There are countless cosmetic treatments that can help you fight against the visible effects of aging. For fine lines and wrinkles, in particular, one of the best cosmetic treatments are neuromodulator injectables such as Dysport. At New England Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center in Boston, MA, we are happy to answer all of your questions about our cosmetic services, including questions about how much pain you can anticipate from Dysport treatments.
Is Dysport Painful?
How does the old saying go? Beauty is pain? Well, while that might be the case for some treatments (such as plastic surgery or more invasive non-surgical treatments), you can rest assured that Dysport treatments are far from painful. In fact, because this treatment is performed with the use of a needle, many patients compare the sensation to receiving an annual flu shot.
More to the point, the minor discomfort of your neuromodulator treatment lasts only for as long as the treatment is being administered. The vast majority of patients do not experience any significant tenderness at the injection sites and any potentially uncomfortable side effects usually fade within four to eight hours of the treatment.
Your Comfort Options
Of course, while the treatment might not hurt, not everyone is a fan of the mild pinch from the injections, particularly those who have more sensitivity to sensation. Because everyone has a different pain tolerance, there are actually a few things patients can do to comfort themselves during treatment appointments. Your comfort options include:
Topical Numbing Cream
At patient request, we can apply a topical numbing cream formulated with lidocaine to the surface of your skin. The topical cream works as a local anesthetic to dull sensation on the skin, which will make the treatment more comfortable.
Arnica Montana
Some patients also like to prepare for this treatment by taking Arnica Montana supplements or using Arnica topically before the appointment. While this will not decrease sensation on the skin, Arnica will minimize any risk of bruising as a result of the treatment.
OTC Pain Medication
Many patients prefer to take the direct route and use over-the-counter pain medication, such as Tylenol, to comfort themselves during the treatment. OTC pain medications should be taken at the recommended dosage about one to two hours before your treatment appointment.
Ice
Patients also have the option of using ice before and after the treatment appointment to mitigate any possible discomfort. Applying ice packs to the intended treatment area about 20 minutes before injections are made is a good way to minimize discomfort during the treatment.
What Can You Expect From Treatment?
Aside from the small possibility of discomfort from this treatment, there are a few other things you can expect from your treatment process. For example, if this is your first Dysport treatment, your very first appointment will be a consultation where we will discuss your treatment goals and expectations. If you’ve never used a neuromodulator injection treatment before, we may also want to conduct a small patch allergy test to verify that you are not allergic to the treatment (although most people do not have an allergy).
Preparation
To prepare for treatment, it’s important that you do your best to give your skin the ideal environment to receive the injection successfully. For that reason, you will be instructed to discontinue taking blood-thinning medication, using Retinol-based products, and avoiding drinking alcohol for at least one to three days before your treatment appointment.
Treatment Appointment
Your treatment appointment is a relatively short “lunchtime” appointment that will take about 30 to 40 minutes to complete, depending on your comfort methods and the amount of work that needs to be done so you can achieve your aesthetic goals. If you intend to use a topical numbing cream for your appointment, please inform us as soon as you check-in so we have enough time to properly apply the anesthetic.
Aftercare
Your aftercare will involve a few simple directions to ensure that you can meet your appearance goals. In addition to using ice for comfort, you will also be directed to avoid strenuous activity, direct unprotected sunlight, and excessive heat, including hot showers, for one to three days after your appointment. We may provide you with additional aftercare directions depending on your specific treatment.
How Soon Can You See Results?
The results of your treatment will take several days to become fully apparent. Most patients can see the initial relaxation of their fine lines and wrinkles within one week of the treatment. The results of your treatment will last for about 90 days or sometimes longer, depending on how well you respond to the treatment. Most patients can enjoy the results of this treatment for three to four months at a time.
Who Are Good Candidates?
Dysport is an ideal alternative treatment to Botox and may be preferable to patients who have mild age-related concerns, given Dysport’s more diluted formula. This treatment can be used by adult women and men with anti-aging goals, although women who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding should never seek this treatment. This neuromodulator injectable is ideal for patients who want to:
- Smooth fine lines
- Reduce wrinkles
- Correct dynamic wrinkles
- Treat all areas of the face
- Look younger
Refresh Your Youthful Appearance With Dysport
Beauty doesn’t have to mean pain – and when you use the right comfort method with an injectable treatment such as this one, you can be confident that your quest for beauty will not be painful at all. To schedule your first appointment, contact New England Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center in Boston, MA today!