Botox and Dysport are excellent solutions for men and women who wish to turn back the clock without surgery. Both injectables are neurotoxins used to temporarily relax the facial muscles responsible for many common facial expressions, including smiling and frowning. Once the muscles stop contracting, the overlying wrinkles smooth out, resulting in a younger-looking appearance.

Dr. Min S. Ahn and his team at the Aesthetic Wellness Center are pleased to offer both Botox and Dysport at their Boston facial plastic surgery practice.

• Frown lines (the “11’s”)
• Horizontal forehead lines
• Crow’s feet
• Neck bands (vertical / “turkey bands”)
• Dimpling of the chin

Dr. Ahn and his staff at the Aesthetic Wellness Center in Boston are diamond level providers of Botox, putting them in the top 2 percent of Botox providers in the country. Dr. Ahn has performed Botox injection treatments for over 15 years and is considered one of the pioneers in Botox use. He was the primary author of the first publication on the Botox Brow Lift. Since starting his facial plastic surgery center in Boston, Dr. Ahn has performed thousands of Botox treatments and personally trained Rebecca Hoffey R.N., B.S.N., C.N.O.R., R.N.F.A., and Rachel McCarthy, B.S.N., R.N., on how to perform Botox over 10 years ago.

Botox is a purified protein derived from botulinum toxin. In the form that is FDA approved and produced by the manufacturer, it is highly regulated and controlled.

Botox, like any other medication, has a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose. The amounts used for treating wrinkles of the upper face do not come close to the levels that would cause toxicity.

As an illustration, consider Tylenol (acetaminophen). When taken as directed, it is highly effective for headaches. If one were to ingest a whole bottle of Tylenol, it would have severely damaging effects on the liver and could result in death.

All medications, therefore, have a therapeutic range. Botox is no different and when used properly is perfectly safe and effective.

Side effects are uncommon and include minimal bruising at the injection site or a mild headache. The bruising is minor and temporary and can be covered with makeup. Any headache is also temporary and can be treated with acetaminophen.

In terms of the potential for a drooping (ptosis) eyelid, this is caused by Botox inadvertently affecting the muscle that lifts the eyelid. This is very uncommon and if it occurs it is temporary (lasting less than a few weeks) and more importantly, treatable.

Eye drops (Iopidine) can be prescribed that will correct the ptosis.

Botox treatments at the Aesthetic Wellness Center typically take 10 minutes depending on how many areas are being treated, making this a truly in and out “lunchtime” procedure. During the Botox procedure, patients will feel a small pinch and little discomfort. Immediately after, the area will look no different in terms of the wrinkle as the Botox effect takes several days to start working.

Dysport is FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows. It works similar to the way Botox does, except that it may spread further from the injection site, which can be beneficial for treating larger areas. Results with Dysport also tend to become visible sooner and last longer than Botox. Dr. Ahn and his staff are well-trained and experienced in injecting Dysport. During your in-office consultation at the Aesthetic Wellness Center, Dr. Ahn will ask you about your needs and goals to determine whether Dysport, Botox or perhaps another injectable is right for you.

• Using a fine needle, small amounts of Dysport will be injected into various parts of the treatment area.
• The effects of Dysport can be seen as soon as two to three days after injection. Like Botox, Dysport temporarily relaxes the muscles responsible for facial expression. As the muscles relax, the overlying skin smooths out.
• Results typically last between four and six months.

Complications with Dysport are rare and similar to those of Botox. Minor side effects like bruising are temporary and can be concealed with makeup.

Like Botox, treatment with Dysport is non-surgical and non-invasive. It can be conveniently performed during a lunchtime treatment at Dr. Ahn’s office. Dr. Ahn and his staff are careful to inject Dysport into strategic points of the facial muscles to produce the most beautiful results while preserving your unique facial animation.

Once treatment is completed, you will be free to resume most normal activities.

Results with both Dysport and Botox can be maintained with repeat treatments. Dr. Ahn and his staff can recommend a treatment plan after an in-office consultation.

Treatment with Botox and Dysport at the AWC is safe, predictable and highly effective. Want to find out more about Botox or Dysport at the Aesthetic Wellness Center? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahn and his staff by calling (508) 366-2020 or sending an email to info@awcenter.com today.