If you are considering an injectable treatment to help counteract some of the signs of aging, you may be thinking about Botox or a newer alternative known as Dysport. Botox and Dysport are both types of botulinum type A neurotoxin and are some of the most frequently requested cosmetic procedures of the last decade. The neurotoxin works by disrupting nerve signaling so that the muscles in the face can no longer contract. Instead, they remain in a relaxed position, preventing the overlying skin from contracting and forming lines and wrinkles too. This gives patients smoother skin and a more youthful appearance.
Both Botox and Dysport are known as injectables due to their method of administration. Although this can sound worrying, the needle used to administer both Botox and Dysport is extremely fine. While you can ask for topical anesthetic to be used, many patients can cope perfectly well without it. Nevertheless, it’s important for patients to know what to expect following their treatment, including how quickly they will be able to see the results of their cosmetic procedure.
We are delighted to offer Botox Cosmetic and Dysport, performed by Dr. Bermudez here at our San Francisco cosmetic surgery clinic.
One of the reasons that Botox and Dysport are so popular is because the treatments are minimally-invasive. This means that there’s no downtime and you’ll be able to leave virtually immediately after your appointment.
When you look in the mirror before you leave, you won’t see an instant difference in your appearance. Don’t worry – this is perfectly normal. You may see some small red bumps at the sites where the injections have been placed, but these usually fade within around 30 minutes. Some patients may develop tiny bruises at the injection sites too, but you can reduce the risk of this happening by avoiding taking aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories the day of your procedure.
Dr. Bermudez will tell you to avoid touching your face for at least 4 or 5 hours so that you don’t disrupt the placement of the neurotoxin. You’ll have to wait the same amount of time to resume exercising too. Failure to do so could affect the results of your treatment.
One of the most common questions that Dr. Bermudez is asked is how quickly patients will be able to see the results of their procedure. Typically, most people will start to notice an improvement in the smoothness of their skin within 72 hours of their procedure. However, the results will continue to improve, reaching optimal effect around 14 days following your Botox cosmetic or Dysport injections.
The effects of injectables like Botox and Dysport are only temporary and results usually last between 3 and 6 months before further treatment is needed to maintain them. The effects wear off gradually, so when you start to notice this, it’s time to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Bermudez.
For more information or to schedule your appointment for Botox or Dysport injections, please call Kenneth Bermudez, M.D. at (415) 712-1800 today.