Everything you need to know about Injectables: Dysport, Restylane Filler, & Sculptra
We’ve broken down everything you need to know about which facial injectable does what (and what to expect after treatment).
Why do we prefer Dysport over other neuromodulators on the market?
Dysport kicks in faster than its competitors. Some patients see results in as little as 24 hours! It is also a little stronger and works more efficiently than other neuromodulators, especially for difficult forehead lines. It's also a bit more cost-effective, so our practice is able to pass those savings along to the patient.
Which areas can we treat with Dysport?
Furrowed brows
Forehead lines
Crow’s feet (wrinkles at the corners of the eyes)
Bunny lines (wrinkles beside the nose)
Smile lines or laugh lines
Frown lines
Vertical lip lines
Eyebrow reshaping
Platysmal Neck Bands
Preventing wrinkles from deepening over time
Early prevention of the effects of aging
Recovery Timeline: What to expect after Dysport?
1 Day: Expect some redness and "mosquito bite" like injection site swelling. This will resolve in 15-30 minutes. Small needle stick bruising might happen, but it's rare. Avoid the injected areas for at least 4 hours.
2 days: You can return to all normal activity, including exercise!
5 - 7 Days: Lines soften and begin to fade, skin appears to be smoother!
14 Days: Optimal results! This is also the time you should book a touch-up, or follow-up appointment if you feel like one is needed.
1-3 Months - Enjoy your results!
3 – 4 Months: Time to schedule your next Dysport visit!
Lip Injections:
Lip filler treatment addresses several areas of cosmetic concern, including the following:
Eradicates lip lines and fine wrinkles
Makes lips more symmetrical (top and bottom, or left and right side)
Adjusts the contour and shape of the lips
Enhances the size and volume of the lips
Recovery Timeline: What to expect after lip injections?
Day 1: Yay! Lip filler day! What to expect: Melissa will go over your lip goals, discuss expectations and assess your lip and facial anatomy. She will take photos and will apply a lidocaine numbing cream to the area to reduce pain. It takes about 15 minutes for the numbing cream to take effect. Your lips will then be prepped with an aseptic cleanser. During the injections you’ll feel the pinch of the needle, and hopefully little else. After your injections, you’ll be sent home with Aquaphor lip ointment, ice and after-care instructions.
2 – 3 Days: These are the days your lips will be the most swollen and possibly bruised. They might look asymmetrical and feel firm or lumpy. This is normal. Keep them moisturized with Aquaphor and don't squish them or squeeze them with your fingers. This can cause more swelling and prolong your healing. It's important not to have any big events or photos scheduled during this time. You'll want to ice your lips, relax and trust the healing process! But always call the office if you have concerns or questions.
3 – 4 Days: At this point, the swelling is starting to subside, but still present, lips feel softer, but might still be a bit tender. You'll start to see your lips taking on a beautiful shape! You can resume wearing lipstick or lip gloss.
Day 14: Swelling and bruising will be completely gone and your lips will be healed. At this point, a follow-up appointment is recommended for any necessary touch-ups or adjustments to shape and size. After four weeks, you’ll see the final result.
6+ Months: Most patients will enjoy their rejuvenated lips for up to 6 -9 months, or longer.
*It is important to note that if you have a history of cold sores or herpes simplex virus Type 1, outbreaks can be provoked by lip filler injections. You will need to start an anti-viral medication prior to your appointment if you are susceptible to cold sores.
Fillers:
Dermal fillers are a wonderful non-invasive treatment for smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, and for replacing lost facial volume. We get asked frequently why we prefer the Restylane family of fillers over other competitors in the market. That's an easy answer. Restylane fillers are the true workhorses of all hyaluronic fillers. The versatility they offer is unmatched. It's easy to get caught up in what the newest or "next best" filler product is, and we've tried them all. In our opinion, Restylane is just the most dependable and gives predictable results. Whether we are treating your lips, cheeks, chin or even your hands, Restylane has the perfect product designed specifically for your needs.
Recovery Timeline: What to expect after fillers?
1 day: What to expect at your consultation/filler treatment appointment: Melissa will discuss with you what goals you are trying to achieve with the treatment, as well as talk you through the procedure. She'll assess your facial anatomy and provide you with a treatment plan and discuss, if necessary, which other services our office can provide to help you achieve your filler goals! If you choose to have injections the same day, photos will be taken, your skin will be prepped with an aseptic cleanser and depending on which area of the face you are having treated, a topical numbing cream will be applied. In most cases, a filler treatment session will last approximately 30 minutes.
During the filler treatment, you may experience slight needle stick pain, redness, swelling, and potential bruising. These side-effects will usually subside between a few hours to a few days. You'll be given Arnica gel and ice along with post-procedure instructions. You'll want to avoid any vigorous exercise following your injections for 24 hours. Typically, results are immediate and after photos will be taken. You'll want to ice the treated areas on and off until bedtime, and call the office if you have concerns or questions.
2 – 7 Days: Swelling probably will be present during this phase of healing. We suggest that you sleep with your head elevated by an extra pillow to help alleviate this. The treated areas may feel firm to touch during this time also. This typically resolves by day 5 and the tissues will return to being soft and supple. You can apply makeup as needed and resume your normal activities.
14 Days: Everything should be healed! All bruising and swelling will be gone. This is also the time to schedule a follow-up appointment for after photos or a possible touch-up if needed.
6 + Months: Most patients will enjoy their dermal fillers for 6-9 months, if not longer! However, it is not unusual to come in twice a year to maintain your rejuvenated look.
Sculptra:
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable (Poly -L- Lactic Acid) that subtly and gradually stimulates your body's natural collagen supply to restore lost facial volume. Studies have shown that by the age of 35, the natural aging process causes us to lose about 10% of the fat in our faces, and we lose an additional 5-10% of our facial volume every 5-10 years thereafter. Sculptra helps to restore this lost volume, but it does it in a subtle way and lasts longer than traditional dermal fillers.
Who is Sculptra for?
Sculptra is great for anyone who wants to restore youth and balance to areas of their midface, jawline, or temples.
What can a patient expect at the first Sculptra consultation/treatment?
At your initial visit, Melissa will discuss why Sculptra would be a great option for you. She'll go over expectations, assess your facial anatomy and go over your treatment plan. A consultation is first recommended before having Sculptra injections because the product has to be prepped a few days before it can be used.
On the day of your injections, your skin will be prepped with an aseptic cleanser, photos will be taken and measurements and markings will be made on your skin to determine where your injections will be placed. Because Sculptra is mixed with lidocaine, you will experience some numbing sensations that will help ease the discomfort of the treatment. After the injections, a facial massage will be performed and you will be instructed on aftercare.
How much Sculptra is needed for optimal results, and how long does it last?
The typical Sculptra candidate will need anywhere from 4-6 vials of Sculptra to achieve desired results. These vials are injected two at a time 4-6 weeks apart. A touch-up vial may be needed annually to maintain results. Results should last 2-3 years on average.
Meet Melissa, Aesthetic Nurse Injector,
West Magnolia Plastic Surgery & The Retreat Medical Spa
I'm Melissa, aesthetic nurse injector for West Magnolia Plastic Surgery. I have practiced nursing for over 18 years, with 10 years of aesthetic injecting experience. I love being an aesthetic nurse because it allows me to help people feel more confident in their own skin and address their concerns about how they look and feel from the outside in. I am passionate about educating my patients and providing them with the information they need to make the best decisions regarding their treatment plan.
I specialize in cosmetic injections such as Dysport®, lips, chin, temple & cheek augmentation, jawline contouring, volume replacement, & cellulite injections.