I am asked many questions about Botox and Dysport, when we use then as step # 2 in our anti-aging plan—relax muscle action to reduce lines. This is what I tell my patients. If you are not my patient you should listen to what your doctor tells you.

The following information pertains to both Botox Cosmetic and Dysport but for readability I will just discuss in relation to Botox. Later I will give information on the differences between Botox and Dysport and pros and cons of each.

So here goes Ask Dr. Elaine:

What is Botox Cosmetic?

• Botoxis a botulinum toxin medication for injection approved by the FDA to temporarily reduce muscle contractions causing facial expression lines. It reduces frown lines between the brows, crow’s feet, forehead lines, lipstick lines, lines at the bridge of the nose, some lines around the mouth, neck, under the eyes, and lifts the eyebrows in a “Botox Brow Lift”.
• After numbing with an anesthetic cream a few tiny injections are given. Results are seen within a week and last 4 months. There is no recovery time. Forehead lines are softened, the angry look is gone, eyebrows are raised opening the eyelids and crow’s feet are smoothed. Corners of the mouth are not as turned down. You look more rested and less stressed.
• So hyperbole aside—it’s a breakthrough in non-surgical anti-aging treatment.

Why do I read about it everywhere?

• Last year there were over 3 million Botox Cosmetic treatments in the U.S. making it the most popular physician-administered aesthetic procedure for the sixth year in a row.
• You read about it everywhere because it is everywhere.

Will I look frozen or weird?

• Although it can be overdone, when injected by an experienced physician you will have a naturally relaxed look. You can still frown or look surprised but without the wrinkles and creases.
• Frozen or weird—not from Botox.

If I stop treatment will I look worse?

• No, you will look the same as before treatment.
• Except you will be older.

When should I start Botox?

• Right before your lines with expression become lines when your face is at rest.
• Or when you look in the mirror and see your mother.

Is it vain to do Botox?

• I have seen a real change in attitude in the past several years. My patients used to worry that it was indulgent to do cosmetic procedures. Now they don’t
• They treat it like having hair or nails done, it’s just part of their routine.

Men don’t do Botox do they?

• Actually, many do. A man with pronounced lines between his brows looks stressed and angry. Personally and professionally men want to look confident and relaxed.
• Even if they aren’t.

Am I too young to start Botox?

• How young are you? For cosmetic treatments, I do patients as young as 18, and actually have a reasonable number of patients who start that young. They are people who are already starting to get etched lines, and can look at their parents and see the future. Early treatment prevents the lines from becoming etched.
• You can love and respect your parents, without having to become them.

Next—possible side effects and safety issues with Botox and Dysport.