Glabellar lines, or “frown lines”, are vertical wrinkles on the forehead that appear between the eyebrows. Lateral canthal lines, or “crow’s feet”, are lines that appear around the outer corners of the eyes. Both are not totally related to the aging process, because they are created by facial expression and movement (e.g., frowning and squinting), they can actually start to appear at a younger age. The appearance of those lines can become worse as the collagen in that area of the forehead breaks down. There are several factors, in addition to facial expression, that can cause or worsen the appearance of frown lines including.
- Sun Exposure – UV light in the sun can damage collagen
- Aging – can create a loosening of collagen fibers and increased skin elasticity
- Smoking – can reduce the amount of new collagen produced
- Repeated facial expressions
Effective treatments for this area can help by temporarily reducing the muscle activity in certain upper facial muscles, which can help smooth the wrinkles and create a younger appearance. Neurotoxins are purified proteins produced from the Clostridium Botulinum bacteria. The most common toxin is called Botox, a sterile, purified form of botulinum toxin type A, used to treat upper facial lines, including forehead, crow’s feet, and frown lines.
How does BOTOX COSMETIC® work?
BOTOX COSMETIC® is an injectable treatment targeting what are known as dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by repeated muscular contractions, such as frowning and squinting. BOTOX COSMETIC® is onabotulinumtoxinA, a sterile, purified form of botulinum toxin type A, derived from a purified protein. It works by relaxing the muscles that cause these dynamic wrinkles, giving your face a more relaxed and refreshed appearance. The procedure is quick, simple, and there is no downtime. BOTOX COSMETIC® enhances your unique look without sacrificing the natural expression in your face, and you’ll start to see results within 24 hours of treatment. BOTOX COSMETIC® is intended to enhance your look, not change it. You can still smile, frown and be expressive.
Where can BOTOX COSMETIC® be used?
Treatment areas where BOTOX COSMETIC® can be used include the frown lines between the eyebrows, the horizontal lines that run across the forehead, and the crow’s feet around the outer eyes.
Will my face still have expression?
BOTOX COSMETIC® is intended to enhance the way you look, not change it. When administered by an experienced healthcare professional, you can still smile, frown and be expressive. The treatment only relaxes the muscle beneath the lines at the point of injection, so the other elements of your facial expression remain alive. It also has no effect on the sensory nerves, so you will have a normal feeling in the treated areas.
Are BOTOX COSMETIC® treatments safe?
BOTOX has been licensed in Canada since 1990 as a safe and effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions. In 2001, Health Canada approved BOTOX Cosmetic for wrinkle therapy.
When will I see results and how long will they last?
BOTOX COSMETIC® enhances your unique look without sacrificing the natural expression in your face, and you’ll start to see results as soon as 24 hours after your treatment, and the lines may continue to fade up to one week afterwards. The effects can last up to four months.
What is the treatment like?
A BOTOX COSMETIC® treatment is quick and simple, with no downtime. After meeting with your health care practitioner to determine your desired outcome, the procedure itself takes only 10 to 15 minutes. A tiny amount of BOTOX COSMETIC® is injected with a fine needle into the muscle being treated- this process is virtually painless.
How much does a treatment cost?
The price depends on the amount of BOTOX COSMETIC® needed and the areas of the face being treated. your health care practitioner will determine the right amount of BOTOX COSMETIC® that you need to achieve a refreshed look and provide you with a cost estimate.
How does Dysport® work?
Dysport®:
Dysport® is a Health Canada and FDA approved prescription injection used for the treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows in adults under 65. Like BOTOX COSMETIC®, Dysport® (pronounced “dis-port”) is a type A botulinum toxin, a highly refined protein commonly used to relax muscles and inhibit sweating.
Dysport® blocks the signal from the nerve to the treated muscle, which temporarily reduces movement of certain upper muscles that cause wrinkles. Treatment with Dysport® generally takes just 10 to 20 minutes.
How long has Dysport® been used?
Dysport® has been available for clinical use for over 15 years. In 2013, Health Canada has approved Dysport® (Botulinum toxin type A for injection) for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines (glabellar lines) in adult patients younger than 65 years of age.
Which last longer Dysport® or BOTOX COSMETIC®?
Depending on the dosage relative to BOTOX COSMETIC®, Dysport® should last 3-4 months. Both are Health Canada and FDA approved, and when injected appropriately, provide wonderful results.
Will Dysport® change my appearance?
Dysport® is an injection used to temporarily improve the look of your moderate to severe frown lines without changing the look of your whole face. The untreated facial muscles still work normally, allowing you to freely show facial expressions, such as smiling, in untreated areas.