You’re wondering how long it takes until your Dysport starts working. Dysport typically starts showing activity within 24 to 48 hours (a full 1-2 days earlier than Botox), most people see visible softening by days 3 to 4, and the full effect is usually present between days 7 and 14. Results commonly last about 3 to 4 months for areas like the forehead and frown lines.
How long until Dysport works: quick answer and timeline overview
Here’s the answer that matches real-world experience. Dysport onset time is usually 24 to 48 hours. The time for Dysport to take effect enough to notice in photos or by feel is often 3 to 4 days. Peak effect arrives at 7 to 14 days. Duration averages 12 to 16 weeks, depending on dose, muscle strength, and your metabolism.
- First signs in 24–48 hours. Subtle easing when you frown or squint.
- Meaningful change by days 3–4. Lines look softer and frowning is more difficult.
- Peak smoothing at days 7–14. Peak onset and little to no muscle movement.
- Time to wear off is about 3–4 months. Maintenance at 3 – 3-½ months keeps results consistent and noticeable. For some patients that get treatments consistently, results can last up to 5-6 months.
| Milestone | Typical time | What you’ll notice | Notes |
| First signs | 24–48 hours | Movement feels a touch lighter | Not obvious to others yet |
| Visible softening | Days 3–4 | Creases look shallower | Most people notice here |
| Peak effect | Days 7–14 | Smoothest look, best symmetry | Ideal review point |
| Wear time | 12–16 weeks | Gradual return of movement | Plan maintenance at 3–4 months |
Dysport effectiveness timeline: from first signs to full effect
First signs of activity: 24–48 hours
When does Dysport start working? Usually within the first two days you’ll feel a slight change in muscle pull. It’s subtle. A raised brow doesn’t feel as strong, and that deep frown meets more resistance. This early shift reflects the neuromodulator binding at the nerve terminal and beginning to reduce muscle contraction.
How many days until Dysport works for most people (3–5 days)
Most people ask how quickly Dysport works in a way you can actually see. By day three to four, lines look less etched. The overhead light in a bathroom suddenly feels kinder. That’s the practical window when everyday photos and face-to-face conversations show a change. Clinical protocols often set follow up around two weeks, but a noticeable difference commonly arrives well before that.
Peak effect window: 7–14 days
Time until Dysport shows best results is about one to two weeks. The peak is where smoothing looks most uniform and symmetry is present. If any small adjustments are needed, this window is ideal for a touch-up discussion because dosing and placement can be refined after the full Dysport effect emerges.
Area-specific onset times: forehead, frown lines, crow’s feet
How long until Dysport works on forehead
Forehead lines come from the frontalis, a broad, active muscle above the brows. Onset sits in the same 24 to 48 hour window, with visible softening by days 3 to 4. Full balancing arrives around days 7 to 14. Stronger, more expressive foreheads sometimes need a slightly higher dose to achieve a similar timeline and result, and conservative dosing can mean a softer looking first week that builds into the peak onset at week 2.
When does Dysport start working on glabellar frown lines
Glabellar frown lines, the “11s,” often show early effects. The small area, including the corrugator and procerus muscles responds quickly, so patients often report movement reduction within 24 to 48 hours and visible smoothing by days 3 to 4. A standard on‑label plan for severe glabellar (frown) lines is 50 – 60 units of abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport) divided across five to seven injection locations. This pattern is designed to deliver consistent onset and peak improvement at 7 to 14 days.
Time until Dysport shows results for crow’s feet
For crow’s feet, the orbicularis oculi is the target muscle. This is the muscle that surrounds the eye and is responsible for crow’s feet lines when squinting or smiling. It is thinner, more superficial and causes dynamic wrinkles, those that show up while smiling. Many notice an early decrease in muscle activity within 24 to 48 hours and cosmetic softening by days 3 to 4. Peak improvement arrives at the one to two week mark. Proper dosing here preserves natural smiling ability but softens the lines usually present when we smile (the crow’s feet). Expect a smoother outer eye without a flat look. A quick anecdote heard from many injectors. “Give it a week,” and the squint lines look less noticeable under bright sunlight.
What affects how quickly Dysport works (and how to support optimal onset)
Biology and metabolism
Individual biology can make a difference. Stronger baseline muscle activity needs more time and dose to tamp down movement. It has been surmised that some patients that exercise more regularly will metabolize neurotoxins like Dysport more quickly than others, but there is no scientific basis for these theories. Consistent neuromodulator use can often lead to steadier, more consistent results because conditioned muscles relax more predictably with repeated cycles. Muscle atrophy with repeated Dysport injections can also lead to quicker onset and better, longer lasting outcomes.
