How to Care for Skin After Dysport

Want smoother skin after Dysport? Proper aftercare is key. Here's what you need to know to maximize results and avoid complications:

• First 4 Hours: Stay upright and avoid touching the treated area to prevent product migration.
• First 24 Hours: Avoid makeup, skincare products, intense exercise, heat exposure (hot showers, saunas, direct sunlight), and alcohol. Use ice packs gently to reduce swelling.
• First Week: Stick to mild cleansers and moisturizers. Avoid products with retinoids, acids, or alcohol. Always wear sunscreen (SPF 30+).
• Ongoing Care: Stay hydrated, avoid excessive facial movements, and schedule follow-ups every 3–4 months to maintain results.

Results appear in 2–3 days, with full effects in 7–14 days, lasting about 3–4 months. If you notice unusual symptoms like severe swelling or pain, contact your provider immediately.

BOTOX® and Dysport® Aftercare: What to Do and Not Do with Erica Scruggs, PA-C

First 24 Hours After Treatment

The initial 24 hours after a Dysport treatment are crucial for ensuring the best results and avoiding complications. Here’s how to care for your skin during this time.

Avoid Touching the Treated Area

Refrain from touching or pressing on the treated areas for at least 4 hours after your procedure. This helps prevent the product from spreading to unintended muscles, which could cause issues like muscle weakness, unevenness, or drooping. If you absolutely need to touch the area, use only the lightest pressure.

Stay Upright

Keep your head upright for at least 4 hours following the procedure to avoid any product migration. This means no lying down, bending over, or reclining. Even while sleeping, try to maintain an upright posture.

Avoid Heat Exposure

Heat can increase blood flow, leading to potential swelling, bruising, or unintentional product spread. For the first 24 hours, steer clear of these heat sources:

Skip Makeup and Skincare

Give your skin a break by pausing your beauty routine. For the first 24 hours:

• Avoid applying makeup or disturbing the injection sites.
• Hold off on using skincare products.

After the 24-hour mark, you can slowly return to your usual routine, as long as there’s no redness, swelling, or irritation at the injection sites.

Reducing Swelling and Bruising

Ice Pack Application

To minimize swelling, wrap an ice pack in a clean cloth and gently apply it to the treated areas. Aim for 10–15 minutes per session, repeating every 2–3 hours during the first 24 hours after treatment.

Bruise Prevention

To help reduce bruising and inflammation, use arnica gel several times a day and consider bromelain supplements as directed. While mild swelling and bruising are normal and typically subside within a few days, watch for severe symptoms like intense pain, significant swelling, redness, blisters, or itching. These could signal an adverse reaction or infection, and you should contact your provider immediately in such cases. Additionally, staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol can further aid in your recovery.

Hydration and Alcohol

Proper hydration plays an important role in recovery. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins, reduce swelling, and maintain skin elasticity. On the other hand, alcohol should be avoided for at least 24–48 hours before and after treatment since it can thin the blood and worsen bruising and swelling.

Temporary Skincare Changes

Mild Cleansers and Moisturizers

Right after your Dysport treatment, your skin needs a little extra TLC. Switch to gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers that cater to sensitive skin. When washing your face, stick with lukewarm water and avoid scrubbing or applying pressure - just gently pat your skin dry with a soft, clean towel.

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right products:

Once your skin starts to recover, you’ll also need to avoid certain products temporarily.

Products to Skip

For a smooth healing process, steer clear of products with active ingredients that might irritate your skin. These include:

• Retinoids (like tretinoin or over-the-counter retinol)
• Alpha hydroxy acids (e.g., glycolic or lactic acid)
• Beta hydroxy acids (like salicylic acid)
• Physical exfoliants and scrubs
• Clay or peel-off masks
• Products with alcohol or strong fragrances

Hold off on using these for at least 3–7 days. If you notice any redness, swelling, or irritation, stick with gentle products until your skin feels back to normal. Once you’re ready to reintroduce these active ingredients, make sun protection your top priority to keep your skin looking its best.

Sun Protection

Daily sunscreen is a must. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen and apply it 15 minutes before heading outside. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors. To give your skin extra protection, wear a wide-brimmed hat and try to avoid being in direct sunlight during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM).

Opt for a non-comedogenic sunscreen that won’t irritate your healing skin. If you experience any unusual reactions like severe pain, swelling, blistering, or itching, reach out to your healthcare provider right away.

Activity and Lifestyle Limits

After Dysport treatment, making thoughtful adjustments to your daily routine is key to preserving your results.

