Botox

From the standpoint of using minimally invasive techniques for treating facial wrinkles, there are two general classes of injectables: neuromuscular toxins like Botox® and soft tissue fillers. Most appropriate for active lines or age-associated wrinkles that are just starting to appear, Botox® temporarily weakens or paralyzes the muscle that is causing the wrinkle. This powerful treatment has become incredibly popular throughout the world for its effectiveness. The Zannis Center for Plastic Surgery in New Bern, NC is a proven expert injector of Botox and Dysport, serving patients throughout our area and worldwide through our renowned fly-in program.

What is Botox, Exactly?

Botulinum Toxin type A—shortened to “Botox”—is a family of neurotoxins that’s the same substance that causes the disease botulism. Botulinum toxin acts to block nerve signals from the brain that cause muscles to contract. The toxin works directly where it is placed, and thus can be artistically used to smooth wrinkles from the forehead, frown lines, and crow’s feet.

About Botox Cosmetic®

Botox Cosmetic® is widely recognized, and it was the first neurotoxin to be approved for cosmetic use in the United States. It’s considered to be both safe and effective at helping to treat and reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the face. Botox Cosmetic® works by targeting the underlying cause of wrinkles, crow’s feet, and frown lines: the contraction of facial muscles from a lifetime of squinting and frowning.

Injections of Botox Cosmetic® are made to specifically target locations on the face, temporarily disabling the muscles under the skin and reducing wrinkles. The clinical smoothing effects of Botox Cosmetic® will typically last between three and four months. Risks include bruising at the injection site, the rare chance of infection, and the possibility of unintentionally affecting nearby muscle groups. Specific risks should be discussed with your Zannis expert injector when considering your Botox Cosmetic® treatment.

About Dysport®

Dysport® (abobotulinum toxin A) is an alternative injectable that’s backed by more than 25 years of clinical use and is approved for cosmetic applications in 57 countries worldwide. Similar to Botox Cosmetic®, Dysport® works by reducing the activity of specific muscles in the face, as targeted by your Zannis expert injector. This can be an excellent option for many of our patients, as it leads to visible improvement in wrinkles, frown lines, and crows feet within two to three days after treatment and lasts up to four full months. Dysport® is also a more cost-effective option that provides natural-looking results and has been proven safe for clinical use.

Procedure & Recovery

When you come to the Zannis Center for Plastic Surgery for a Botox Cosmetic® or Dysport® injection, you can expect the treatment to take only about 15 minutes. Your Zannis expert injector will use a small needle to inject a specific number of units of the substance directly onto the muscles causing your unique wrinkles and lines.

Botox is known as a “lunchtime procedure” because patients are able to return to their normal activities, including work, driving, and others, immediately after the treatment. Side effects are generally mild and can include light bruising, swelling, or redness at the injection site, in addition to minor headaches. We recommend you avoid lying down for four hours after the treatment. Patients are also advised to avoid excessive touching or rubbing of the injection sites for twelve hours after the treatment, as this could cause the solution to migrate to other areas of the body, in some cases.

Prices for Botox Cosmetic® & Dysport®

Botox Cosmetic®: $13 per unit

Dysport®: $12 per 3 units, equivalent to Botox

Contact

If you have questions or would like further information, we’re here to help! Just call us at (252) 633-1197 or contact us today, and we’ll be happy to set up a consultation with you and schedule your Botox Cosmetic® or Dysport® injection at your earliest convenience.