Beverly Hills - Plastic Surgery, inc.

Botox vs. Dysport

Sound the trumpets! A true challenger for the anti-wrinkle throne that has been monopolized by Botox will be available in about a month… Dysport!

Seriously though, Dysport has been clinically tested and used in Europe (under the name Reloxin) and South America with promising results… and now has been approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in reducing facial wrinkles. How do they compare, you ask? Well, here’s a summary of the current literature:

Similarities:

They are both the same basic ingredient: Botulinum Toxin A.

They both have similar mechanisms of action: Block neurotransmitter release, stopping the signals from nerves to muscles.

Differences:

In clinical studies, some researching doctors noted that Dysport “spreads more” during injection. This is beneficial in that large areas, like the forehead, may require fewer injections due to the spreading of product. But it can also be detrimental in that more side effects may be produced from spread into unwanted areas, like the eyelids. This makes it even more important to make sure your doctor is an experienced injector with an excellent understanding of the more complex facial musculature.

Dysport is reconstituted with more dilution as compared to Botox, which can cause some confusion for clinicians not adept at determining how many units to inject in each area. This dilution has resulted in better cost effectiveness in the United Kingdom as compared to Botox.

If Medicis, the maker of Dysport, follows in line with similar prices to those seen in the UK, we can expect it to be cheaper than Botox for similar treatments. As for which product lasts longer, many European doctors are very complimentary of Dysport, and claim that it lasts longer than Botox. U.S. clinical trials have not verified this, with some even saying that it has less efficacy than Botox. Only time will tell who is the true King of the anti-wrinkle ring.

While these two anti-wrinkle giants battle it out over the next year, they better keep both eyes open: Another contender is running towards the ring to challenge them in a Battle Royal very soon: Purtox!

By Carol at the Concierge

Oh facial fillers and the trouble they can get someone into….

After seeing many of our patients happily plumping up their lips with our available fillers, I decided enough was enough.  Not that I’m a thin lipped lass, but I’m nowhere Scarlett Johannsen either.  Therefore after much perusing of magazines and analysis of various model pouts I decided to ‘pump up the volume’ myself.

Dr. Gabriel Chiu uses different fillers for different reasons.  Our newest filler, Prevelle, has the slogan ‘today, for tonight’ which means the result is instant and there is no swelling or downtime.  It is a great idea for those who want to try before they really buy a filler.  It lasts three months and costs $250.  Therefore if the result is not something you want to live with, it’s not a long-term thing.  Also it is super cost effective for us recession gals & guys.

I’d say one of my most ardent users of lip fillers is not a female: guys, you can do this too! Our patient comes in for his ‘fill up’ and leaves pursing and pouting all the way out the door.  He gets a zillion compliments and loves to tell everyone to come to Dr. Gabriel Chiu.  He uses Juvederm, which is a longer-lasting filler . . . it lasts about ten months or so.  It’s a bit more pricey at $599, but worth every penny.  I think he has become ‘the kissing bandit’ of Los Angeles.

Since I haven’t filled in my lips for awhile I decided to go for the Prevelle.  It has painkillers already mixed in with the product, so the injections are almost painless.   Dr. Chiu and I had a discussion about the results I was looking for and fifteen minutes later, ta da, there I was, a secret sister of Ms. Johanssen. 

Now, I’m out of control!  I’m kissing strange babies on the street.  I applied for a summer job at a fair at the kissing booth.  I’ve started ‘air kissing’ friends goodbye European style.  I seal all my envelopes with a kiss, even to the IRS.  I wonder what they will think when they get my tax return?

After consistently applying lipstick and lip gloss, I think I’m looking great J

I know Botox will get rid of wrinkles, but does it really stop you from sweating too?

Yes, it’s true. A treatment of Botox can stop perspiration of the underarms for 6-8 months!

Almost everyone knows that Botox is without peer in its ability to relax the muscles that cause wrinkles of the forehead and around the eyes, but not everyone knows that it can stop perspiration of the underarms. In much the same way that Botox blocks those muscles’ ability to contract, it prevents the contraction of tiny muscles around sweat glands. Just like turning off the motor of a water pump, it decreases the active secretion of sweat!

Unfortunately, Botox does not work as well for sweaty palms… But I do have patients who notice a decrease amount of perspiration on their forehead!

Here at Beverly Hills plastic Surgery, Inc., Dr. Gabriel Chiu customizes Botox treatments for each individual. After careful active and passive examination of a client’s facial expressions, Dr. Chiu will question them to understand each individual’s desires and needs. Then he will make personalized recommendations accordingly. Finally, Dr. Chiu thoroughly documents each client’s treatment in case they want to change it up a bit at their next Botox injection!