Forehead wrinkles are one of the most common signs of aging, appearing as horizontal lines across the forehead that deepen with repeated facial expressions. Whether caused by years of raising your eyebrows, squinting, or simply the natural aging process, these lines can make you look tired, stressed, or older than you feel. Dysport has emerged as a popular non-surgical solution for smoothing these wrinkles, offering impressive results with minimal downtime.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore exactly how Dysport works to smooth forehead wrinkles, what you can expect before and after treatment, and answer the most common questions about this cosmetic procedure.
What Is Dysport?
Dysport before and after crow’s feet is an FDA-approved injectable treatment containing abobotulinumtoxinA, a purified form of botulinum toxin type A. Like its more widely known counterpart Botox, Dysport is a neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes muscles responsible for creating wrinkles. Originally approved for treating cervical dystonia and other medical conditions, Dysport gained FDA approval for cosmetic use in treating glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows) in 2009.
While Dysport is primarily known for treating frown lines, it’s commonly used off-label by experienced practitioners to address forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and other dynamic wrinkles caused by facial muscle movement. The treatment has gained popularity due to its quick results, natural-looking outcomes, and proven safety profile.
How Dysport Works on Forehead Wrinkles
Forehead wrinkles are classified as dynamic wrinkles, meaning they’re caused by repeated muscle contractions over time. Every time you raise your eyebrows, express surprise, or concentrate, the frontalis muscle in your forehead contracts, creating horizontal lines. Over years of repetitive movement, these temporary lines become permanent creases etched into your skin.
Dysport works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that cause these muscles to contract. When injected into the frontalis muscle, the botulinum toxin prevents the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle activation. Without these signals, the muscle relaxes, and the overlying skin smooths out.
The key to successful Dysport treatment is strategic placement and proper dosing. A skilled injector will carefully map out injection points across your forehead to relax the muscles causing wrinkles while preserving natural movement and expression. The goal isn’t to create a frozen, expressionless forehead but rather to soften lines while maintaining your ability to show emotion.
The Treatment Process
The entire Dysport treatment process is remarkably quick and straightforward, typically taking only 10 to 20 minutes from start to finish. Because no anesthesia or significant preparation is required, it’s often referred to as a “lunchtime procedure” that can easily fit into a busy schedule.
Your practitioner will begin by assessing your facial anatomy, discussing your aesthetic goals, and determining the appropriate injection sites and dosage. The actual injections involve a very fine needle and feel like small pinpricks. Most patients describe the discomfort as minimal and entirely tolerable without numbing agents, though some practitioners offer topical numbing cream or ice for sensitive patients.
Before Treatment: What to Expect
Proper preparation can help optimize your results and minimize potential side effects. Before your Dysport appointment, your provider will conduct a thorough consultation to review your medical history, current medications, and aesthetic concerns. It’s crucial to disclose if you’re taking blood thinners, have neuromuscular disorders, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, as these may contraindicate treatment.
To reduce the risk of bruising, you’ll typically be advised to avoid alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood-thinning substances for several days before treatment. You should arrive at your appointment with a clean face, free of makeup, to minimize infection risk. Your provider will photograph your forehead from multiple angles to document your baseline appearance for comparison.
During the consultation, set realistic expectations with your provider. Dysport can significantly soften forehead wrinkles, but extremely deep, etched lines may not disappear completely. Some patients benefit from combining Dysport with dermal fillers or other skin rejuvenation treatments for optimal results.
During the Procedure
The injection process itself is quick and relatively comfortable. Your provider will ask you to make various facial expressions—raising your eyebrows, frowning, squinting—to identify exactly which muscles are creating your wrinkles. They’ll then mark injection points across your forehead, typically using five to seven injection sites for forehead treatment.
Using a very fine needle, your practitioner will inject small amounts of Dysport into the marked locations. The entire injection process usually takes less than five minutes. You may feel slight pressure and a brief stinging sensation with each injection, but most patients find it entirely bearable. Some practitioners use ice or vibration devices to further minimize discomfort.
Immediately after the injections, you may notice small bumps or redness at the injection sites, but these typically resolve within 15 to 30 minutes. Your provider will give you specific aftercare instructions, which usually include avoiding lying down for four hours, not rubbing the treated area, and avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
After Treatment: Timeline and Results
Understanding the timeline of Dysport results helps manage expectations and appreciate the gradual transformation your forehead undergoes. Unlike dermal fillers that provide immediate volume, neuromodulators like Dysport work progressively as the botulinum toxin takes effect.
Days 1-2: Immediately after treatment, you won’t notice significant changes. You may experience minor redness, swelling, or small bruises at injection sites, but these are temporary and easily concealed with makeup if needed.
Days 3-4: This is when many patients begin noticing initial results. Your forehead muscles start relaxing, and wrinkles begin softening. Movement in your forehead may feel slightly restricted as the product takes effect.
Days 7-10: By the end of the first week, you’ll see substantial improvement. Forehead lines appear noticeably smoother, and your skin looks refreshed. This is typically when results are most apparent.
Days 10-14: Results reach their peak around two weeks post-treatment. Your forehead should appear significantly smoother with a natural, relaxed look. If you have a follow-up appointment scheduled, your provider will assess results and determine if any touch-ups are needed.
Before and After: Visual Changes
The transformation from before to after Dysport treatment can be striking yet natural-looking when performed correctly. Before treatment, your forehead likely displays horizontal lines that range from fine to deep, becoming more pronounced when you raise your eyebrows or express surprise. These lines may make you appear worried, tired, or older than you feel.
