Overview
Botox and Dysport are injectable neurotoxin treatments that temporarily relax the facial muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles — the lines that form when you squint, frown, or raise your eyebrows. They are among the most popular non-surgical aesthetic treatments in the world, and for good reason: when administered by an expert, the results are natural-looking, require no downtime, and can take years off your appearance in a matter of days.
At The Ferguson Clinic and Beauty Defined Hawaii in Honolulu, Botox and Dysport are administered under the direct supervision of Dr. John C. Ferguson, MD, FACS — a quintuple board-certified cosmetic and facial plastic surgeon whose understanding of facial anatomy goes far deeper than what most injectors bring to the treatment room. Dr. Ferguson’s primary board certification is in Head and Neck Surgery, which means he trained on the precise muscles, nerves, and tissue planes that neurotoxin treatments target. This is not a medspa injector following a template — this is a surgeon who understands the structures beneath the skin at a level that enables precision, safety, and consistently natural results.
Am I a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for Botox or Dysport if you have moderate to deep frown lines between the brows (glabellar lines); horizontal forehead lines; crow’s feet around the eyes; bunny lines on the nose; or other dynamic wrinkles caused by repetitive muscle movement.
Neurotoxin treatments are appropriate for adults who are in good general health and are not pregnant or breastfeeding. They are most effective for dynamic wrinkles — those caused by muscle movement — rather than static wrinkles caused by skin aging and volume loss (which are better addressed with dermal fillers or skin resurfacing).
Patients who are new to neurotoxin treatments often appreciate the fact that results are temporary, allowing them to try the treatment with no long-term commitment.
The Procedure — What to Expect
Botox and Dysport treatments are performed in-office at Beauty Defined Hawaii in Honolulu and take approximately 15 to 30 minutes. No anesthesia is required, though a topical numbing cream can be applied for comfort.
Using a fine needle, precise doses of the neurotoxin are injected into specific facial muscles. The number of injection sites and units depends on the treatment areas and the degree of muscle activity. Common treatment areas include the forehead, the area between the brows (glabellar complex), and the crow’s feet around the eyes. Advanced applications include brow lifting, dimpled chin smoothing, lip flip, jawline slimming (masseter reduction), and neck band treatment (platysma).
Dr. Ferguson’s surgical knowledge of facial musculature allows him to customize placement and dosage to each patient’s unique anatomy, achieving results that look natural and avoid the frozen or expressionless look that patients rightly want to avoid.
There is no downtime after treatment. Patients may return to normal activities immediately, with only minor restrictions (avoid rubbing the treatment area and strenuous exercise for the remainder of the day).
Recovery and Results
There is no recovery period in the traditional sense. Mild redness or pinpoint bruising at injection sites may occur and typically resolves within hours to a day.
Days 1–3: The neurotoxin begins to take effect. Some patients notice early results within 24 to 48 hours.
Days 7–14: Full results are typically apparent by seven to fourteen days, with the treated muscles relaxing and dynamic wrinkles smoothing noticeably.
Months 3–4: Botox and Dysport results typically last three to four months. As the neurotoxin gradually wears off, muscle activity returns and wrinkles reappear. Regular maintenance treatments help sustain results, and many patients find that over time, the treated muscles weaken and treatments can be spaced further apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Botox and Dysport?
Both are botulinum toxin type A products that work by the same mechanism — temporarily blocking nerve signals to facial muscles. Dysport tends to diffuse slightly more broadly, which can be advantageous for larger treatment areas like the forehead. Some patients find that one product kicks in faster or lasts slightly longer than the other. Dr. Ferguson will recommend the product best suited to your anatomy and treatment goals.
Will I look frozen or expressionless?
Not when treated by an experienced surgeon. Dr. Ferguson’s approach emphasizes softening wrinkles while preserving natural expression. His deep understanding of facial muscle anatomy — gained through his head and neck surgery training — allows him to place neurotoxin precisely where it will reduce wrinkles without eliminating the natural movement that makes a face look alive.
How many units will I need?
The number of units varies by treatment area, muscle strength, and individual anatomy. Typical ranges are 20 to 40 units for the forehead and glabellar area, and 12 to 24 units for crow’s feet. Dr. Ferguson provides specific dosing recommendations during your consultation at Beauty Defined Hawaii in Honolulu.
Can Botox be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Botox and Dysport are frequently combined with dermal fillers (for volume restoration), Morpheus8 (for skin tightening), HydraFacial (for skin health), and laser treatments for a comprehensive non-surgical rejuvenation plan.
How often should I get Botox or Dysport?
Most patients schedule treatments every three to four months to maintain their results. Over time, with consistent treatment, you may find you can extend the interval between appointments.
Is Botox safe?
Botulinum toxin treatments have been used cosmetically for over 20 years and have an extensive safety record. When administered by a qualified physician like Dr. Ferguson in Honolulu, serious complications are extremely rare. The most common side effects are mild, temporary bruising or headache.
Why Choose Dr. Ferguson for Botox and Dysport
In a market where Botox and Dysport are offered by practitioners with widely varying levels of training, Dr. Ferguson’s credentials stand apart. His primary certification in Head and Neck Surgery means he did not learn facial anatomy from a weekend course — he studied it as the foundation of his surgical career. His four additional board certifications in cosmetic and facial plastic surgery add the aesthetic refinement that ensures results are not just safe but beautiful. For patients in Honolulu who want their neurotoxin treatments performed with true surgical precision and anatomical expertise, Dr. Ferguson and Beauty Defined Hawaii offer a level of care that goes well beyond what most medspas can provide.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ferguson at The Ferguson Clinic in Honolulu. Call (808) 521-1999 or book online.