Wrinkles are natural creases and lines that form in your skin, mostly as you age. But sometimes they can become profound and noticeable, and you might want to consider softening their appearance. The good thing is that there are treatments like Dysport to help. At Adoro Medical Spa in Severna Park, MD, we offer this treatment to help you get rid of wrinkles.
The treatment is non-invasive, and you’ll see noticeable changes after a few shots. As a team, we’re here to help you understand how it works and the potential benefits you are likely to get. Our personalized approach allows us to tailor the treatment to suit your unique needs.
What Is Dysport?
This is a wrinkle correction treatment that contains Botulinum toxin type A. The treatment is in the form of an injection, and the active ingredient in the shot is a protein component sourced from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. Botulinum toxin helps to soften wrinkles by reducing muscle activity in the treatment area.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this treatment in 2009, and it’s a safe and effective way of treating glabellar wrinkles without any downtime. Apart from facial lines, this injection can also be used to treat muscle spasms and cervical dystonia (spasms that affect the neck muscles).
How Does It Work?
If you qualify for the treatment, you’ll need to visit our office to get the shots. During the treatment, we will inject Dysport in the treatment area to relax the nerves in the muscles. For facial wrinkles, we will inject it into five points around the eyebrows and forehead. A topical anesthetic can be used for optimal comfort.
The treatment takes about 10 to 20 minutes, and you’ll be able to notice changes within three days. As muscle activity in the treatment area reduces, the prominence of your frown lines will diminish, too. The decreased muscle movement is meant to prevent the deepening of wrinkles, which occur due to constant muscle activity.
What Is Dysport Used For?
As noted before, the treatment is used to treat wrinkles in most patients. It’s also ideal for treating increased muscle stiffness in patients who are two years old or older. The treatment is usually administered for both upper and lower limb spasticity.
Adults who have cervical dystonia (CD) can also benefit from the treatment. CD is a chronic movement disorder that causes neck muscles to tighten, resulting in pain. Dr. Pacheco might also recommend this treatment in combination with other treatments to address different aesthetic issues.
How Is It Different From Botox?
When seeking treatment for wrinkles, most patients can choose between Dysport and Botox, which are both FDA-approved. Both are non-invasive injections, and they work by relaxing the underlying muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. They also contain the same active ingredient, but the amounts of the trace protein can vary.
These treatments also take a few minutes when you’re getting either of them. Plus, you’re free to go home immediately after getting the injections. The only difference between the two is the target area. Dysport is ideal for glabellar lines, while Botox has proven effective for frown lines, crow’s feet, and laugh lines. Our doctor works with you to select the right option for your case.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of the injections ranges from $300 to $450 per session, and our doctor will help you understand the precise costs during the initial consultations. It’s important to note that the treatment isn’t covered by medical insurance when used for treating wrinkles. In this case, it’s considered a cosmetic procedure.
Insurance might cover the cost of the injections they are given to treat medical conditions, such as muscle spasms. Whatever your budget, we work with you to create a treatment plan that offers a satisfactory result.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate?
You might have wrinkles, but it’s helpful to acknowledge that most cases are unique. As such, we strive to understand your situation to determine your eligibility. Generally, if you have dynamic wrinkles, then you’re the ideal candidate for the injections. Adults who have moderate to severe glabella lines and are in good health make great candidates.
You must understand what the treatment will do for you, and you also need to know that the results are not permanent. We’ll also check your medical history and ask several questions before proceeding with the treatment. However, in some cases, the treatment might not be suitable for you if you:
- Are aged over 65 years
- Have milk allergic reactions
- Are pregnant
- Are sensitive to botulinum toxin
Vital Factors for Eligibility
We strive to ensure you get your desired results, so we might advise you to discontinue certain medications, such as muscle relaxers and blood thinners, before the treatment. It’s also essential that you tell us all the medications and supplements you’re using because some might interact with the shots. This is particularly important if you are using anticholinergics for Parkinson’s disease.
We’ll also perform a physical assessment of the treatment area to determine if you have a skin disorder, bruises, or open wounds. Usually, if you have a skin issue in the target area, you’ll need to wait for it to heal before getting the shots.
