As a Santa Barbara cosmetic surgeon who has been treating patients for many years for wrinkle reduction, I have seen many anti-wrinkle products come and go, but it looks like the two that are here to stay are Botox® Cosmetic and Dysport. Read on to find out more about Botox® and Dysport and how they can help iron out your wrinkles!

1. Step 1

   Visit your local cosmetic surgeon or medical spa for a consultation. Most consultations are complimentary. The doctor should listen to your concerns, assess the situation and provide you with some options.

2. Step 2

   If the doctor recommends using Botox or Dysport as an anti-wrinkle treatment, then read on for more information about both products!

3. Step 3

   What are Botox and Dysport?
   Botox and Dysport are both forms of botulinum toxin type A.

4. Step 4

   How do Botox and Dysport work to soften frown lines and improve wrinkles?
   Botox and Dysport treat overactive muscles by blocking the signals that tell those muscles to contract. This can be done partially or totally, depending on the desired effect. The effects of Botox and Dysport are temporary and typically last between 3-4 months.

5. Step 5

   Are there any side effects?
   Typically not, though the most common side effect is minor bruising in the treated area. For a full list of potential side effects, you should have a consultation and review an informed consent form.

6. Step 6

   Are Botox and Dysport effective?
   Yes, they are highly effective treatments, both to smooth wrinkles and to drastically reduce (typically by 90% or more) excessive sweating.

7. Step 7

   Facts about Botox and Dsyport:
   - Both products have been used in Europe for almost 20 years to treat certain types of muscle disorders.
   - Botox received FDA approval for cosmetic use in the United States in 2002. Dysport recently received FDA approval.

8. Step 8

   Differences about Botox and Dysport:
   - Dysport is a smaller molecule, so the units are different than Botox.
   - Dysport works faster (in only 1-3 days vs. 4-7 for Botox) and has FDA approval for a four month duration (vs. 3-4 months for Botox).

9. Step 9

   Conclusion about Botox and Dysport:
   Both Botox and Dysport work effectively for temporary treatment of facial wrinkles. Make sure to ask your doctor about his/her experience with injectables and before-and-after pictures of patients the doctor has treated.