Just Got Dysport? Here’s How to Take Care of Your Skin After
Dr. Dylan Cahill, MD
Dysport is a popular treatment at ZENA Aesthetics & Wellness for smoothing lines and softening facial wrinkles. It works by relaxing the muscles that cause expression lines, helping patients achieve a natural, refreshed look. While the procedure is quick and requires little downtime, what you do afterward can significantly affect how well the treatment works.
Proper aftercare both helps the results last longer and reduces the chance of unwanted side effects. One question we hear from patients is whether it is okay to schedule a facial or other skincare treatment after getting Dysport. This article walks through what to expect and how to plan your skincare safely.
Why is Dysport Aftercare Important?
After your Dysport treatment, the product needs time to settle into the targeted muscles. Pressing, rubbing, or manipulating the treated areas too soon can interfere with that process. Following your provider’s aftercare instructions in the first few hours to days after treatment helps make sure the product stays where it was placed, giving you the best chance at months of smooth, even results.
Proper aftercare also lowers the risk of bruising, swelling, or unwanted product movement. A few small adjustments to your routine can make a big difference in how your skin looks and feels after treatment.
What to Expect After Dysport
Dysport is one of the fastest-acting neuromodulators available. “Neuromodulators” like Botox and Dysport are injectable treatments that work by relaxing the muscles responsible for expression lines, helping to smooth out wrinkles like frown lines and crow’s feet.
With Dysport, some patients begin to see visible improvements as early as three to five days after treatment. However, just like other neuromodulators, it can take up to 14 days for the full results to develop. During this time, the product gradually settles into the targeted muscles, and the treated areas become noticeably smoother.
Mild redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection sites is normal and usually resolves within a few hours. Some people may experience light bruising, which typically fades within a few days. At ZENA Aesthetics & Wellness, we schedule a follow-up around the two-week mark to evaluate your results and determine if any adjustments are needed.
What to Avoid After Dysport
First Few Hours After Treatment
In the first 2 to 3 hours following your Dysport treatment, it is important to avoid any activity that could increase circulation to the treated areas. This includes straining, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise. During this time, the product is starting to bind to the targeted nerves, and increasing blood flow could interfere with that process.
You should also avoid lying down for at least 4 hours after your appointment. Staying upright helps keep the product in place and reduces the risk of it migrating to surrounding muscles. Additionally, do not touch, rub, or apply pressure to the treated areas for at least 3 hours.
After 24 Hours
By this point, most normal skincare routines can be resumed, but it is best to keep things simple and soothing. Avoid applying Retin-A, acids, or vitamin C serums for the first 24 hours, as these may irritate the skin.
If you’re looking to support skin recovery and extend your results, we recommend medical-grade products designed for post-treatment care. At ZENA Aesthetics & Wellness, we carry professional skincare lines including Skin Therapeutic and Alastin, which offer options that calm, hydrate, and protect. Personalized recommendations will be made as part of your consultation and treatment.
Using a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen is especially important after any injectable. We recommend daily use of a mineral sunscreen like TiZO, which is gentle enough for post-treatment skin and helps maintain the quality of your results.
Facials, Makeup, and Skincare After Dysport
Facial After Dysport
While facials and skincare treatments are a great part of maintaining healthy skin, it is best to wait at least two weeks after your Dysport injections before scheduling any of these services. This includes treatments like facials, facial massage, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels. These services involve physical pressure and manipulation of the skin, which can disrupt the way Dysport settles into the targeted muscles.
Treatments such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion also affect the skin’s surface and deeper layers. Performing these too soon can increase sensitivity and potentially interfere with how the neuromodulator works. To protect your results and avoid irritation, a full two-week wait is the safest approach.
How Long After Dysport Can I Wear Makeup?
Light makeup can usually be applied immediately after your Dysport treatment, especially if there’s no visible bleeding or irritation at the injection sites. Dysport is typically injected using a fine needle, so most patients experience minimal trauma to the skin.
However, the key is to be gentle. Avoid pressing or rubbing makeup into the skin, and use clean tools to prevent irritation or bacteria from entering the injection sites. Mineral or breathable makeup formulas are a good option in the first day or two. If you’re unsure, our team at ZENA Aesthetics & Wellness can guide you on what to use based on how your skin is responding.
How Long After Dysport Can You Work Out?
Exercise should be avoided for at least 2 to 3 hours after your Dysport treatment. This includes heavy lifting, cardio workouts, yoga, or any activity that significantly raises your heart rate or blood flow. Increased circulation during this critical period could reduce the effectiveness of Dysport by causing it to move away from the injection site before it has properly settled into the targeted muscle.
While some providers may suggest waiting a full 24 hours as an extra precaution, the most important window is those first few hours after treatment. If you exercise too soon, it may lead to reduced results or increase the chance of side effects such as bruising or swelling. To protect your outcome, it is best to schedule your workout either before your Dysport appointment or plan for a rest day.
Can You Drink Alcohol After Dysport?
It is best to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after Dysport. While having a small drink isn’t likely to cause harm, alcohol can thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising, especially around delicate injection sites like the forehead or around the eyes. Alcohol can also contribute to inflammation, which may interfere with how smoothly your treatment settles.
Taking a cautious approach and skipping alcohol the day of your treatment can improve chances of a smoother recovery and better results. If you have questions about what’s safe for your individual case, the team at ZENA Aesthetics & Wellness is always happy to provide guidance.
