Wrinkles may be inevitable, but no one is happy to see them when they start appearing. If you are thinking about banishing your crow’s feet, then it makes sense to want to see those results as quickly as possible. Botulinum toxin injections have become hugely popular because they give great, natural-looking results through a non-invasive procedure, reducing the appearance of “dynamic” (caused by facial movement) wrinkles for several months. Because of the way the products work, however, no brand of botulinum toxin can start showing results immediately. But is there a difference between the brands as to which works the fastest?
How the Injections Work
All botulinum toxin injections work in much the same way. The surgeon determines how many “units” of the product are appropriate for achieving the patient’s goals. Then, the product is injected into one or more areas of the face where wrinkling is an issue. Once the solution has been injected, patients can return to work or other normal activities with few side effects.
But what goes on beneath the surface? Botulinum toxin treatments work by changing the nerve impulses of muscles in the face, relaxing these muscles and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The results of these treatments last about 3-4 months on average, at which point they can be repeated. So how do the different brands stack up against one another?
Botox: The Classic
The first and most popular botulinum toxin treatment, Botox is a go-to for surgeons and patients alike. It’s reliable, safe, and has long-standing name recognition, making it the most popular treatment in the United States. However, like at botulinum toxin treatments, it doesn’t start working right away. Patients can expect to see results in about 7-10 days.
Dysport & Xeomin: The Newcomers
Dysport and Xeomin are newer products with a smaller following than Botox, but that doesn’t mean they are inferior. Xeomin is a “naked” protein with fewer additives, and tends to spread more, while Dysport is the middle ground between Botox and Xeomin. While all three products are mostly interchangeable, a different formula can work for people who have stopped seeing results with Botox. They also differ in how quickly they work: Xeomin often takes 5-6 days to start work, Dysport begins working in just 2-3 days.
The Verdict
While all three formulas are great options for banishing wrinkles, Dysport is typically the fastest product to start working. However, the difference between them are just a few days, and your plastic surgeon may recommend a different formula for you depending on your goals. Remember, you can always make the switch to a different treatment if you are not happy with the results.
Are Botulinum Toxin Treatments Right For You?
Injectable treatments are very popular and work well for many people seeking anti-aging treatments. However, depending on your needs and level of aging, you may want to consider other treatments, or a combination of injectables and other procedures to get the results you want. Only you and an expert plastic surgeon can determine a customized treatment plan to suit your needs.
Choosing the Right Provider
Yes, botulinum toxin treatments are quick and seemingly effortless to administer. However, as with every cosmetic treatment, there is great finesse involved in the injection process, which requires the skill of an experienced plastic surgeon. For the safest and most effective treatments, choose a board certified provider who will have the knowledge to help you reach your anti-aging goals.
If you would like to speak with an expert in the Boston area, come to Bentkover Facial Plastic Surgery in Worcester (508-363-6500) or Stoneham (617-247-0033), MA to schedule a consultation with Dr. Stuart Bentkover, a respected facial plastic surgeon who has been offering botulinum toxin treatments for decades. Dr. Bentkover offers all three brands of the treatment, and will work with you to come up with a treatment plan that suits your needs. Call either location today to schedule your consultation.