When looking into cosmetic treatments for wrinkle reduction, many people in Ontario are turning to Dysport as an alternative to BOTOX. If you are tired of seeing forehead lines and frown lines every time you look in the mirror, understanding how this product works is the first step toward a smoother look.
Dysport® (also known as abobotulinumtoxinA) is a popular neurotoxin used to treat dynamic wrinkles. Unlike static wrinkles, which are there all the time, dynamic wrinkles appear during facial movements. When you raise your eyebrows or scowl, your facial muscles contract, creating folds in the skin. Over time, these folds become permanent fine lines.
What is Dysport and how does it work?
Dysport is a type of neuromodulator derived from Clostridium botulinum. It contains Botulinum toxin type A, which is a purified protein that blocks nerve signals to the muscles.
Specifically, the injection prevents the release of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. When acetylcholine is blocked, the muscle nerve impulses cannot reach the muscle. This leads to muscle relaxation or temporary muscle paralysis. Because the muscle can no longer perform a strong muscle contraction, the skin above it stays flat, leading to a significant reduction in facial lines.
While it is similar to Botox®, Xeomin®, and Nuceiva, Dysport has a unique property called diffusion. This means the product tends to spread slightly more from the injection site than other neurotoxin injectables. For large treatment areas like the forehead, many injectors prefer this because it can create a very natural, soft result.
How many units go into the forehead?
One of the most confusing parts for a new user is the dosing. Dysport units are not the same as BOTOX units. Generally, you need about 2.5 to 3 units of Dysport to get the same effect as 1 unit of BOTOX.
For the forehead, a typical treatment plan might look like this:
- Forehead lines: 30 to 60 units.
- Glabellar lines (the “11s” between the eyes): 50 to 80 units.
- Crow’s feet: 30 to 45 units per side.
Your healthcare provider will determine the exact amount based on your facial structure, muscle activity, and the depth of your wrinkles. For example, men usually have stronger facial muscles and may require a higher dose to stop the wrinkle formation.
Where are the injection sites?
During the administration of the product, your healthcare practitioners will ask you to move your face. By watching your facial movements, they can pinpoint exactly where the muscle stiffness is strongest.
For a standard forehead treatment, the injection sites are usually spread across the frontalis muscle. If you are also treating the glabella (the area between your eyebrows), the injection will target the procerus and corrugator muscles.
Precision is key. If the product is placed too low, it can lead to drooping eyelids or facial asymmetry. This is why it is vital to visit reputable medical clinics in cities like Toronto, Oakville, Waterloo, or Burlington.
What should you expect during recovery?
The recovery time for Dysport is very short. Most people can go back to work immediately after leaving the clinic. You might notice small bumps at the injection site, similar to mosquito bites, but these usually disappear within an hour.
To get the best response from the treatment, you should avoid rubbing your face or lying down for four hours after the cosmetic injections. This prevents the neurotoxin from migrating to areas where it wasn’t intended.
Are there any side effects?
Like all medical field procedures, Dysport can have Reactions or Side effects. Most are mild and temporary:
- Common Reactions: Redness, swelling, or minor bruising at the injection sites.
- Muscle Issues: Some patients feel a slight muscle weakness or a heavy feeling in the forehead for a few days.
- Vision changes: In rare cases, people report blurry vision, double vision, or eye dryness.
- Serious Adverse Drug Reactions: While extremely rare, if the toxin spreads, it could lead to symptoms of botulism, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing.
If you experience any unusual medical reactions, you should contact your healthcare provider or visit a hospital stay facility immediately.
Dysport for other parts of the body
While the forehead is the most common area, Botulinum toxin A is used for many other cosmetic treatments and medical needs:
- Masseters and Jawline: To slim the face shape or treat bruxism (teeth grinding).
- Gummy Smile: To relax the lip so it doesn’t rise too high.
- Neck Banding: Targeting the platysma muscles to smooth the neck.
- Trap Tox: Relaxing the trapezius muscles to slim the shoulders and relieve muscle spasms.
- Medical Conditions: Health Canada has granted market authorization for Dysport to treat cervical dystonia, spasticity, limb spasticity, and migraine prevention.
- Excessive Sweating: It is an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis by blocking the nerve impulses to sweat glands.
Combining Dysport with other treatments
For total skin rejuvenation, many patients combine neurotoxins with other cosmetic procedures.
- Dermal Filler: While Dysport stops muscle contraction, a dermal filler like Restylane Kysse or other facial volume loss solutions can fill in deep folds.
- SkinPen Microneedling: To improve skin texture and stimulate collagen.
- Laser Treatments & Chemical Peels: To fix sun damage and surface fine lines.
- Surgical Options: Some patients eventually move toward an abdominoplasty or facelift, but neuromodulators remain the gold standard for non-surgical wrinkle reduction.
How to find a clinic in Ontario
When searching for a provider, use a Clinic Locator or check the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine to find qualified experts. Whether you are in Oakville, Waterloo, or the heart of Toronto, check the clinic’s website for Before and After photos.
Look for clinics like Beauty Aesthetics, Toronto. Ensure they follow all Medical Devices Regulations and regulatory requirement standards set by the province. When booking, they will often ask for your city and postal code to find the nearest location.
Important safety information
This guide is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute a diagnosis.
- Autoimmune Disorders: People with certain neuromuscular or autoimmune disorders should exercise caution.
- Pregnancy: There is no definitive proof that it causes a birth defect, but it is generally avoided during pregnancy.
- Reporting: Any medical device incidents should be reported via the Canada website for health monitoring.
Summary of Dysport for the Forehead
The forehead is often the first place we notice aging. By using Dysport® Aesthetic, you can temporarily pause the muscle activity that causes these lines. With a fast recovery time and a high patient satisfaction rate, it remains one of the most requested cosmetic injections in Canada.
Remember that dosing is personal. What works for one user might not be enough for another. Always follow the treatment plan created by your healthcare provider to ensure a safe and beautiful result.
Ready to smooth your forehead lines? Visit our website to book a consultation at one of our medical clinics. Our team of healthcare practitioners is ready to help you achieve a refreshed, youthful look with the latest in Botulinum Toxin A technology.
Note: Dysport™, Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin® are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
