Dysport is one of the fastest, most effective ways to soften frown lines, forehead creases, and crow’s feet without surgery or downtime. At Glow Aesthetic Center in Encino, our experienced injectors use Dysport to deliver natural-looking results that develop within days and leave your expressions intact. Whether you’re comparing Dysport vs. Botox or exploring neurotoxin treatments for the first time, this guide covers everything you need to know: what Dysport is, who can get it, the areas it treats, how to prepare, how to care for your skin afterward, and answers to the questions we hear most often.
What Is Dysport?
Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) is a prescription injectable in a category called neuromodulators. It’s derived from botulinum toxin type A, the same family of ingredients as Botox and Xeomin. When injected into a specific facial muscle, Dysport temporarily interrupts the signal between the nerve and that muscle, so the muscle relaxes and stops pulling the skin into a crease. The result is smoother skin over the treated area while your ability to smile, laugh, and show emotion stays intact.
How Dysport Works
Every time you frown, squint, or raise your brows, the muscles beneath your skin contract and fold the skin above them. Over years of repetition, those folds become etched lines that remain even when your face is at rest. Dysport blocks the release of acetylcholine, the chemical messenger that tells the muscle to contract. With that signal paused, the muscle softens, and the overlying skin gradually smooths out.
For frown lines, your injector places one small injection into each of five points between and above the eyebrows. The entire procedure usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Most patients notice initial changes within two to three days, with full results visible by about two weeks, depending on the treatment area, dosage, and how your body responds.
Dysport vs. Botox vs. Xeomin: What’s the Difference?
Dysport, Botox, and Xeomin all come from botulinum toxin type A and relax muscles through the same mechanism. Glow Aesthetic Center offers all three, and the differences in their formulations influence which one your injector may recommend.
|
Botox |
Dysport |
Xeomin |
| FDA approval (cosmetic) |
2002 |
2009 |
2011 |
| Typical onset |
3–7 days |
2–5 days |
3–7 days |
| Typical duration |
3–4 months |
3–4 months |
3–4 months |
| Spread from injection site |
Narrower |
Wider |
Moderate |
| Often preferred for |
Precise, smaller areas |
Forehead and broader zones |
Patients who want a “naked” toxin with no accessory proteins |
Dysport’s molecules are smaller and diffuse a bit more widely than Botox, which makes it a practical choice for larger areas like the forehead and can mean fewer injection points. It also tends to take effect slightly faster. Xeomin contains no accessory proteins, which some providers believe may reduce the chance of developing resistance over many years of treatment.
One important note: Dysport and Botox units are not interchangeable. It generally takes about 2.5 to 3 units of Dysport to equal 1 unit of Botox, so a “higher” Dysport unit count does not mean you’re receiving more product. Your injector calculates dosing accordingly, and pricing per unit reflects this difference.
Who Makes Dysport?
Dysport is manufactured by Galderma, a global dermatology company and the maker of Restylane and Sculptra. The product was first approved in Europe in the early 1990s for muscle spasm disorders and received FDA approval in the United States in 2009 for the treatment of moderate to severe glabellar (frown) lines. It was only the second wrinkle-relaxing injectable to earn that approval, and today it’s a staple of neuromodulator treatment alongside Botox and Xeomin.
Who Can Get Dysport?
Dysport is safe for most healthy adults, but not everyone is an ideal match. Before any treatment at Glow Aesthetic Center, your injector reviews your health history and goals to confirm that Dysport is the right choice for you.
Ideal Candidates for Dysport
You’re likely a good candidate for Dysport if you:
- Are a healthy adult between 18 and 65 with moderate to severe frown lines, forehead lines, or crow’s feet caused by repeated muscle movement
- Want to soften existing lines or prevent them from deepening
- Have realistic expectations and understand that results are temporary and require maintenance
- Have no history of allergic reaction to botulinum toxin products
- Are not pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
A simple test your injector may use: if your lines soften noticeably when you gently spread the skin apart with your fingers, they’re likely driven by muscle movement and will respond well to Dysport. Lines that remain etched even when the skin is stretched may benefit from a combination approach that includes dermal filler or skin-resurfacing treatments.
Who Should Avoid Dysport
Dysport is not recommended if you:
- Are allergic to Dysport, any of its ingredients, or cow’s milk protein
- Have had an allergic reaction to another botulinum toxin product such as Botox, Xeomin, or Myobloc
- Have a skin infection or active inflammation at the planned injection site
- Have a neuromuscular condition such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome
- Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
You should also let your injector know if you have a bleeding disorder, swallowing or breathing problems, diabetes, an irregular heart rhythm, or a history of facial surgery, or if you’re taking aminoglycoside antibiotics, muscle relaxants, or blood thinners. None of these automatically rule you out, but they shape how your provider approaches dosing and placement. A thorough consultation covers all of this before you’re ever treated.
