New Orleans Botox - Related FAQ's

Q. I have deep lines under my eyes and I always look tired. Can Botox help this problem?

A. The answer is: MAYBE! I hate to be vague but there are many variables that can change my answer. If you are younger that 35, and are African American or Asian, the answer is usually YES. If you are Caucasian, and older than 50, it is often NO. Botox relaxes the obicularis oculi that surrounds the eye and can cause a deep roll that makes the eye look tired. If Botox is injected, it relaxes this muscle and the lines and roll are smoothed. Older, white patients often have too much laxity from sun damage and Botox makes the eye look like it is sagging or sad, so they are not optimal candidates. Most people also need a really good eye cream and if you have allergies an antihistamine/decongestant can reduce some of the purple hue under the eye that makes it look tired.

Q. Can Botox actually cause me to get new "bunny lines"?

A. Yes. When the glabellar complex is injected, some patients can actually recruit other muscles to try to frown. The nasalis muscle can become stronger to compensate for the corrugators and procerus muscles being weakened by the Botox. This is easy to fix: a little Botox into the nasalis will correct it in just a couple of days.

Q. Which is better? Botox or Dysport?

A. Great question. Who knows? You likely have to try each on your self to decide as I think that is the only way to really know. I think both are great, with high patient satisfaction. Dysport has a larger area of effect in my experience. That can be good or bad depending on the patient and the injection sites. Some feel that makes Dysport better in crow's feet: more effect with fewer sticks. Many people in my practice are simply so happy with Botox, they refuse to try anything else (if it ain't broke, don't fix it").

For additional information on Botox and Dysport please read the following articles:

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