It Hurt?
During your visit, we'll sit with you for a few minutes to get to know your current concerns and what you'd like to achieve. If you have questions, we'll discuss them with you to ensure we're on the same page regarding your anticipated outcome. After this brief consultation, we can move right into your injectable treatment!
Injectables are administered using a very fine needle. Still, you will feel something because the needle penetrates your skin. Most people describe this as a tiny, fleeting pinching sensation. We don't expect this to be painful for you. Once your treatment is done, you should feel only very subtle soreness or tenderness if anything at all. Please let us know if you're very concerned about discomfort! We're here to make your appointment as pleasant as possible. Together, we can discuss ways to achieve that goal.
How Many Injections Will I Need?
You may have heard of BOTOX® or Dysport® treatment involving units of product. This describes the amount of product that is injected, and different areas may require a different number of units. To treat crow's feet, your skilled provider may inject three areas of the muscle at the outer corner of each eye. For frown lines, five areas of the muscles that are involved may be treated. The same is true for the treatment of worry lines on the forehead. Seeing the minimal number of injections that it takes to address dynamic wrinkles, you may feel even more confident about the issue of comfort.
Side Effects Of BOTOX® Injections
Potential BOTOX® side effects include the following:
- Pain
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bruising
What is Dysport?
Dysport is an FDA-approved injection used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles in the forehead. Similar to BOTOX® Cosmetic, we inject Dysport directly into the site of wrinkles to prevent the underlying muscles from contracting. Dysport injections utilize the same bacterium, Clostridium botulinum, the same protein used in Botox injections.
Dysport injections are ideal for nearly anyone wishing to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face and restore a younger, more refreshed appearance. We administer your injections directly into the facial muscles that cause frown lines and other wrinkles; these injections are generally painless, with no need for anesthesia. Treatment sessions typically take less than 15 minutes, and require treatments at six-week intervals. We recommend three to five injections to achieve desired results.
Schedule a Consultation for Facial Wrinkle Treatment in Houston & Sugar Land TX
If you are interested in Botox treatment, and would like to see if you are a good candidate, contact our office at (713) 271-9000 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Altamira has plastic surgery offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, Texas.