Dysport
In the past, when we talked about using neuromodulating toxins to control muscles in the fast and erase wrinkles, many people used “Botox” as an umbrella term to describe the treatment.
But the truth is that Dysport, a similar neuromodulator, has been growing in popularity as an alternative to Botox Cosmetic.
The reason is that Dysport works specifically to treat a particular part of the face: the forehead. As one of the most common areas for wrinkles to develop, there are plenty of people who jump at the opportunity to correct these frustrating horizontal lines without having to undergo surgery.
What Is Dysport?
Dysport is an injectable cosmetic treatment used to improve the appearance of glabellar lines, or horizontal lines located on the forehead. These lines are often some of the most defined wrinkles that can develop because of how many facial expressions cause the skin above the eyebrows to fold. Like Botox, Dysport is also made from botulinum toxin type A — the same toxin that caused the disease known as botulism.
While that might sound scary, the medical application of this compound is actually extremely well understood and practiced. Because of its effectiveness, it has become the most popularly performed treatment on the cosmetic market. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 4.4 million botulinum toxin injections were performed in 2020. The year prior, before many medical practices were hit by the spread of COVID-19, that number had reached over 5 million.
Why Do We Need Dysport?
Our bodies rely on a set of fundamental proteins like collagen and elastin to remain taut and youthful. When we are young, before the age of 20, the production of these essential components is at its peak. It is almost impossible to do enough damage to your skin to cause signs of aging for most people. But after the age of 20, most people begin to experience a rapid decline in the volume of those proteins in their bodies.
According to Scientific American, after two decades of life, our bodies begin to produce around 1% less collagen every year. While that might seem a negligible amount to lose each year, by the time you reach the age of 25 or 30, that loss begins to become very noticeable. Wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes and mouth often start to form.
As our skin begins to degrade, the natural movements and expressions we make every day start to take a toll on the weakened skin. When you are surprised, your forehead wrinkles as it always has, but without those proteins to keep the skin structure intact, your appearance is aged by the horizontal lines.
One of the best ways to de-age your face is to stop those wrinkles from forming. For that task, the best tool for the job is a product like Dysport. In fact, there are no other compounds other than botulinum toxin Type A currently FDA approved to stop the contraction of facial muscles.
FAQs
What Does Dysport Treat?
Dysport is specifically formulated to address glabellar lines on the forehead above the eyebrows. While this is the most common application for the treatment, there are some off-label uses that many medical professionals take advantage of, like excess sweating, jawline enhancement, neck cords and other facial wrinkles.
The best way to know if Dysport is right for you is to schedule a consultation with our office. At the Appearance Care Center, we are happy to spend as much time as we need to figure out if Dysport can address your cosmetic concerns.
Am I a Candidate for Dysport?
Dysport is a minimally invasive injectable treatment that does not require anesthesia or surgery. As such, it is very versatile and can be used on the vast majority of patients looking to make corrections to an aged appearance. If you think Dysport would be a good option for you, fill out our online contact form to get the process started.
We always recommend that our patients have a clear understanding of what they are trying to achieve and whether Dysport can realistically accomplish those goals. As a nonsurgical procedure, there are limitations to the correction that can be made, but millions of people can work through those boundaries and find great success.
If your expectations are not realistic, you will likely find yourself disappointed in what would otherwise be considered a highly successful treatment. You can view plenty of before and after photos of Dysport treatment and ask us as many questions as you want in order to feel comfortable and confident as you move forward.
How Should I Prepare for Dysport?
As a noninvasive treatment, you don’t need to worry about extensive preparations. We do ask that you refrain from excessive sun exposure, heavy alcohol consumption, smoking or drug use prior to having your procedure performed since any of these things can harm your healing process. Most patients do not need to adjust their medications, but you will be given clear instructions prior to your procedure day if any are necessary.
What Should I Expect from a Dysport Procedure?
The procedure is swift and easy. Your face will be thoroughly cleaned, and, in some cases, a topical numbing cream will be applied to ease discomfort during the procedure. Many patients find this step unnecessary since the pain is minimal. Once that has been completed, a series of injections will be performed at highly targeted areas in the muscle.
This will immediately begin to stop the contraction of the areas that cause wrinkles to become more prominent. Your face will be cleaned once more to help prevent infection, and you will be sent home or back to work to resume your routine.
What Should I Expect During Dysport Recovery?
Most patients report mild soreness, redness or swelling at the injection sites. Typically these side effects only last for about three days, and by the one-week mark, you should be left with an improved appearance and no sign that injectables were performed. Scarring does not occur with the tiny needle that is used.
What Kind of Results Can I Expect from Dysport?
Both long- and short-term improvements are made with Dysport injections. In the short term, the neurotoxin prevents the muscles from contracting and making the wrinkles more prominent. As time goes on and these muscles do not move, the skin is allowed time to smoothen out, creating a more youthful appearance even when at rest.
The results are long-lasting but not permanent. As long as you keep up with a Dysport regimen, you will continue to display ideal results and cosmetic improvement. We can help you determine the appropriate treatment plan during your follow-up visits. The scope of time depends significantly on the amount of correction needed and your body’s reactions to the toxin.
Expert Dysport Treatment at Appearance Care Center
If you want to get started with your Dysport treatment, give our San Francisco office a call at (415) 567-7200 or fill out our online contact form to have a member of our team reach out to you at a more convenient time. Our practice is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality cosmetic treatment available.
