With the increase in availability of non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures, it is easy to become overwhelmed with all of the options available to you. Many patients have questions regarding injectables.

What is the difference between Botox and Dermal Fillers?
Botox is the most commonly recognized brand name for an injectable neuromuscular toxin. Botox works by temporarily blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles so that he injected muscle can’t contract. This makes the wrinkles relax and soften. Botox is most often used on forehead lines, crow’s feet (lines around the eye), and frown lines. Wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity will not respond to Botox. If you are looking to treat firmly established wrinkles, a dermal filler would most likely be a more effective option.

Dermal fillers work by doing just what the name says, by filling, or plumping the area around the injection site. There are many different types of fillers. Whether you are looking to plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours (such as the nasolabial folds), or soften facial wrinkles and creases and improve the appearance of scars, the ultimate result is that the skin around the injection site looks fuller giving your face a more youthful appearance.

A plastic surgeon is the best person to help you decide between these two types of skin treatments.

What is the difference between Botox, Dysport and Xeomin?
Botox, Dysport and Xeomin are currently all of the FDA approved brands of the neuromuscular toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

Each of these products are manufactured from the same ingredients and are designed to achieve the same results. There are a few reported differences between the three products. Dysport may act slightly quicker (two to four days) than Botox (five to seven days). Botox results may last somewhat longer than Dysport, and results lasting up to 9 months have been reported with Xeomin. Xeomin does not have to be refrigerated as the others. Botox and Dysport are very close in price. You may need more Dysport to achieve the same result as you would with Botox, but since Dysport is generally less expensive the end cost is very close. Dysport may affect a slightly larger area than Botox, depending on the placement of the injection. However, each difference can be can be due to a number of factors. Different treatment areas, and the fact that each patient and provider are different.

Having a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon before you agree to an injection can help you pick the best option for your desired result. Dr. Marc Malek, a top plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, Arizona provides Dysport injections in his Scottsdale Plastic Surgery Center.

Contact us at 480.551.2040 to schedule your appointment.