Botox and Dysport are powerhouse treatments when it comes to softening fine lines and wrinkles, but did you know there are ways to extend and enhance your results? From pre-treatment prep to post-care and maintenance, here’s your ultimate guide to maximising the longevity and effectiveness of your anti-wrinkle injections.
[Botox & Dysport: Same same but different]
Before Your Treatment: Setting Yourself Up for Success
A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your treatment is smooth and your results last longer. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Avoid Blood Thinners – Reduce your risk of bruising by avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and alcohol for at least 48 hours before your appointment.
- Hydrate & Nourish – Well-hydrated skin responds better to treatment, so up your water intake and keep your skin moisturised.
- Skip the Gym on Treatment Day – Vigorous exercise can increase blood flow and the risk of product migration.
- Know Your Product – Botox and Dysport are both excellent wrinkle relaxers, but one may work better for your anatomy and metabolism than the other. If you feel like your results could last longer or be more effective, talk to your injector about switching products to see which suits you best.
[Affordable Luxury: how to make botox & dysport fit your budget]
During Your Appointment: Optimising Your Experience
- Communicate Your Goals – Be clear about your desired results. Whether you want a soft, natural look or a more frozen effect, your injector will adjust dosing accordingly.
- Stay Still & Relaxed – This helps your injector place the product precisely where it needs to go.
- Follow Aftercare Advice – Your injector will provide aftercare guidelines – follow them carefully to ensure optimal results.
After Your Treatment: The Do’s & Don’ts
DO:
- Stay upright for 4 hours post-treatment.
- Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area.
- Use a gentle skincare routine that supports skin barrier health.
- Keep up hydration – inside and out!
- Wear SPF daily to protect your skin from UV damage and premature ageing.
DON’T:
- Engage in strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
- Drink excessive alcohol or take blood-thinning medications for a day or two.
- Sleep face-down the first night.
- Get facials, chemical peels, or laser treatments for at least two weeks post-injection.
Between Treatments: Keeping Your Skin in Peak Condition
Your Botox or Dysport results will naturally wear off over time, but there’s plenty you can do to prolong the effects and keep your skin looking its best between appointments.
- Consistency is Key – Regular treatments every 3-4 months prevent deep wrinkles from forming and help train the muscles to relax over time.
- Good Skincare is Non-Negotiable – A strong skin barrier ensures smooth, plump skin, so invest in high-quality skincare tailored to your needs. Ingredients like peptides, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants can complement your anti-wrinkle treatments beautifully.
- Regular Facials – Treatments like our lactic peel, A-Zyme peel, LED treatments, or the Total Sense - Calm and Repair facial keep skin in top condition and enhance your injectable results.
- Supplement with Skin Boosters – Treatments like Profhilo or Sunekos help with skin hydration, elasticity, and fine lines, making them great add-ons to your Botox/Dysport routine.
What’s in Your Control – and What’s Not
While good skincare and maintenance play a massive role in how long your Botox or Dysport lasts, some factors are simply out of your hands:
- Metabolism – Faster metabolisms can break down the product more quickly.
- Anatomy & Muscle Strength – Some people naturally have stronger facial muscles that require higher doses or more frequent treatments.
- Lifestyle Factors – Smoking, stress, and excessive sun exposure can shorten your results.
Your injector will work with you to create a plan that suits your unique needs, but understanding these factors can help set realistic expectations.
Alternative Treatments for Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Not sure if Botox or Dysport is for you? We offer plenty of other treatments at Ivy Clinic that can help with fine lines and skin rejuvenation:
- Skin needling with Exosomes – Boosts collagen and repairs the skin barrier for firmer, smoother skin.
- IPL Treatments – Help with pigmentation, texture, and fine lines for an overall refreshed look.
- Skin needling for Scarring & Rejuvenation – A great option for refining skin texture and promoting collagen production.
- Cosmelan for Pigmentation – If sun damage is a concern alongside wrinkles, Cosmelan can help even out skin tone and improve overall skin health.
Final Thoughts: Your Best Skin Awaits
Getting the most out of your Botox or Dysport treatment isn’t just about the injections—it’s about a holistic approach to skin health. By taking care of your skin at home, investing in regular treatments, and working with your injector to find the right product and treatment plan, you’ll enjoy smoother, more youthful-looking skin for longer.
Ready to optimise your results? Book your next appointment with us at Ivy Clinic, and let’s create a plan tailored just for you!
BOTOX® ASK YOUR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL IF BOTOX® IS RIGHT FOR YOU. BOTOX® is an unfunded medicine for aesthetic procedures so you will need to pay for the medicine and any other charges. BOTOX® is a Prescription Medicine containing 50,100 or 200 units of clostridium botulinum Type A toxin complex for injection. It is used for the treatment of frown lines, crows feet and horizontal forehead lines. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Cautions: people with defective neuro-muscular transmission disorders, presence of infection at site of injection, glaucoma, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, pain, burning or redness at injection site, local muscle weakness including drooping eye lids, lack of feeling & nausea. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risks of this procedure or if you have concerns or side effects. For more information, please refer to the BOTOX® Consumer Medicine Information on the MEDSAFE website http://www.medsafe.govt.nz Note: BOTOX® treatment lasts about four months and after this time further courses of treatment may be necessary. Speak to your specialist about your own situation. BOTOX® and its design are trademarks of Allergan, Inc., an AbbVie company.
DYSPORT® ASK YOUR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL IF DYSPORT® IS RIGHT FOR YOU. Dysport® is an unfunded medicine for aesthetic indications. Product and treatment costs apply. Dysport® is a prescription medicine contains 300 or 500 U of botulinum toxin, distributed in NZ by Galderma Australia Pty Ltd, North Sydney, NSW, for the treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet around the eyes. Dysport® has risks and benefits. Ask your healthcare professional if Dysport® is right for you and to explain the possible side effects. Tell them if any side effects concern you. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS YOU ARE GIVEN. For details on precautions and side effects, see the Consumer Medicines Information at www.medsafe.govt.nz. Dysport® is a registered trademark of Ipsen Pty Ltd. Galderma is a registered trademark of Galderma Holding S.A