What Areas Does Dysport Treat?
Once your injector confirms you’re a good fit, the next conversation is about where Dysport will go to work. Each area responds a little differently, so placement and dosage are tailored to the specific lines bothering you.
Glabellar Lines (Frown Lines or “11s”)
The vertical creases between your eyebrows are the area Dysport was designed for and its FDA-approved indication. Treatment follows a set pattern of five injection points between and above the brows, and the visit typically wraps up in 10 to 20 minutes. Your injector maps the exact placement based on your muscle strength and brow shape, which is why results look relaxed rather than frozen.
Forehead Lines
Horizontal forehead lines form from repeatedly raising your eyebrows. Dysport’s wider spread works in its favor across the broad surface of the forehead, often allowing fewer injection points for even coverage. Your injector evaluates your brow position and muscle strength before settling on a dose, since over-treating the forehead can cause the brows to feel heavy. Forehead treatment is an off-label but very common use of Dysport.
Crow’s Feet
Crow’s feet, the fine lines that fan out from the outer corners of your eyes, come from repeated contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle when you smile and squint. A few small injections on each side relax the muscle and soften the lines while preserving your natural smile. Sessions take under 30 minutes, and any mild swelling or pinpoint bruising typically resolves within a few days.
Other Areas Your Injector May Recommend
Beyond the three primary zones, your injector may suggest Dysport for bunny lines on the nose, a subtle brow lift, a “lip flip” to show slightly more of the upper lip, a dimpled chin, vertical neck bands, or masseter (jaw) slimming for teeth grinding and facial contouring. Whether any of these fit your plan depends on your anatomy and goals, and your injector will walk you through the options during your consultation.
What to Expect During Your Dysport Treatment in Encino
Your Dysport appointment at Glow Aesthetic Center follows a predictable rhythm built around comfort and precision.
Your Consultation
Every treatment starts with a conversation, not a needle. Your injector reviews your goals, medical history, current medications and supplements, and any prior neurotoxin treatments. They’ll watch how your facial muscles move when you smile, frown, and raise your brows, and may take “before” photos so you can compare results later. This is also where you’ll get a clear picture of how many units you’ll need and what your treatment will cost.
The Injection Process
Once your plan is set, your provider cleanses the treatment area and marks the injection sites. The needle used for Dysport is extremely fine, and most patients describe each injection as a quick pinch rather than real pain. A topical numbing cream or ice is available if you’d like it. For glabellar lines, treatment follows the standard five-point pattern; other areas are mapped to your anatomy. From start to finish, the injections themselves take about 10 to 20 minutes, and you can return to work or your day immediately afterward.
When You’ll See Results and How Long They Last
Dysport is known for its fast onset. Some patients notice softening within 24 hours, most see visible changes within two to three days, and full results settle in by day 10 to 14 as the treated muscles reach complete relaxation. Results generally last three to four months, though some patients enjoy effects closer to five months depending on their metabolism and muscle activity. Scheduling your next visit every three to four months keeps your results consistent before full muscle movement returns.
Before Your Dysport Treatment: Pre-Care Guidelines
Good results start before your injector picks up a syringe. A few small adjustments in the days leading up to your appointment can reduce bruising and swelling and help your treatment go smoothly.
- Pause blood-thinning medications and supplements for about 5 to 7 days before treatment, if your prescribing doctor approves. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, garlic supplements, and St. John’s Wort. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is fine. Never stop a prescription blood thinner without checking with your doctor first.
- Skip alcohol for 24 to 48 hours before your appointment. Alcohol dilates blood vessels and raises your chance of bruising.
- Pause retinoids and strong actives such as retinol, tretinoin, glycolic acid, and other exfoliating products for a few days before treatment so your skin is less reactive.
- Arrive with clean skin. Come in with no makeup, sunscreen, or heavy moisturizer on the treatment area so your injector can clearly see your muscle movement and mark injection points accurately.
- Avoid sunburn. Sunburned or heavily tanned skin reacts differently to injections, so limit sun exposure in the days beforehand.
- Stay hydrated and eat beforehand. Arriving well-hydrated and not on an empty stomach helps you feel comfortable during the appointment.
- Plan around events. If you have a wedding, photoshoot, or special occasion coming up, book at least two to three weeks ahead so your results have fully settled.
- Share your full health history. Tell your injector about every medication, supplement, allergy, and health condition, even ones that seem unrelated. These details shape how your provider doses and places each injection.
After Your Dysport Treatment: Aftercare Tips
What you do in the hours and days after your appointment plays a direct role in how evenly Dysport settles and how quickly any swelling or bruising fades.
