This is a popular group of products for treating facial lines and wrinkles. The products currently on the market include: Botox Cosmetic® (onabotulinumtoxin A), Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxin A) and Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxin A). Physicians have safely used these products for years. In 2002, the FDA approved Botox Cosmetic® in the United States.
How do these products work?
These products work by relaxing the muscles beneath your skin. As your muscles begin to relax, the skin on top of your muscles becomes smoother, diminishing the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. These products only treat lines and wrinkles caused by muscles contraction, such as frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines or “11’s”) and crow’s feet along the outer corners of the eyes (lateral canthal wrinkles). If you are concerned about lines and folds in areas of your face where these products are not as effective, there may be other strategies that will work.
When do these products start to work?
In general, you can expect a difference within one-to-three days. Most people experience the peak effect of these products within three weeks of a treatment.
How long do these products last?
In general, you can expect these products to smooth wrinkles for about three months, although the exact time frame varies for each person.
Once I start these products, can I stop at any time?
Yes. Although these products last for a few months, it is perfectly safe to stop having treatments whenever you wish.
What should I expect the first time I am treated with one of these products?
At your first visit, you will meet with Dr. Repp to discuss what areas you would like to address and to determine if you are a candidate for these products. Together, you will create a custom treatment plan tailored to your concerns. You can plan on receiving your treatment on the same day as your consultation, if you are a candidate. You may have some mild swelling or bruising following the treatment. Most people are able to return to work following the treatment.
Is the treatment painful of uncomfortable?
Most people find they tolerate the treatment extremely well. If you would like, you can apply ice to the areas of your treatment plan prior to the actual treatment. Some people find that cooling the area makes treatment more comfortable.
I was just treated with one of these products today. Is there anything I need to know following the treatment?
Avoid massaging the area for twenty-four hours and avoid strenuous exercise that raises your heart-rate for the same time period. We recommend avoiding these activities to help ensure the product you received stays in the target zone of your treatment plan without spreading to neighboring areas. It is safe to apply cover-up or make up to the area immediately following treatment, if you wish.