Dosage, muscle strength, and treatment plan
Dose and mapping matter. Under‑dosing leaves residual movement and slower perceived change. Over‑dosing flattens expression without a natural appearance. On‑label dosing (FDA approval) for frown lines is 50 units, but we often use 60 to provide our patients with better duration. This dose is tailored to anatomy and the severity of the frown lines. This means the dose can vary between 30 units and 90 units depending on the patient. Male patients tend to have higher muscle mass and larger doses. In addition to the dose, the placement of Dysport can have a dramatic effect on the duration of results. Placing the medication at the heart of the target muscle (depth in the skin and muscle location) will increase the duration of your results.
Forehead and crow’s feet typically require measured dosing that respects brow position, eye shape, and symmetry goals. Softening in week one, full effects at week two, and review for future tweaks after two weeks.
Injection technique and aftercare choices
Precise placement helps with quick onset because the right injection points lead to peak muscle relaxation.
- Skip heavy rubbing of injected areas for 24 hours. This helps keep the product where it was placed.
- Avoid strenuous exercise the first 4 hours after treatment. This is a precaution and not scientific, but it is thought that heat and high blood flow could affect placement.
- Keep the head upright for several hours while the product binds to the muscle. This supports accurate diffusion patterns.
- Use gentle skincare and makeup. No aggressive massaging or devices on treated areas for a day.
- Let normal facial movement happen. Everyday expressions are fine and can help the product settle evenly.
When Dysport takes full effect, settles, and how long results last
Full effect and settling for Dysport typically takes between 7 and 14 days. That’s the point where we can best evaluate muscle movement, symmetry, brow position, and how smile lines blend. Wear time averages 3 to 4 months for cosmetic areas, sometimes stretching to 4-5 months when patients are treated consistently. Dense muscle mass with high activity may need retreatment closer to the three month mark. Maintenance every 3 to 4 months prevents the full wrinkle activity from returning.
Dysport vs Botox: does Dysport work faster?
Dysport injections tend to show results a bit faster than Botox, usually in the range of 1-2 days faster. Many notice first signs with Dysport at 24 to 48 hours, while Botox often sits closer to days 2 to 3. Both reach peak onset at 7 to 14 days and both last around 3 to 4 months for cosmetic treatments. Dysport’s protein complex and diffusion characteristics can make it feel quicker and a touch more blended in larger areas like the forehead, while Botox is often chosen for very small targets where tighter localization is preferred.
Troubleshooting: why you may still have wrinkles after Dysport
“Why do I still have wrinkles after Dysport?” Several common reasons come up.
- Static lines. Etched creases from years of movement won’t fully vanish with muscle relaxation alone. They often need laser resurfacing or filler support.
- Underdose or partial map. Residual pull from untreated or lightly treated muscle fibers can keep lines visible. A small adjustment addresses this concern.
- Not enough time. If it’s day two or three, you’re early. Wait until at least day seven to judge your result.
- Anatomy and muscle strength. Very strong muscle groups need higher dosing.
- Technique variability. Precise placement is important, including both the location and depth of injections. Experienced injectors consistently inject at precise locations that provide better outcomes and increase duration.
If lines persist beyond two weeks, a checkup can help. Identify whether the issue is movement, volume, or texture. With proper assessment, your injector can provide an appropriate treatment plan.
FAQ: time for Dysport to take effect
How long does it take for Dysport to fully kick in?
Full effect typically arrives between days 7 and 14, with early signs in 24 to 48 hours and visible softening by days 3 to 4. Day 14 is the classic check‑in point because the product has reached full effect. Symmetry and residual movement can be reviewed at thai time.
Does Dysport work faster than Botox?
Yes, Dysport onset is often a bit faster, with first signs at 24 to 48 hours. Botox tends to start in 2 to 3 days. Both hit peak at 7 to 14 days and have similar durations – around 3 to 4 months.
How can I make my Dysport kick in faster?
You can’t change how quickly Dysport takes effect so planning to get in at least a week before you want to see results is important. Follow aftercare, avoid rubbing injected areas for 24 hours, skip intense workouts the first day, keep the head upright a few hours, and use gentle skincare. Give it a week. That’s when the real difference shows.
Why do I still have wrinkles after Dysport?
Static lines, underdosing, untreated areas, or judging results too early are the usual issues. If movement is reduced but lines remain etched, consider additional treatments such as filler or laser resurfacing. If movement persists, a small adjustment or dosage increase can help at the two week follow up.
Conclusion and next steps
So, how long until Dysport works? The first signs appear within 24 to 48 hours, visible softening becomes noticeable by days 3 to 4, and peak smoothing is achieved at 7 to 14 days. Plan a checkup at two weeks if you have questions or concerns. Set maintenance treatments every 3 to 4 months. Book with an experienced, neuromodulator‑savvy injector and let your goals and anatomy guide your practitioner to a treatment plan that fits your situation.
