Botox, Dysport & Relfydess in Hamilton: Understanding Your Anti-Wrinkle Options
If you've been looking into anti-wrinkle injections in Hamilton, you've probably come across three names: Botox, Dysport and Relfydess.
You might already be familiar with Botox, have heard someone mention Dysport, or be wondering what the newer Relfydess treatment is all about.
While they're all prescription medicines containing botulinum toxin type A, each is a distinct product with its own formulation, dosing requirements and approved uses.
At Ellis & Jones Hamilton, we offer Botox, Dysport and Relfydess as part of our cosmetic injectable treatments.
Here's what you should know about each one.
First, how do anti-wrinkle injections actually work?
Every time you smile, frown, squint or raise your eyebrows, muscles beneath your skin contract.
Over time, these repeated movements can contribute to the appearance of expression lines, including forehead wrinkles, frown lines and crow's feet.
Anti-wrinkle injections temporarily reduce activity in selected facial muscles by interrupting the nerve signals that cause them to contract.
This can soften the appearance of expression lines.
The effects are temporary, and how your face responds depends on several factors, including your anatomy, muscle movement, the dose administered and the product used.
Botox: A familiar name in anti-wrinkle treatments
Botox is probably the name most people recognise when talking about anti-wrinkle injections.
In fact, it's become such a familiar name that people often use "Botox" to describe anti-wrinkle treatments generally, even when they're referring to another product.
But Botox is a specific prescription medicine containing botulinum toxin type A.
It has been used in both cosmetic and medical treatments for many years.
In New Zealand, Botox is approved for several cosmetic indications, including the temporary improvement of frown lines, crow's feet and forehead lines.
What should you know about Botox?
Botox works by temporarily reducing movement in the muscles responsible for particular expression lines.
The treatment is administered through small injections into selected muscles, following an individual assessment.
Changes usually become noticeable gradually over the days following treatment, and the effects wear off over time.
Your practitioner will discuss the appropriate dose, expected duration, risks and limitations before treatment.
Dysport: Another established anti-wrinkle treatment
Dysport is another prescription botulinum toxin type A medicine used in cosmetic treatments.
Like Botox, it has an established history of medical and aesthetic use.
In New Zealand, Dysport is approved for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows and crow's feet in adults.
What should you know about Dysport?
One thing that can be confusing when researching Dysport is the way treatment is measured.
Dysport has its own dosing units, which are specific to that medicine.
That means its units cannot be directly substituted for those of another botulinum toxin product.
The correct dose is determined by your practitioner based on the treatment area, facial anatomy and individual requirements.
Results develop following treatment and gradually wear off over time.
Relfydess: A newer anti-wrinkle injectable
Relfydess is a newer prescription medicine containing relabotulinumtoxinA, another form of botulinum toxin type A.
In New Zealand, Relfydess is approved for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows and crow's feet in adults.
One of its formulation features is that it comes as a ready-to-use liquid rather than a powder that needs to be prepared before administration.
What should you know about Relfydess?
Clinical studies have investigated both how quickly its effects develop and how long they may be maintained.
The New Zealand product information reports that some study participants noticed an effect within one day, with an effect demonstrated for up to six months.
However, these findings don't mean everyone will notice results the next day or maintain the same result for six months.
Individual responses vary, and your practitioner will explain realistic expectations based on your treatment plan.
As with all prescription anti-wrinkle medicines, Relfydess has potential risks and is not suitable for everyone.
What about natural-looking anti-wrinkle results?
At Ellis & Jones, we believe the best cosmetic results are the ones that still look like you.
And achieving that starts well before any injections take place.
Your facial anatomy, natural expressions, muscle strength and personal preferences all need to be considered.
For some clients, that means wanting to soften prominent frown lines. Others may want to maintain more movement while addressing specific areas.
The important thing is having a proper conversation about your expectations and understanding what treatment can realistically achieve.
No injectable product guarantees a particular result, and temporary changes to facial movement are part of how these medicines work.
Do Botox, Dysport and Relfydess have different prices?
Yes. The total treatment cost can vary depending on the product, treatment area and dose required.
It's also important to understand that botulinum toxin units are product-specific and cannot be directly compared.
A lower price per unit doesn't necessarily mean a lower total treatment cost.
At Ellis & Jones Hamilton, we'll explain the treatment options and costs before you decide whether to proceed.
You can find our current injectable treatment pricing on our website.
What happens during an anti-wrinkle consultation at Ellis & Jones Hamilton?
You don't need to arrive knowing exactly which prescription medicine you want.
Your consultation is an opportunity to discuss your concerns and learn about the available options.
We'll talk about your previous treatments, medical history, any medicines you're taking, and what you'd like to achieve.
Your practitioner will assess your facial anatomy and movement before discussing whether treatment is appropriate.
You'll also have the opportunity to ask about expected results, recovery, potential side effects and treatment costs.
Our aim is to help you make an informed decision without feeling pressured into a particular treatment.
Anti-Wrinkle Treatments at Ellis & Jones Hamilton
Whether you're new to cosmetic injectables or have been having anti-wrinkle treatments for years, understanding your options is an important part of making the right decision for you.
At Ellis & Jones, we offer Botox, Dysport and Relfydess at our Hamilton clinic, with a focus on personalised care and natural-looking outcomes.
You'll find us at 96 Naylor Street, Hamilton East.
If you'd like to discuss your options, book a consultation with our team.
Important Medicine Information
Botox®, Dysport® and Relfydess® are prescription medicines.
Botox®: Contains botulinum toxin type A, supplied in 50, 100 and 200 unit vials. It is used for several approved medical and cosmetic indications, including the temporary improvement of certain facial expression lines.
Dysport®: Contains Clostridium botulinum type A toxin-haemagglutinin complex, supplied in 300 and 500 unit vials. Cosmetic indications include moderate to severe frown lines and crow's feet.
Relfydess®: Contains relabotulinumtoxinA, supplied as a solution containing 150 units in 1.5 mL (100 units/mL). It is indicated for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe frown lines and crow's feet in adults.
All three medicines have risks and benefits. Side effects may include injection-site reactions, bruising, headache and unwanted muscle weakness or eyelid drooping. Rare but serious complications can include difficulties swallowing, speaking or breathing.
Treatment may be unsuitable for people with certain medical conditions or during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always discuss your medical history and medications with your practitioner.
For full information about the risks, benefits, precautions and side effects, consult your healthcare professional and the New Zealand Consumer Medicine Information documents for Botox, Dysport and Relfydess.
This article is general information only and does not replace individual clinical advice. Results vary, and treatment must be assessed and administered by an appropriately qualified practitioner.
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