Botox®/Dysport®

Facial expression lines (dynamic wrinkles) are caused by the fine underlying facial muscles and appear each time we smile, laugh, or frown. The more expressive we are, the deeper these wrinkles become. Over time, the continuous contraction of these muscles can lead to more permanent lines. The use of botulinum toxin type A (Botox®, Allergan and Dysport®, Ipsen) effectively treats these wrinkles.

What is Botox® / Dysport®?
Botox® and Dysport® are the trade names of botulinum toxin type A, a purified protein produced by a bacterium. Botulinum toxin type A has been used in medicine for over 30 years to treat conditions involving muscle spasticity, such as torticollis and blepharospasm. Over the past 20 years, it has been widely used for the treatment of dynamic facial wrinkles and, more recently, for the treatment of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). Currently, two formulations are available in the Greek market: Botox® (Allergan) and Dysport® (Ipsen). Both contain the same active substance, are manufactured under strict standards, and have the same clinical effect.

How does it work?
Botulinum toxin is a local muscle relaxant. When injected into specific facial muscles, it temporarily relaxes them, allowing the overlying skin to become smoother and wrinkles to soften or disappear. The surrounding muscles continue to function normally, preserving natural facial expression.

How safe is it?
Botox® / Dysport® has been used in medicine for more than three decades, primarily in ophthalmology and neurology. Its effect is temporary and, depending on the treated muscle, lasts from 2 weeks to up to 6 months.

Which areas can be treated?
Botox® / Dysport® is mainly used in the upper part of the face, specifically on the forehead (horizontal lines), between the eyebrows (vertical frown lines), and around the eyes (“crow’s feet”). More recently, it has also been used to treat neck wrinkles, “smoker’s lines” around the lips, to correct the so-called “gummy smile,” and in other specialized applications that require thorough anatomical knowledge and significant experience.

How is the treatment performed?
The procedure is simple and safe. The product is injected in very small quantities using a very fine needle into the targeted muscles. Depending on the area, 4 to 10 small injections may be required. Because the needle is extremely fine and the injected amount is minimal, discomfort is very mild—similar to a slight stinging sensation. No anesthesia is required, although in very sensitive individuals a topical anesthetic cream or ice pack may be used. The entire process takes 10–15 minutes. After treatment, you can immediately resume your normal activities, including driving.

Are there side effects?
Side effects are minimal. Rarely, small bruises may appear at the injection sites; these are easily covered with makeup and disappear within a few days. In extremely rare cases, temporary eyelid drooping (ptosis) may occur due to diffusion of the product. This can be managed with eye drops and typically resolves completely within 2–3 weeks.

How long do the results last?
The effects begin to appear within 1–2 days and are fully visible after approximately 10 days. As mentioned, the effect is temporary and lasts 3–6 months. Duration varies from person to person, but on average, two treatments per year are recommended. Clinical studies have shown that repeated treatments may prolong results over time, as the treated muscles gradually weaken slightly.