Overview

Matthew Bridges, MD, FACS, a facial plastic surgeon, uses Dysport at his Richmond, VA, practice to relax facial muscles in an effort to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by muscle contractions and repeated movements. Like BOTOX, Dysport is a purified form of botulinum toxin.

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Benefits of Dysport

Only one 10- to 20-minute Dysport injection between and above the eyebrows can reduce the appearance of frown lines for up to five months. Additional treatments can extend these results. Each procedure requires minimal downtime. Noticeable results of a Dysport procedure appear in as little as 24 hours following treatment and generally within two to three days.

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What to Expect

Some mild swelling and redness may occur at the injection sites, but the appearance of your skin should return to normal appearance just a few hours after treatment. Ice packs are often applied following a treatment to calm the skin and reduce aftereffects. Patients can resume normal activities on the same day as their treatment. If you're considering Dysport in Richmond, this quick, low-downtime procedure makes it easy to fit into your regular routine.

Can Dysport Be Combined With Other Treatments?

Yes, combining Dysport with other MedSpa skin treatments is a popular way to save time and maximize your overall skin rejuvenation in a single appointment. Many patients choose to prep and prime their skin with non-invasive aesthetic services right before receiving their Dysport injections.

Watch facial plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew Bridges and Licensed Master Aesthetician Franki Lambiotte explain how same-day combination treatments and joint consultations work at our Richmond practice:

Popular Same-Day Combinations

  • HydraFacial: Deeply cleanses, extracts, and hydrates the skin to create a fresh, radiant base prior to your injections.
  • Dermaplaning: Gently exfoliates dead skin cells and fine facial hair, leaving your skin smooth and prepped.
  • Sciton BBL (BroadBand Light): Targets age spots, sun damage, and redness to improve skin tone while Dysport relaxes target wrinkles.

How Same-Day Appointments Work

To ensure your safety and protect your final results, timing is key:

  • Skin Care First: Any facial treatment or skin service with Franki is performed first. This ensures your skin is thoroughly treated without risking any movement or migration of the injectable product afterward.
  • Injections Second: Dr. Bridges performs your Dysport injections second, once your skin treatments are complete.

If you are unsure which procedures fit your aesthetic goals, you can schedule a joint consultation with both Dr. Bridges and Franki during the same visit to build a customized treatment plan together.

Dysport® FAQs

Dysport vs. BOTOX?

Dysport vs. filler?

How often should you get Dysport treatments?

Does getting Dysport hurt?

How many units of Dysport will I need?

What are the pre- and post-treatment guidelines?

Are there potential side effects?

What happens if I stop getting Dysport? Will wrinkles get worse?

Dysport vs. BOTOX?

Both Dysport and BOTOX are safe and effective treatments for facial wrinkles. During a consultation, we can help you decide which option is best for you. Dysport injections generally produce results faster, last a bit longer, and cover a broader area compared to BOTOX.

Dysport vs. filler?

Both Dysport and injectable dermal fillers reduce facial wrinkles, but they work differently. Dysport relaxes muscles to smooth wrinkles, while dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected under the skin to restore volume and improve contours. Combining Dysport with fillers can create a 'liquid facelift,' offering excellent results without surgery.

How often should you get Dysport treatments?

Patients typically schedule follow-up Dysport treatments every three to four months. However, the frequency may vary depending on individual factors and your provider's recommendations.

Does getting Dysport hurt?

Discomfort is minimal. Injections are performed using ultra-fine needles, and most patients report only a mild pinch lasting a few seconds. Cold packs or topical numbing can be applied prior to treatment if desired.

How many units of Dysport will I need?

The required unit amount depends on your facial muscle strength, treatment location, and aesthetic goals. Dysport is dosed differently than BOTOX (typically requiring about 3 units of Dysport for every 1 unit of BOTOX), but the total clinical strength remains equivalent. An accurate unit recommendation is provided during your facial evaluation.

What are the pre- and post-treatment guidelines?

To minimize bruising, avoid blood-thinning medications, aspirin, fish oil, and alcohol for 3 to 5 days prior to your visit. After treatment, refrain from rubbing the injection site, avoid lying flat for 4 hours, and stay away from strenuous workouts or intense heat for 24 hours to keep the product properly localized.

Are there potential side effects?

Mild redness or slight swelling at the injection sites is normal and subsides within hours. Minor bruising can occasionally occur. Rare side effects include temporary headache or slight eyelid heaviness, both of which resolve as the product settles.

What happens if I stop getting Dysport? Will wrinkles get worse?

No. If you decide to stop treatments, your muscle mobility will gradually return over several months, and your skin will simply revert to its natural baseline state.

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Dysport Treatment Areas in Richmond, VA.

At our practice in Richmond, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew Bridges uses Dysport to target specific hyperactive muscles responsible for repetitive facial expressions.  

Popular treatment areas include:

  • Glabellar Lines (11 Lines): Softens vertical creases between the eyebrows.
  • Forehead Lines: Smooths horizontal wrinkles across the forehead for a naturally refreshed appearance.
  • Crow’s Feet: Diminishes fine lines radiating from the outer corners of the eyes.
  • Bunny Lines: Relaxes wrinkles that form along the bridge of the nose when smiling or scrunching.
  • Lip Flip: Subtle relaxation of the upper lip muscle to gently curl the lip outward, creating the appearance of fuller lips without dermal fillers.
  • Masseter Muscle (Jawline): Softens a square jawline and reduces muscle tightness caused by teeth grinding (bruxism).

Candidate Safety & Important Precautions

Dysport is FDA-approved for adults seeking non-surgical facial rejuvenation. However, proper medical screening is essential before treatment:

  • Milk Protein Allergy Warning: Unlike BOTOX®, Dysport contains trace amounts of cow’s milk protein. Patients with a known allergy to cow's milk protein should not receive Dysport injections.
  • General Contraindications: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as individuals with underlying neuromuscular disorders, are not candidates for neuromodulator treatments.
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