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Dysport® at Dermatology Associates of Ithaca

Dermatology Associates of Ithaca offers Dysport®, an injectable treatment designed to soften facial wrinkles caused by overactive muscles. Dysport is commonly used to treat frown lines (the “11s”), crow’s feet, and other expression-related wrinkles. Results typically last 3 to 6 months.
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What Causes Facial Wrinkles?

Facial lines and wrinkles develop due to a combination of factors including aging, genetics, sun exposure, gravity, and repetitive muscle movement. Muscles used for facial expressions such as frowning, squinting, or raising the eyebrows can create and deepen lines over time. When these movements are exaggerated or frequent, muscle activity plays a significant role in wrinkle formation.
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How Dysport Works

Dysport Cosmetic is a prescription medication injected into specific muscles of facial expression. It works in the same way that Botox works, by temporarily blocking nerve signals to the targeted muscles, reducing their activity. As the muscles relax, wrinkles caused by muscle contraction soften and appear less noticeable. Muscle activity gradually returns over 3 to 5 months, at which time repeat treatment can maintain results.

Feeling Nervous?

Check Our Our Dysport Handout: LINK HERE

Treatment Details

Appointments take approximately 15 minutes
Your provider will ask you to make facial expressions to identify injection sites
Ice is applied before injections to minimize discomfort
No downtime is required
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Dermatology Associates of Ithaca

Risks & Possible Side Effects

Temporary redness, swelling, or bruising may occur at injection sites. Certain medications such as aspirin, Motrin®, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can increase the risk of bruising.
Possible, but uncommon, side effects include:
  • Headache
  • Swelling or bruising
  • Injection-site discomfort
  • Itching or numbness
  • Muscle twitching
  • Facial asymmetry
  • Temporary drooping of the eyelids or eyebrows
Facial procedures may trigger cold sores. If you have a history of cold sores, please notify your provider prior to treatment so preventative medication can be prescribed.
While most patients achieve noticeable improvement, results cannot be guaranteed. A small number of individuals may experience minimal improvement or shorter-lasting results.

Contraindications

Dysport is not recommended for patients who are:
Pregnant or nursing
Diagnosed with neuromuscular conditions such as ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome

Before Your Dysport Treatment

To reduce bruising risk:
  • Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen 10 to 14 days before and 2 days after treatment unless prescribed by your doctor
  • Avoid Excedrin™, Motrin™, Naprosyn™, Aleve™, gingko, garlic supplements, fish oil, and Vitamin E
    Avoid alcohol for 2 days prior to treatment
Please inform your provider of:
  • Any history of cold sores
  • Neurologic or muscular conditions
  • Medication allergies or new medications
  • Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or previous cosmetic treatments
Book a Dysport Appointment

After Your Dysport Treatment

You may immediately resume makeup and skincare
Avoid rubbing or massaging treated areas
Remain upright and avoid bending or lying down for 4 hours
Gently exercise facial muscles by making expressions to optimize results
Full results develop within 2 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a good candidate for Dysport?

Adults with dynamic wrinkles, meaning lines that appear or worsen with facial expressions such as frowning or smiling, are typically the best candidates.

When will I see results?

Results usually begin to appear 4 to 7 days after treatment.

How long do results last?

Most patients enjoy results for 3 to 4 months, after which repeat treatment is recommended.

Who should not receive Dysport?

Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have certain neuromuscular disorders, or have allergies to Dysport ingredients (including cow’s milk protein, albumin, or egg whites) should not be treated. Static wrinkles may respond better to dermal fillers.

What is the treatment experience like?

Your provider will assess facial movement, administer injections with a fine needle, and apply ice afterward. The visit typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes.

Are there risks?

Side effects are generally mild and temporary. Dysport carries an FDA Black Box warning due to the rare risk of toxin spread beyond the injection site.

What Our Patients Say

4.9
stars rating on Google with 950+ reviews
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Karen F.

I went for a facial with Reganne, and it was wonderful! She was the right balance of chatty and quiet so that I felt personally welcomed but also able to relax and soak in all the luxurious treatment. She also was so kind and considerate, being very careful which products she used because she knew I am sensitive to some fragrances. I scheduled my appointment for the end of my regular work week, and now, this evening I’m feeling fabulous!

RJ and MJ Olson

We both chose the practice for our dermatology well checks and any issues that may be discovered during those visits. Most of the practitioners have been great. I also enjoy the facial services they offer at the practice. Both estheticians I have seen there have been wonderful! They have both been very accommodating given multiple allergies that can make my skin reactive. I look forward to my time with the esthetician.

Cathy Robinson

The entire staff is courteous and very helpful. They were right on time. They work together well. They are accepting of questions and are willing to answer the questions. They offer reminders for follow up appointments. I am very pleased to be a patient of this office.

Susan Zeller

As a new patient I greatly appreciated getting an appointment with a few days of submitting my application form instead of a long wait. The staff at the front desk were very pleasant, efficient and helpful in making this happen. The service I received from my doctor was good.

Tom

David M was great in all key areas that were important to me. Skill, bedside manner, updates during the surgery and his summary after the procedure. His nurse was also first rate. Thank you both for all that you did for me. NP Donna has treated me previously at this practice and I echo my comments here for her and the nurses, reception and scheduling employees. Thank you all for a great experience

Jennifer Gemmell

This was the most pleasant doctors appointment I’ve ever experienced. The wait wasn’t too long and there were so many beautiful and interesting things to look at while I was there: beautiful art well presented with identification and background details, fascinating terrariums and other plants, and even an Asian meditation garden. Dr. Macallister was very personable, professional and thorough. I was quite happy with her care. The staff too, were professional and pleasant.

Reece W

Saw Donna and Megan, had a concerning spot on my face. I needed an injection and they put me eat ease and really helped me to feel comfortable and relaxed. Even though the needle stung a little bit I was completely distracted with easy conversation to keep my mind off of what was going on. They were incredibly reassuring and informative and I love going to see them! Thank you Donna and Megan for a quick and easy visit! :)

Don Wood

Great experience from the time I arrived for the appointment til I was finished. Donna Brigham is the most professional specailist I've seen in quite some time. She is very good at explaining everything in layman's terms. Her bedside manner puts you at ease and makes you very comfortable with the procedures she is doing.

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