DERMAL FILLERS

Dysport (formerly known as Reloxin) is the first FDA-approved alternative to BOTOX and is made from the same cosmetic form of botulinum toxin. These simple injections effectively correct wrinkles caused by facial muscle movement, such as the following:

• Horizontal forehead creases
  
• Vertical frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines)
  
• Wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet)
  

Dysport does not work by filling in wrinkles like facial fillers, such as Restylane® or JUVÉDERM®. Instead, it temporarily paralyzes the facial muscles that contract and cause wrinkles. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, and wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movement gradually stop smoothing out on their own.

PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

In an ideal situation, it is prudent to follow some simple guidelines before treatment that can make all the difference between a fair result or a great result, by reducing some possible side effects associated with the injections. We realize this is not always possible; however, minimizing these risks is always desirable.

• The patient must be in good health with no active skin infections in the areas to be treated.
  
• The patient should not be needle phobic.
  
• Avoid alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to treatment. Alcohol may thin the blood which will increase the risk of bruising.
  
• Schedule the appointment at least two weeks prior to a special event that may be occurring.
  
• Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications ideally for a period of two weeks before treatment.
  

SIDE EFFECTS OF DYSPORT

As with any cosmetic injection, it’s important to be aware of the possibility of side effects, although quite uncommon.

• Mild bruising or soreness at the injection sites.
  
• Slight headache, which can be treated with a non-prescription pain reliever.
  
• Allergic reaction, such as a skin rash, nose or throat irritation, or flu-like symptoms, that can last from a few days or weeks.
  
• Minor temporary droopiness or swelling of the eyelid(s).
  
• Occasional numbness of the forehead lasting up to 2-3 weeks.
  

PROCEDURE

Dr. Ottley administers Dysport in her office using the following process:

Marking the areas on your face where the facial muscles are creating the targeted wrinkles.

• The area is then numbed by applying an ice compress to the targeted areas for approximately five minutes. Icing makes the injections more comfortable and reduces swelling and bruising.
  
• Using a fine needle, Dr. Ottley makes injections into the targeted facial muscles. Patient discomfort is usually very minimal and the entire procedure is complete in several minutes.
  
• Patients are usually ready to leave the office soon after the procedure is complete without any required recovery time.
  

FINAL RESULTS

• Wrinkle improvements from Dysport should begin to appear within 1 to 2 days, which is earlier than the usual 3 to 5 days for BOTOX Cosmetic.
• Dysport may last up to six months, especially in younger patients; BOTOX Cosmetic typically lasts 4 to 6 months.
• The effects of Dysport have been found to reach farther beyond the injection site than BOTOX Cosmetic, which may mean that you will need fewer injections, but this aspect of Dysport also can decrease precision.
  
  If you would like more information about Dysport (Reloxin), visit www.dysportusa.com.  

RESTYLANE

As our skin ages, the collagen and elastin in the dermis become damaged and thinner. We also lose the subcutaneous volume of fat and bone in our faces. As a result, the signs of aging such as wrinkles, bags under the eyes, deflated appearing cheeks, thin lips, jowls, and loss of jawline begin to appear. Treatment with Restylane, JUVÉDERM, and other dermal fillers can smooth out folds and wrinkles, add volume to the lips, and contour facial features that have lost their fullness.

DERMAL FILLERS

• The Restylane family of products is made of a clear gel formulation of hyaluronic acid. Biocompatible with the human body, these products are eventually broken down naturally.
• Dermal fillers are injected into the skin with a very fine needle.
• The products produce a natural volume under the wrinkle, which is lifted up and smoothed out. The results can often be seen immediately.
• Treating wrinkles with these dermal fillers is fast and safe and leaves no scars or other traces on the face.
• On average, fillers last for six months or longer without the need for re-administration. 

RISK/DISCOMFORT

Although a very thin needle is used, common injection-related reactions could occur.

• Some initial swelling, pain, discoloration, itching, bruising, or tenderness at the injection site. These reactions generally lessen or disappear within a few days but may last for a week or longer.
  
• Dermal fillers should not be used in patients who have experienced this hypersensitivity, those with severe allergies, and should not be used in areas with active inflammation or infections (e.g., cysts, pimples, rashes, or hives)
  
• Redness and skin sensitivity
  
• After treatment, you should minimize exposure of the treated area to excessive sun or UV lamp exposure and extreme cold weather until initial swelling or redness has gone away.
  

POST TREATMENT CHECK-LIST

• Avoid touching the treated area for the first six hours following treatment. After six hours, the area can gently be washed with soap and water.
• Avoid exposure to intense heat or cold.
• Avoid taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for one week after treatment. These agents may increase bruising and bleeding at the injection site.
• Use cold compresses to reduce swelling.
• After treatment, you might have some swelling, redness, pain, bruising, or tenderness. These are typically mild in severity and normally last less than seven days.
  
  For more information on Dermal Fillers (Restylane), visit www.lipsthatsayme.com.