Similar to Botox, Dysport is a botulinum toxin injection designed to target dynamic fine lines and wrinkles and treat certain medical conditions like cervical dystonia. Knowing how to care for your skin and body before and after Dysport treatment is essential for achieving optimal results and avoiding unpleasant side effects. This guide will highlight the dos and don’ts of proper preparation and aftercare for this popular neurotoxin treatment!
Before your Dysport treatment
A few small tweaks to your lifestyle before your Dysport treatment can help you enjoy the best results after your session. Here are a few ways to prepare for your appointment:
Avoid blood thinners
Certain supplements and medications can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding at injection sites. In the week before your Dysport treatment, avoid blood-thinning substances like:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Fish oil
- Vitamin E
- Ginkgo biloba
- Ginseng
- Garlic supplements
Of course, never stop taking prescription blood thinners without the approval of your prescribing physician.
Skip alcohol and smoking
Both alcohol and tobacco inhibit the body’s natural healing process, encourage dehydration, and cause inflammation. Smoking also reduces blood flow. It’s best to stop these habits at least a few days before receiving Dysport injections.
Arnica or bromelain
Some supplements are actually beneficial before and after Dysport injections. For example, Arnica and bromelain tablets can reduce bruising and inflammation. Many people start taking these herbal remedies three days before each Dysport appointment, then switch to topical arnica gel immediately after treatment.
Remember to discuss any supplements with your doctor before starting a new herbal regimen.
Clean skin
Makeup removal is another important task. Cosmetics can harbor dangerous bacteria and distort the appearance of your natural muscle structure, interfering with your provider’s assessment and injection placement. But even basic skincare products like sunscreen and heavy moisturizer can affect your results.
Before your Dysport appointment, remove any topical products. This will allow your esthetician’s pre-injection antiseptic to kill any remaining bacteria on the skin rather than merely address caked-on makeup.
During your Dysport treatment
Many people feel anxious about undergoing new cosmetic procedures, but knowing what to expect during your Dysport treatment can help calm your nerves.
Consultation
Before your first Dysport treatment, you’ll meet with your injection specialist to discuss your medical history, aesthetic goals, and how to care for your skin before and after your session. They will ask about any medications you take and whether you’ve received cosmetic injections before.
Your provider will also examine your facial anatomy, observing how certain muscle movements alter your skin. This is the time to talk about which areas you want to target, such as:
- Forehead wrinkles
- Frown lines or 11 lines
- Crow’s feet
- Eyebrow lift for a heavy brow
- Lip flip for a gummy smile
Quick session
The actual injection process is very quick, often lasting only 10 to 20 minutes. It may take slightly longer if your injector applies a topical anesthetic for highly sensitive areas.
Targeted delivery
Precise injection placement is the key to achieving natural-looking results. In fact, Dysport has a smaller molecular weight and different protein structure than Botox, allowing it to spread farther. To account for this, your provider will place the needle into highly specific points within each target area to relax the muscles that cause unwanted wrinkles.
What to expect after your Dysport treatment
How you care for your skin after Dysport is just as important as how you prepare before treatment. Let’s talk about the aftercare process.
Immediate recovery
The lack of downtime after Dysport is one reason these injections are so popular. You can easily fit in a session during your lunch break and return to work, run errands, or resume most normal activities right away. You should only encounter mild, temporary side effects like:
- Redness and small bumps at injection sites
- Swelling and tenderness
- Occasional bruising
Most people notice changes in muscle movement in the first week, with full effects developing within 10 to 14 days.
Stay upright
Of course, there are a few activities that are off-limits immediately after Dysport. One of these is napping and lying down. You should remain upright for at least four hours after treatment to help the injected solution stay in place as it binds to targeted nerve endings.
Avoid touching the treatment area
For the first 24 hours after Dysport, you should also keep your hands and cosmetic tools off your face. Rubbing, massaging, and applying firm pressure can introduce harmful bacteria to the injection sites and cause the neurotoxin to migrate. Don’t use jade rollers and makeup brushes, wear tight hats, or perform any aggressive skincare.
Skip the workouts
Sweat and heat are also off the menu the day after Dysport. Avoid hot showers, saunas, and intense exercises that raise your heart rate or body temperature to minimize swelling, bruising, and infection risks.
Rejuvenate, renew, and refresh your natural beauty with treatment options at The Wellness Club!
Even though Dysport isn’t as invasive or intense as plastic surgery, it still demands a little extra care before and after treatment. Contact our team at The Wellness Club to learn more about treatment options or schedule a consultation to get started!