Dysport Side Effects and Risks

If you are a fan of Botox, then you may have heard of its close cousin, Dysport. This injectable neurotoxin is derived from the same protein as Botox, and, like Botox, Dysport is used by thousands of cosmetic surgeons across the United States daily.

Since gaining approval by the Food and Drug Administration in early 2009, Dysport has been used to fade deep facial lines as well as to treat cervical dystonia, a disorder that causes abnormality in neck and head posture along with neck pain. During a Dysport treatment, the chemical is injected into the muscle beneath the skin. After approximately a week, the muscle will become relaxed and the appearance of deep lines will diminish.

Dysport injection is an extremely safe procedure. However, as is the case with most medications, the chemical can cause unwanted side effects in select patients. The most common side effects are similar for both Botox and Dysport. Post-injection side effects include temporary headache, tenderness at the injection site, redness, and mild bruising. These symptoms are typically reported as moderate. A small percentage of patients may experience more severe symptoms such as a rash or allergic reaction.

Dysport patients may also experience mild or severe symptoms of “spreading,” which is where the chemical migrates to other parts of the body. In mild cases, spreading can cause drooping of eyebrow muscles near the treated areas. In severe cases, patients may experience symptoms of botulism, a serious illness involving trouble breathing, muscular weakness, dry mouth, loss of bladder control, dysphagia (difficult or painful swallowing), dysphonia (difficulty speaking), and eye disorders such as blurred vision or diplopia (double vision).

Swallowing or breathing difficulties can be life-threatening, and some deaths from Dysport have been reported. People with certain breathing problems are at greater risk for complications resulting from Dysport. These effects could make it unsafe for you to operate a vehicle or take part in other potentially-harmful activities.

To prevent experiencing any dangerous side effects, make sure you receive Dysport treatments from an experienced, licensed medical professional who is aware of your medical history as well as any prescription or over-the-counter drugs you may be taking.

Consult with a skin care specialists for deeper insight into the possible side effects of a Dysport injection. To book a consultation, or to research providers in your area, contact us today.

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