Sleeping After Dysport
Sleep position is not likely to impact your Dysport results as long as you’ve remained upright for at least four hours after your appointment. While some people worry that sleeping on their side might shift the product, there’s no strong evidence that sleeping positions affect the outcome once that initial window has passed.
If you’re still concerned or want to be extra cautious, sleeping on your back the first night can give added peace of mind by minimizing pressure on the treated areas. But the most important thing is to avoid lying down too soon. Once that four-hour mark has passed, you can safely rest in your preferred position without worrying about disturbing your results.
Common Side Effects and How to Handle Them
Most people experience minimal downtime after Dysport. Mild redness, swelling, or small bruises around the injection sites are normal and usually go away within a few hours to a few days. These side effects are not a sign of anything going wrong and can often be managed at home with a cold compress and over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
If you notice persistent pain, significant asymmetry, or symptoms like muscle weakness in unintended areas, it is best to contact your provider for further evaluation. At ZENA Aesthetics & Wellness, we also offer follow-up appointments around two weeks after your treatment to check in on your results and make any adjustments if necessary.
How to Maintain Results After Dysport
To keep your results looking fresh for as long as possible after Dysport, it helps to follow a few consistent habits. Daily sun protection is key. UV exposure can speed up signs of aging and reduce the longevity of your results. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen like TiZO can help protect your skin and support smoother, longer-lasting effects.
Staying well hydrated, avoiding smoking, and using medical-grade skincare products are also great ways to maintain healthy skin. At ZENA Aesthetics & Wellness, we carry trusted skincare lines like Alastin and Skin Therapeutic that are designed to support post-treatment recovery and long-term skin health.
Dysport results typically last about three to four months. Scheduling your next appointment before the effects completely wear off can help maintain consistent results and reduce the chances of full muscle movement returning between visits.
Final Thoughts
Dysport is a popular option for softening lines and refreshing your appearance with minimal downtime. Whether you’re new to treatment or returning for maintenance, following the right aftercare makes a noticeable difference in your results.
If you have specific concerns or want advice tailored to your skin, the team at ZENA Aesthetics & Wellness in Bradenton is here to help you feel informed and supported throughout your experience.
FAQs
1. Should I make facial expressions after Dysport?
Yes. Light facial movement in the treated areas is sometimes encouraged during the first hour after treatment, as it can help the product bind to the targeted muscles. Just avoid touching or pressing on those areas while doing so.
2. Do and don’ts after Dysport?
Do stay upright for four hours, avoid touching your face for at least three hours, and hold off on strenuous exercise or heat exposure for the rest of the day. Don’t get a facial or other skin treatments for two weeks, and don’t apply skincare products with active ingredients like acids or retinoids for the first 24 hours. These steps help make sure your treatment is as effective and smooth as possible.
3. How long does it take for Dysport to fully settle?
Dysport starts working quickly, with initial effects often visible within 3 to 5 days. However, it can take up to 14 days for the full results to develop as the product binds to the targeted muscles and relaxes movement in the treated areas. A follow-up appointment is often scheduled at the two-week mark to evaluate the results and make any necessary adjustments.
4. How do I take care of my face after Dysport?
Be gentle with your skin for the first 24 hours. Avoid touching, rubbing, or applying pressure to the treated areas. Skip harsh skincare products such as retinol, acids, or vitamin C serums until the next day. Stick to a simple, hydrating routine, and make sure to use sunscreen daily to protect your skin and preserve results.
5. How long after Dysport can you shower?
You can shower the same day as your Dysport treatment, but avoid hot water or steam in the first few hours after treatment. Use lukewarm water and gentle pressure to wash your face, and skip exfoliating or rubbing the treated areas. Pat your face dry with a clean towel.
6. Should I move my forehead after Dysport?
Yes. Light facial movement in the treated muscles during the first hour can help the Dysport bind more effectively. Try making gentle expressions like raising your eyebrows or frowning without touching your face. Avoid applying pressure while doing so.
7. Can I drink coffee after Dysport?
Yes, drinking coffee is generally safe after Dysport. Just be mindful of any added caffeine if you’re also avoiding alcohol or strenuous activity. Staying hydrated with water can help your skin recover more smoothly.
8. Can I get a massage 2 days after Dysport?
It is best to wait at least two weeks before getting a massage if it involves your face. Pressure from a massage could interfere with the way Dysport settles. After 48 hours, a massage is unlikely to affect your results.
9. What foods should you avoid after Dysport?
There are no specific foods you must avoid, but it is a good idea to skip alcohol and anything that might thin the blood, such as high doses of garlic, ginger, or fish oil, for 24 hours. These can increase the risk of bruising.
10. Can I use vitamin C after Dysport?
Yes, but wait at least 24 hours. Vitamin C is great for your skin, but applying it too soon can cause irritation at the injection sites. Stick to gentle, calming products for the first day, then ease back into your normal routine.
Dr. Dylan Cahill, MD
Dr. Dylan Cahill is the co-owner of ZENA Aesthetics & Wellness, where he leads the practice in offering advanced non-surgical aesthetics and wellness services. As a graduate of Harvard Medical School, Dylan combines his knowledge of longevity science with a passion for personalized skincare and innovative treatments. He manages a team of skilled professionals dedicated to delivering personalized care and exceptional outcomes. His expertise spans medical spa treatments, anti-aging therapies, and strategic growth in the health and wellness industry.