After Dysport takes full effect, your forehead appears noticeably smoother and more youthful. The horizontal lines soften considerably or disappear entirely, depending on their severity. Your skin looks refreshed and rejuvenated, with a subtle improvement that doesn’t scream “I had work done.” You can still raise your eyebrows and show expression, but the movement is refined and the resulting wrinkles are significantly diminished.
The before-and-after difference is often most dramatic when comparing photos at rest and during facial expressions. While your forehead may have shown deep furrows when raising your eyebrows before treatment, those same movements post-Dysport create minimal or no lines.
How Long Do Results Last?
Dysport results typically last three to four months, though individual experiences vary. Some patients enjoy results for up to five months, while others notice muscle movement returning closer to the three-month mark. Several factors influence longevity, including your metabolism, muscle strength, injection technique, and dosage.
Interestingly, many patients find that with regular Dysport treatments, their results last progressively longer. This occurs because the muscles essentially “learn” to relax, and the skin has extended periods to recover from constant creasing. Some long-term Dysport users can eventually space treatments further apart while maintaining smooth results.
To maintain optimal results, most practitioners recommend scheduling follow-up treatments before the product completely wears off. This prevents your muscles from regaining full strength and helps maintain consistently smooth skin.
Side Effects and Considerations
Dysport is generally safe when administered by a qualified, experienced provider, but like any medical procedure, it carries potential side effects. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, including redness, swelling, bruising at injection sites, and mild headaches. These typically resolve within a few days.
More concerning but rare side effects include eyelid or eyebrow drooping, which can occur if the product migrates from the injection site. This is why choosing an experienced injector who understands facial anatomy is crucial. If drooping occurs, it’s temporary and resolves as the product wears off, though prescription eye drops can help in the interim.
Allergic reactions to Dysport are extremely rare but possible. Symptoms like difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling require immediate medical attention. You should not receive Dysport if you’re allergic to cow’s milk protein, as it’s a component of the product.
Dysport vs. Other Treatments
When considering forehead wrinkle treatments, you’ll likely encounter several options. Botox is the most well-known alternative to Dysport, containing a similar but slightly different formulation of botulinum toxin. The main differences lie in molecular structure and diffusion properties. Dysport tends to spread more, which can be advantageous for treating larger areas like the forehead with fewer injections, though it requires careful technique to prevent unwanted muscle relaxation.
Xeomin is another neuromodulator option that contains “naked” botulinum toxin without accessory proteins, potentially reducing antibody development in some patients. Jeuveau is a newer FDA-approved option specifically designed for aesthetic use.
For very deep forehead wrinkles, combining Dysport with dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, or microneedling may provide superior results. Your provider can help determine the best approach for your specific concerns and skin condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Dysport cost for forehead wrinkles?
Dysport costs typically range from $300 to $600 for forehead treatment, depending on the number of units needed, your geographic location, and the provider’s expertise. Dysport is usually priced per unit, with forehead treatment requiring approximately 40 to 60 units. Some practices offer package deals or membership programs that reduce costs for regular treatments.
Is Dysport painful?
Most patients describe Dysport injections as minimally uncomfortable, rating the pain around 2-3 on a 10-point scale. The sensation is brief and feels like small pinpricks. If you’re particularly sensitive, your provider can apply topical numbing cream or use ice to minimize discomfort.
Can I see results immediately after Dysport?
No, Dysport results are not immediate. You’ll begin noticing improvements within 2 to 4 days, with full results visible in 10 to 14 days as the product takes effect and muscles fully relax.
How is Dysport different from Botox?
Both Dysport and Botox contain botulinum toxin type A, but they have different formulations. Dysport has smaller molecules that diffuse more readily, meaning it may work slightly faster and spread more than Botox. Some patients respond better to one product over the other, and costs per treatment are generally comparable.
Can Dysport make my forehead look frozen?
When administered correctly by a skilled injector, Dysport should not create a frozen appearance. The goal is to soften wrinkles while preserving natural movement and expression. Overly aggressive treatment or improper technique can result in limited movement, which is why choosing an experienced provider is essential.
How often should I get Dysport treatments?
Most patients schedule Dysport treatments every 3 to 4 months to maintain results. After several treatment cycles, you may be able to extend the time between appointments as your muscles adapt to remaining relaxed.
Are there any restrictions after Dysport injections?
Yes, you should avoid lying down for 4 hours after treatment, refrain from rubbing or massaging the treated area, and avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours. These precautions help prevent the product from migrating to unintended areas.
Can men get Dysport for forehead wrinkles?
Absolutely. Dysport is equally effective for men and has become increasingly popular among male patients seeking a refreshed, youthful appearance. Men may require slightly higher doses due to stronger facial muscles.
What age should I start getting Dysport?
There’s no specific age requirement, though most patients begin Dysport treatments in their late 20s to early 40s when forehead wrinkles first become noticeable. Some younger patients use Dysport preventatively to slow wrinkle formation. Your provider can assess whether you’re a good candidate based on your individual concerns rather than age alone.
Is Dysport safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Dysport is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding as safety studies in these populations have not been conducted. If you’re pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, discuss alternative options with your provider.
Conclusion
Dysport offers an effective, minimally invasive solution for smoothing forehead wrinkles and achieving a more youthful, refreshed appearance. By temporarily relaxing the muscles that create horizontal forehead lines, this FDA-approved injectable delivers natural-looking results that typically last three to four months. With minimal downtime, quick treatment sessions, and a proven safety profile, Dysport has become a go-to option for people seeking to reduce the visible signs of aging without surgery. If you’re considering Dysport for your forehead wrinkles, consult with a qualified, experienced injector who can assess your concerns and create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