The First 4 Hours
- Stay upright. Don’t lie down, nap, or bend over for at least four hours. This keeps the product in the intended muscle.
- Don’t touch, rub, or massage the treated area. Pressure can shift Dysport into neighboring muscles.
- Skip hats, headbands, and tight glasses that press on the injection sites.
- Gently exercise the treated muscles. Lightly frowning, smiling, or raising your brows a few times during the first hour or two can help Dysport bind to the targeted muscle. Keep it subtle.
- Avoid heat. No hot showers, saunas, hot yoga, or anything that makes your face flush.
The First 24 Hours
- No strenuous exercise. Running, weightlifting, cycling, and aerobics increase blood flow and can spread the product beyond the treatment zone. A leisurely walk is fine; save the workout for tomorrow.
- Skip makeup on the treated area for the rest of the day to avoid irritating the injection sites.
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours after treatment to minimize bruising.
- Use Tylenol, not aspirin or ibuprofen, if you need pain relief.
- Apply a cool compress (not direct ice) to the area for a few minutes at a time if you notice swelling or tenderness.
- Sleep on your back with your head elevated on your first night.
The First 2 Weeks
- Expect gradual results. You’ll notice the treated muscles weakening over the first one to three days, with full results by day 10 to 14.
- Mild bruising or tenderness usually resolves within a few days; in sensitive patients, bruising can occasionally last up to two weeks and can be covered with makeup after the first day.
- Hold off on facials, chemical peels, lasers, microneedling, and additional injectables in the treated area for about two weeks so your skin and muscles can recover fully.
- Schedule your two-week check-in. We like to see you around day 14 to evaluate your results and make any small adjustments if needed.
Possible Side Effects of Dysport
Most patients experience only minor, short-lived reactions, and many experience none at all. The most common side effects include:
- Mild redness, swelling, tenderness, or pinpoint bruising at the injection sites, usually clearing within a few days
- A mild headache in the first day or two
- A temporary feeling of heaviness or tightness as the treated muscles relax
- Nasal or throat irritation, or flu-like symptoms, in a small number of patients
Eyelid or brow drooping (ptosis) is the side effect patients ask about most. It’s uncommon, especially with an experienced injector, and when it does occur it resolves on its own within a few days to a few weeks as the product wears off.
Rare but serious reactions deserve immediate attention. Contact your provider or seek medical care right away if you experience difficulty swallowing or breathing, muscle weakness spreading beyond the treated area, double or blurred vision, hoarseness or trouble speaking, or loss of bladder control. These effects are very rare with cosmetic doses, but they can occur hours to weeks after injection and are more likely in patients with pre-existing neuromuscular, swallowing, or breathing conditions. This is why disclosing your full medical and medication history during your consultation matters.
Why Choose Glow Aesthetic Center for Dysport in Encino, CA
The provider holding the syringe determines whether your results look naturally refreshed or noticeably “done.” At Glow Aesthetic Center, Dysport is one of our most-requested treatments, and we approach every appointment with that reality in mind.
- Experienced, licensed injectors. Our team of nurse practitioners and registered nurses performs neurotoxin treatments every day and tailors dosing and placement to your unique muscle structure, not a one-size-fits-all map.
- A real consultation first. We review your history, your goals, and your facial movement before recommending anything. If Dysport isn’t the best fit, we’ll tell you, and we’ll explain whether Botox, Xeomin, filler, or a combination makes more sense.
- Natural results, never frozen. Our goal is for you to look like yourself, only more rested. We dose conservatively on first visits and bring you back at two weeks to fine-tune.
- Comfort options. Numbing cream and Pro-Nox nitrous oxide are available if you’re anxious about injections.
- Transparent pricing and flexible payment. Dysport is priced per unit, and you’ll know your total before treatment begins. We offer financing through Cherry and CareCredit, plus a membership program with ongoing savings for patients who maintain their results regularly.
- Trusted by the community. With over 1,400 five-star Google reviews, Glow Aesthetic Center is one of the San Fernando Valley’s highest-rated med spas, serving Encino, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, Reseda, and the greater Los Angeles area.
Book Your Dysport Treatment at Glow Aesthetic Center
A smoother forehead and softer frown lines start with a single appointment. Glow Aesthetic Center makes it simple: a straightforward consultation, a treatment that takes minutes, and a team available to answer your questions long after you’ve left the office.
Book online or call us to schedule your Dysport consultation in Encino today.
Glow Aesthetic Center – Encino
17200 Ventura Blvd., Suite 302, Encino, CA 91316
Phone / Text: (818) 905-8815
Book an Appointment Online
Hours: Monday & Friday 9 AM–4 PM · Tuesday–Thursday 9 AM–6 PM · Sunday 9 AM–4:30 PM · Saturday closed
Also available at our Thousand Oaks location.
