Botulinum exotoxin is supplied by two different companies either as BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport (R). These medications chemically weaken muscle by temporarily blocking the communication between the nerve fiber and the muscle resulting in the inability to contract the muscles of the upper face. As the muscles of the upper face are relaxed chemically, the overlying skin will show much less wrinkles. The safety of these medications are well established, as it has been used therapeutically for over 20 years.

As the Director of Facial Plastic Surgery at the University of Utah, Dr. Mobley has performed thousands of injections of these medications. Both medications are good but current research seems to show some advantages to the newer medication, Dysport. Dysport begins to relax the muscles 3-4 days earlier than Botox Cosmetic. This can be particularly important if you are doing the treatment right before an important event such as a wedding or class reunion. There is good evidence that Dysport will last up to one month longer in most patients. A few patients do not seem to get this extra month of action- but in that case, the medication lasts at least as long as a traditional Botox Cosmetic treatment. These medications are nearly identical chemically and cost the same to the patient and are equally safe with a very low risk of side effects when administered by someone with years of experience like Dr. Mobley.

If you desire a slight improvement in your look or a "cleaning up" of age-related wrinkles, BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport may be for you. It has become a superb option for the patient hesitant to undergo surgery, yet wants to erase the deep creases and furrows of the face. By relaxing the muscles that cause these wrinkles, you can rid yourself of the heavy tension look or remove a misrepresented, tired and angry appearance. Following treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport, you can expect to appear more relaxed and rested. These medications are also commonly used to reduce the heavy vertical creases between the eyebrows, flatten deep forehead wrinkles, and smooth out the crow’s feet area of the eyes.