Other Vital Considerations
If you’re planning to have surgery, especially on the face, it’s wise not to proceed with the treatment. Our doctor can guide you on the best options for the wrinkles. You should also tell the doctor if you’ve had a recent change in the normal appearance of your face.
Also, let us know if you have an underlying condition, such as myasthenia gravis, diabetes, heart disease, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
How to Prepare for the Shots
As a precaution, we might offer several guidelines on how you should prepare for your sessions. This is important in ensuring optimal results. As noted before, if you have skin swelling, an infection, or muscle weakness in the treatment area, you’ll need to recover fully from such issues first.
Be sure to adhere to the guidelines we provide to ensure a successful treatment. In some cases, we might recommend alternative medications for the ones you’re using. If not possible, it might be wise for you to complete your dosage before getting the shots.
What to Avoid or Discontinue
It’s advisable to discontinue certain medications and products at least three days to one week before the injections. Such medicines and products include flax oil, garlic, Motrin, Asprin, Gingko Biloba, vitamin E, vitamin A, cod liver oil, and other essential fatty acids. You also need to avoid high sugar foods, niacin supplements, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, high-sodium foods, and cigarettes at least 24 to 48 hours prior to the session.
If you develop a blemish, cold sore, or rash in the area, reach out to our doctor so you can reschedule the injections until the issue resolves. For those who have recently had other cosmetic treatments, such as facials, laser, and ultrasound, it’s advisable to wait at least two weeks to get your botulinum toxin shots.
Number of Treatments
During the session, you’ll get about five injections in the treatment area. The total dosage for glabellar lines in adults is about 50 units given in five equal aliquots, each containing ten units to achieve the desired effect. The doctor will administer the injections into five points over and between the eyebrows.
Each treatment session is about an hour long, and you’ll need follow-up injections to maintain your desired results. If you’re to get other shots, you have to wait about three months. Keep in mind that re-treatment usually follows the same technique as in the initial treatment.
It’s Convenient
Since Dysport is a non-invasive treatment, we offer it during your visit to our office. We’re able to offer the injections in a matter of minutes. You don’t need to worry about hospital says or downtime. You can go home right after you get your shots.
You can also drive yourself without fear of affecting the treatment. No recovery time is necessary, and you can return to your normal activities whenever you feel comfortable. The injections are safe, and you don’t need to worry about potential side effects if you qualify for the treatment.
Aftercare and Recovery
There is no hospital stay with this treatment unless our doctor recommends it. However, you shouldn’t get into exercises or intensive physical activities immediately after the shots. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends waiting at least two hours before engaging in such activities.
You also need to avoid massaging, rubbing, or scrubbing the treatment area, as this can force the toxin to spread further, affecting the results. Try to stay upright without reclining or bending for about four hours. You should also avoid applying makeup to the treated area at least for a day. It will take about two to 10 days for the treatment to take full effect.
Results and Maintenance
You’ll notice the results of the shots after a couple of days, usually three days for most patients. You need to note that the results last about two to four months. Studies have shown that the treatment has a success rate of 88.5% in wrinkle treatment, and most patients usually notice optimal results within 30 days after the injections.
However, you must be aware that the effects are not permanent. If you want to maintain your acquired results, Dr. Pacheco can work with you to create a treatment plan for you. We can also combine the shots with chemical peels for effective wrinkle correction, especially for those people with severe cases.
Learn More About the Injections!
It’s normal for people to use home remedies or over-the-counter ointments for treating fine lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles. These might not yield the optimal results you desire. If you’re looking for a non-invasive treatment for wrinkles, you should consider getting Dysport. This treatment has a success rate of over 80%, and it’s a simple and quick in-office treatment.
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Pacheco sees herself as a restoration artist, and she is motivated to help you get satisfactory results for wrinkle treatment. If you have any questions about the shots, be sure to call Adoro Medical Spa in Severna Park, MD, where we treat patients from Columbia, Annapolis, and other areas around the state. We can’t wait to get started and help you achieve your aesthetic goals!
