Botox, facial contouring, Dysport

Dear Sugardonut, The amount of BOTOX is important for the overall effect and the length of effect. Also, There are 2 toxins available now- Dysport and BOTOX Cosmetic- they require different amounts of toxin for effect.

Also, very important is the agent used to dilute the BOTOX- "NON- preserved saline" has as little alcohol in it and it is much les painful for the injection of the BOTOX.

Finally, the needles need to be fresh- i use a different needle for each site- a BD 31 gauge needle- very sharp so it hurts less.

With Warm Regards,

Trevor M Born MD

Botox is diluted always as it comes in a powder. The physician dilutes it with sterile saline (salt water). Painful contraction and cramping is extremely rare. The amount of saline used to dilute the Botulinum Toxin is different amongst physicians. The dose, or number of units given, is the important variable . Make sure you are comparing units per zone rather than amount of liquid.

Botox is a single product that comes freeze dried from the Allergan company. Each physician chooses to dilute it according to their training and experience. It is not the dilution, but the number of units (plus the skill of the doctor) that really determines effectiveness. As for burning, this is unusual, but it is a small needle being used. Some patients can be helped by ice or topical anesthetic prior to injection. However, I have found that using diabetic syringes and a low dilution minimizes injection discomfort.

Botox is a brand name for one form of botulinum toxin.  If Botox is being injected, it is the same material.  There are other forms of toxin including that provided in Dysport.