Dysport® Injections for Forehead Wrinkles, Crow's Feet and Headaches

Dysport® is a prescription injection that smooths out lines and wrinkles. It is a type of neurotoxin that works by blocking the signals between nerves and muscles. This can temporarily relax the muscles and improve the appearance of wrinkles. Dysport® was approved by the FDA in 2009.

Dysport® may also offer relief for certain types of headaches and migraines. This works by targeting tight muscles that contribute to the pain. When injected into specific areas of the face, head, and neck, Dysport® relaxes those muscles. This can be helpful because tension in these muscles is believed to be a trigger for headaches.

It’s important to note, Dysport® is currently FDA-approved to treat facial wrinkles, and the use to treat migraines and headaches is considered “off-label”. It can also be used for non-surgical lip flip procedures.

How Does Dysport® Work?

Dysport® works by interrupting the communication between nerves and muscles. It contains a neurotoxin called abobotulinumtoxinA, which disrupts the signals nerves send to muscles telling them to contract. This temporary blockage results in relaxed muscles.

Most patients find that the procedure is very tolerable. The needle is tiny and cold air and ice packs minimize the slight burning sensation during injection. The treatment takes only 10 minutes.

For cosmetic injections, your provider will cleanse the target area and ask you to frown, smile, or look surprised. These expressions will cause you to activate the muscles to be injected. The provider will mark the injection spots with a washable pen and then proceed with the treatment, usually 5 to 20 injections.

How Do I Know if I Need Dysport®?

If you have noticeable frown lines, forehead lines, or crow’s feet that are primarily visible when you make facial expressions, Dysport® injection could be an option for you. A personalized assessment with a dermatologist can help determine if Dysport® can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. They will also consider factors like depth, location, and the cause of your wrinkles. This helps them determine if Dysport® is the most suitable solution compared to other wrinkle treatments. Additionally, to help treat headaches and migraines, it’s important to talk with a dermatologist to see if Dysport® is a good choice for you.

You should not have Dysport® if you are pregnant, have an infection at the injection site, or have multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome. If you have any neurological disease or history of temporary paralysis, loss of vision, or double vision, you should not have Dysport® injections. These disorders may increase the risk of complications with Dysport® injection and worsen an underlying disorder.

How Will I Look and Feel During and After the Treatment?

Dysport® injections typically involve a slight pinch during the procedure. The injected areas may appear slightly swollen or red for a few hours afterward, resembling a mosquito bite. Little red areas may appear, but these minor side effects should disappear within a few days.

Bruising is uncommon but if it occurs, it may require 7 to 10 days to clear. To prevent bruising after treatment, do not take aspirin-containing products or high-dose vitamin E supplements (unless your doctor has recommended otherwise) for 10 days before the procedure. Vitamin E in a typical multivitamin may be taken during this time. In the meantime, the bruise can be camouflaged with makeup, which may be applied immediately after treatment.

You can help Dysport® absorption by frowning, raising your eyebrows, smiling, and squinting. Do this several times for a few hours after the injections. However, try not to lay back or fall asleep during this time because the injected Dysport® may spread to nearby areas and cause unwanted relaxation of other muscles. Feel free to resume your regular skin care immediately after treatment.

What Benefits Can I Expect?

The benefits of Dysport® can vary depending on the specific areas you choose to target for treatment. For headaches and migraines, Dysport® can be used by itself or in conjunction with other medications. The injection can help reduce the frequency of headaches as well as reduce headache and migraine symptoms.

The benefits of Dysport® can vary depending on the areas treated but generally, it reduces wrinkles and offers a more refreshed appearance. Dysport® can significantly smooth out frown lines, horizontal forehead lines, and crow’s feet around the eyes. In some cases, Dysport® injections can also achieve a subtle brow lift, creating a more youthful and open look in the brow area. The combination of smoother wrinkles and a lifted brow can contribute to a more relaxed and refreshed facial expression.

It’s important to remember that individual results may vary. The depth and severity of your wrinkles will influence how much improvement you see. However, on average, the wrinkle-reducing effects of Dysport® typically last around 4 months. After this period, the muscles will gradually regain function, and a follow-up treatment may be necessary to maintain the desired results.

Looking to try Dysport®? Advanced Dermatology, a Forefront Dermatology Practice, treats patients across the North Shore, with locations in Lincolnshire and Glencoe.