Exercise Restrictions

For the first 24–48 hours, avoid intense physical activity. Here's a quick breakdown of recommended wait times for different exercises:

Following these guidelines helps protect your treatment and ensures your skin recovers properly before scheduling any additional facial procedures.

Facial Treatment Timing

Once you've adjusted your exercise routine, it's important to plan other facial treatments carefully. Avoid any additional facial procedures - like laser treatments, ultrasound, chemical peels, facials, or microdermabrasion - for at least two weeks. Similarly, postpone waxing, bleaching, or other hair removal methods in the treated areas until your skin is fully healed.

Medicine Guidelines

Certain medications and supplements can increase the risk of bruising after Dysport. To minimize this, steer clear of the following blood-thinning substances:

Important: Do not stop or change any prescribed medications without consulting your healthcare provider. If you're on blood thinners or other essential medications, talk to your provider about any necessary adjustments before your treatment.

Long-Term Results

Once you've followed the immediate post-treatment care, it's time to focus on maintaining your refreshed look over the long haul. Adopting some simple, consistent habits can go a long way in preserving your results.

Facial Movement Awareness

Being mindful of your facial expressions can help extend the effects of Dysport. While you should allow for natural expressions, minimizing excessive or repetitive movements can make a difference in how long your results last.

You can also practice relaxing your facial muscles throughout the day, especially in treated areas. This small effort can help maintain the treatment's effectiveness while keeping your expressions looking natural and effortless.

Treatment Schedule

Sticking to a consistent treatment schedule is key to sustaining your results. Dysport generally lasts about 3–4 months, though this can vary depending on factors like your metabolism and muscle activity.

To get the most out of your treatments:

• Take dated photos to track your progress.
• Book follow-up appointments before your results start to fade.
• Stick to a gentle, consistent skincare routine to keep your skin healthy.

Summary

Taking proper care of your skin after Dysport treatment is crucial for achieving the best results. Here's a quick overview of what to do and what to avoid:

Here’s a breakdown of the essential steps:

• Stay upright for the first 4 hours to ensure the treatment settles properly.
• Apply ice packs intermittently to minimize swelling.
• Avoid strenuous activities for 24–48 hours to prevent complications.
• Stick to gentle skincare products and always use sunscreen to protect your skin.

You can expect to see results within 7–14 days, and they usually last about 3–4 months. However, if you notice anything unusual - such as significant swelling, persistent redness, or increased pain - reach out to your provider right away.

To keep your refreshed look, schedule follow-up treatments every 3–4 months based on how your body responds. For personalized advice, feel free to contact Beauty By Katherine for expert aftercare guidance.

FAQs

What should I do if I experience significant swelling or discomfort after Dysport treatment?

Mild swelling or discomfort is a common side effect after Dysport treatment, usually fading within a few days. To help reduce swelling, you can use a cold compress on the treated area in short intervals. Be sure to avoid touching or massaging the site. If you're feeling uncomfortable, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can be helpful, but steer clear of NSAIDs like ibuprofen, as they might increase the risk of bruising.

If you notice severe pain, significant swelling, or any unusual symptoms, it's important to reach out to your healthcare provider right away. These could be signs of a reaction that needs immediate attention. At Beauty By Katherine, your safety is our top priority, and we're always available to address any concerns you may have after your treatment.

When can I safely start using my regular skincare products after a Dysport treatment?

After getting a Dysport treatment, it’s essential to give your skin a little downtime before diving back into your regular skincare routine. For the first 24 hours, avoid using any products that might irritate the treated area, like exfoliants, retinoids, or strong acids. During this period, stick to gentle products - think mild cleansers and soothing moisturizers.

Once your skin has had some time to settle, you can slowly reintroduce your usual skincare items. Not sure about a specific product? Play it safe and check with your practitioner to ensure it won’t interfere with your results. And don’t forget - sunscreen is a must! It helps protect your skin and keeps your treatment results looking their best.

What can I do to maintain and extend the results of my Dysport treatment?

To make the effects of your Dysport treatment last longer, a few simple changes to your daily habits can make a big difference. Start by protecting your skin from the sun - a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is a must every day. UV rays can weaken the treatment's impact, so this step is key. Also, staying hydrated and sticking to a solid skincare routine will help keep your skin looking its best.

Other factors to consider? Cutting back on alcohol and avoiding smoking. Both can speed up aging and reduce the effectiveness of your treatment. On top of that, managing stress and eating a balanced diet full of antioxidant-rich foods can do wonders for your skin's health and help maintain your results. If you’re unsure about anything or need tailored advice, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation - your skin deserves top-notch care!

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