Debunking the Top 4 Botox and Dysport Myths

By Kaitlyn Hunter, FNP
Too often, I have clients come in looking for the secret of a youthful face but reject the idea of using Botox® or Dysport®. Their idea of these injections is based purely on inaccurate information from loved ones or on what the media has told them: A-list celebrities with “frozen” faces, incapable of making natural expressions and being “real”.
In reality, Botox® and Dysport® can give fast, aesthetically-pleasing results when used in low (and appropriate) doses. Your loved ones will notice something is different (did you sleep well last night? Did you just get back from a weekend getaway?), but won’t be able to pinpoint exactly what about you looks rested and younger.
To help clarify some misconceptions and put your mind at ease, I’m going to dive into the top 4 myths about these treatments and show you our real client results.
Myth: BOTOX® and Dysport® are different.
Truth: Botox® and Dysport® are actually the same thing; they both come from botulinum toxin A. Most people lump all facial muscle relaxers into the “Botox®” category, but Botox® is actually just a brand name (shortened from botulinum toxin A); Dysport® is another brand name. Both are prescription treatments that temporarily relax the muscles in your forehead to treat the lines formed by facial expressions. The most common treatment sites include the “11’s” lines between your eyebrows, forehead lines, Crow’s feet, and perioral lines (the vertical lines around the mouth).

Myth: Botox®/Dysport® freezes your face like Kim Kardashian, Courtney Cox, Demi Moore, or Nicole Kidman.
Truth: When used appropriately, they relax the muscles in the upper half of the face to fight lines and wrinkles. Achieving a “frozen” face takes a lot of money, and most people don’t have an endless stash of cash to spend on plastic surgery. Put simply, it’s too expensive to look overdone, so our trained injectors typically suggest starting with a low dose in just one or two areas for the most natural look. When clients come back for their two-week follow-up, our injectors discuss adding more to achieve a heightened effect.

Myth: Botox®/Dysport® is immediate and permanent.
Truth: It takes about 1-2 weeks for the full effect of Botox®/Dysport® to appear. Both last about 3 months during the first year you do it, but the longer you do it, the longer your injections will last (usually 4-5 months).

Myth: Botox®/Dysport® can only be used retroactively.
Truth: It’s never too early or late to start! Botox®/Dysport® can be used in your 20s or 30s as a prevention tool, or they can be used as an anti-aging treatment in your 40s-70s.
Hopefully, this helped clear up a few misconceptions about our popular facial injections. If not, you can give me a call at 513-791-9474 or fill out our online consultation form to schedule a free consultation. I’ll walk you through the entire process, and answer any personal questions you may have. Plus, while you’re in our office, you can play a little game: can you spot who in our office has had Botox®/Dysport® in their face and who hasn’t? It’s challenging!