Botox® Columbus, OH
Neuromodulators like Botox® and Dysport have a long history of both medical and cosmetic use. These compounds, which contain proteins derived from Clostridium botulinum bacteria, first came to the attention of researchers in the 1980s. They discovered that botulinum proteins could temporarily “freeze” small muscles, thereby curing certain medical conditions, like blepharospasm (uncontrolled blinking). Over the years, Botox® was shown to also reduce the frequency of migraine headaches and control excessive sweating.
Today, Botox® and Dysport are best known for their cosmetic capabilities. For those patients who aren’t ready for facelift surgery, Botox® provides an ideal solution for wrinkles and fine lines. Neuromodulators are also well suited to patients who only exhibit subtle signs of aging.
Learn more about Dysport and Botox® Cosmetic injections by scheduling a consultation at Zochowski Plastic Surgery today!
How Botox® Works
There are two types of wrinkles: Dynamic wrinkles (facial creases that appear as a result of facial movements) and static wrinkles (wrinkles that are present even when the face is at rest). Neuromodulators can treat the former and potentially prevent the latter.
Botox® and Dysport work by temporarily halting nerve signals. They don’t actually damage the facial muscles in any way; they just prevent the nerves from telling them to move. (Once this effect wears off, which takes several months, your muscles will return to their prior state.) When Botox® and Dysport are injected into areas where dynamic wrinkles are present, they stop the muscles from creasing the skin. This minimizes the appearance of deep lines and may prevent the progression of additional lines and wrinkles that could appear with skin changes as the patient ages.
Botox® and Dysport also reduce the amount of stress that facial movements put on the skin. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen and elastin. Because these compounds are responsible for maintaining the skin’s tensile strength, the skin becomes more fragile. Weakened skin cannot “bounce back” properly after it expands or contracts; instead, it becomes looser and etched with lines (static wrinkles). By halting muscle contractions in areas of high stress (e.g., around the eyes and brows – “frown lines”), neuromodulators may slow the formation of static wrinkles.
Though the preventive nature of neuromodulator treatment is still being explored, Botox® and Dysport have been proven to gradually “train” the muscles. After several treatments, the muscles remain in a more relaxed state. This allows some patients to go six months between Botox® appointments without seeing the recurrence of wrinkles.
Schedule a Private Consultation
If you’re in the Columbus area and have any questions or wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Christopher Zochowski, please contact our office today.
What to Expect During Botox® or Dysport Treatment
Botox® and Dysport are administered via a quick series of injections. Most appointments take approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
After your Dysport or Botox® treatment is complete, you will be able to resume all of your normal activities. The results of Dysport or Botox® treatment typically become fully evident after about one week.
What are the Side Effects of Botox® and Dysport?
Most patients don’t experience any side effects after having these treatments. You may notice a bit of redness or bruising around each injection site, but this discoloration should fade away after a few days. In a small percentage of cases, patients report experiencing a headache after their Botox® treatment. If this happens to you, feel free to take over-the-counter pain relievers to control your symptoms.
When administered properly, Botox® injections won’t affect the patient’s ability to make normal facial expressions. Imprecise or overzealous Botox® application is responsible for the “frozen” look sometimes associated with this treatment.
Adverse reactions to Botox® are extremely rare. However, they are a possibility. If you have multiple severe allergies or chemical sensitivities, you may want to err on the side of caution and choose a different treatment. Dr. Zochowski offers other treatments for aging, such as facial fat transfer, that are hypoallergenic. When you come in for a consultation, he will review your complete medical history and help you decide on a low-risk course of treatment.
Why Choose a Columbus Plastic Surgeon for Botox® Injections?
Botox® injections can be administered by a wide range of cosmetic professionals, but plastic surgeons typically produce the best (and safest) results. Board certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Zochowski have studied facial anatomy extensively. Their in-depth knowledge of facial musculature allows them to place injections precisely in areas where they will not hinder facial expression. Plastic surgeons, being medical doctors, also understand how to use neuromodulators to treat headaches and other health conditions. They can treat adverse reactions promptly and effectively as well.
To experience the exemplary standard of care that only a board certified plastic surgeon can provide, contact Dr. Zochowski to schedule a consultation. We look forward to meeting you and helping you find the treatment that’s right for you.
Botox® & Dysport FAQs
At first glance, these two products may seem interchangeable. Both use the same active ingredient, botulinum type A, to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. However, some notable distinctions might make you and your provider choose one over the other.
The most significant difference is that Dysport is more diluted than Botox®, with an almost 3-to-1 ratio. Due to this dilution, Dysport can spread faster, especially over larger surface areas, with fewer injections.
The cost of Botox® depends on how many units it takes to address your concerns. Most patients require between 20 and 60 units. During your consultation with Dr. Livingston, you can discuss the per-unit cost of Botox® and the area you specifically want to target to help accurately determine the total price tag of your treatment.
Yes! We often recommend our patients add dermal fillers, facial laser BBL, or Kybella® to their custom treatment plan.
Facial fillers are ideal for adding extra facial volume, while Botox® works to smooth wrinkles for a total facial rejuvenation.
Facial laser BBL uses broadband light to help achieve brighter, clearer, younger-looking skin.
Kybella® is for people who struggle with a stubborn fat deposit under their chin. It consists of a naturally occurring substance that breaks down fat cells and allows the body to flush them out.
A lip flip with Botox® is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that can help contour your lips without fat or fillers. This innovative procedure involves placing Botox® injections into your upper lip to relax the muscles and “flip” your lip upward.
