As we age, lines and wrinkles may appear on our faces, and our skin may become thinner and drier. Age spots may also begin to appear on areas such as the hands or face. At Boulder Plastic Surgery in Boulder, CO, we understand that you want to fight back against the effects of aging. We offer a variety of treatments to help reduce the signs of aging, including minimally invasive injectables such as Dysport.
What Is Dysport Used for?
Moderate to Severe Frown Lines
Frown lines, also known as glabellar lines, are wrinkles or creases that appear between the eyebrows when a person expresses an emotion such as anger, sadness, or surprise. The frown lines form due to repetitive facial gestures and aging, though genetics can play a role in how quickly they develop. While some people may start noticing frown lines as early as their 20s, most people start to see them in their 30s and 40s.
The Five Points
The five points where frown lines form can be found between and above the eyebrows on both sides of your face. The first point is located directly between your eyes while the other four are spaced out evenly above it. It’s important to understand that these points don’t necessarily need to line up perfectly — everyone’s facial structure is unique so there will be slight variations in where each person’s frown lines occur.
When evaluating someone’s frown lines, we also consider their overall facial expressions and movements as this can affect how prominent these creases look. For example, someone with naturally expressive eyes may have deeper frown lines than someone who rarely makes expressions with their face. Also, certain medical conditions like Bell’s palsy can cause one side of your face to appear more ‘frozen’ than the other, resulting in asymmetrical frown lines.
Causes
The main cause of frown lines is sun exposure and the natural processes of aging. Sun exposure weakens the skin’s collagen and elastin levels which can contribute to wrinkles, especially in those with already fair skin or freckles.
Additionally, frowning with intensity over time can lead to wrinkle formation due to muscle contraction beneath the skin’s surface. An unhealthy lifestyle including smoking and lack of sufficient sleep has been linked to accelerated skin aging and can cause deeper wrinkles at an earlier age than those who take better care of themselves.
Treatment
For individuals with moderate to severe frown lines, Dysport injections may be beneficial in improving the appearance of these fine lines by temporarily reducing muscle activity beneath the surface of the skin. The treatment works by blocking nerve signals that cause muscles responsible for wrinkle formation to contract. As a result, fewer wrinkles appear on the face while still allowing natural expressions through the minimal movement of surrounding muscles.
How Long Does Dysport Last?
The effects of this Dysport can typically last for up to four months. However, on average, the full effects tend to wear off after about three months. This timeline is affected by several factors such as one’s age, lifestyle habits, and medical history. For instance, younger people generally process the filler more quickly than older people due to their bodies producing more enzymes that help break down the product quicker.
Also, an individual’s lifestyle habits can play into how quickly the effects wear off. Those who are often exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures may experience a faster breakdown of the product. Additionally, one’s medical history can affect how long the product remains in the system. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to note that while everyone experiences different timelines when it comes to the dermal filler wearing off, there are strategies that can be employed to extend its efficacy.
How To Extend Your Dysport Results
Avoid Rubbing or Massaging the Injection Site(s)
Rubbing or massaging the injection sites can interfere with the distribution of dermal filler, potentially causing unevenness in areas where it was injected and reducing its overall efficacy. Additionally, rubbing or massaging may cause irritation at the injection site, leading to discoloration or swelling which could last for several days or weeks. Furthermore, touching and manipulating an area that has just received injections can increase the risk of infection.
Do Not Drink Alcohol for 24 Hours After Treatment
Alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising at the injection site. While bruising is usually not severe, it can affect your results by causing temporary swelling and inflammation. If you do experience bruising, applying ice to the affected area can help to reduce swelling. You should also avoid wearing makeup or other cosmetics until the bruise has faded.
Avoid Rigorous Exercise for 24 Hours After Treatment
Contact sports can cause bruising and swelling at the injection site, while excessive sweating can cause the filler to spread to nearby muscles. In addition, rigorous exercise can increase metabolism and lead to faster breakdown of the filler. It is best to take it easy for a day or two after treatment in order to enjoy the full effects of this dermal filler.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the aging process by breaking down collagen and elastin fibers. This can cause wrinkles and fine lines to form as well as dermal fillers to dissipate more quickly. To help prolong the effects of your treatment, it is best to avoid sun exposure as much as possible or to use sunscreen generously when outdoors.
Eat a Healthy Diet
It’s crucial to eat foods high in nutrients and minerals, such as vitamins, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants that have been found to help improve skin health and elasticity. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables helps provide your body with the nutrition it needs to produce collagen. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for overall wellness and can be found in sources such as fish, nuts, seeds, and avocados.
Foods rich in Vitamin A can help repair sun damage by increasing cell turnover. Vitamin C stimulates collagen production while also brightening the skin. Vitamin E aids in healing damaged cells while boosting hydration; this vitamin can be found in plant oils such as olive or avocado oil. Finally, Vitamin K helps build strong capillaries as well as reduce discoloration of the skin. All these vitamins work together to keep skin looking healthy and radiant even after getting dermal fillers.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Hydrating from the inside out is one of the best ways to preserve the results you achieve with dermal fillers and other anti-aging treatments. Water plays an essential role in helping your body remove toxins and flush out waste products that can accumulate in the body over time and contribute to premature aging. Water also helps skin cells stay hydrated, allowing them to look youthful longer and support normal collagen production.
By drinking enough water each day, your body is better able to naturally regenerate new cells so you maintain a fresh complexion. Additionally, drinking enough water can help ensure your treatments are lasting longer by maintaining hydration levels in your muscles and preventing dehydration. Dehydration can cause muscles to contract or tighten, which can make your existing wrinkles more pronounced as well as create new ones faster than usual.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Scrubs
Harsh chemicals can damage the skin’s natural barrier, leading to dryness, inflammation, and even premature aging. In addition, harsh chemicals and scrubs can break down the collagen and elastin fibers that give your skin its youthful firmness and elasticity. As a result, you may start to see wrinkles reappearing sooner than expected. To keep your skin looking its best, avoid harsh chemicals and opt for gentle, hydrating products instead.
Look for moisturizers that are free of sulfates, alcohol, and other harsh ingredients, and be sure to read the labels carefully before purchasing any skincare products. When purchasing moisturizers and other skin care products, look for those that are marked “for sensitive skin” or “hypoallergenic.” These products are less likely to irritate the skin or cause any adverse reactions.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
We are highly skilled in providing Dysport treatments and will work with you to create an individualized plan to best address your concerns. We use advanced techniques to inject the product precisely, ensuring that you get the most natural-looking results. With this treatment, you will get smoother, younger-looking skin and a boost in your confidence. Contact Boulder Plastic Surgery in Boulder, CO, today to learn more about our services.