Lumpy red swollen sore bumps from Dysport (photo)

I'm sorry this is happening to you. I'm not sure the cause of your swelling and redness. I think you should get a second opinion from an experienced injector while you're on the antibiotics.  An expert who can do an in-person examination can give you the appropriate the diagnosis.  

Hi panddee, and sorry to hear about your experience.
It is difficult to say without examining your skin in person, but this could be a result of either early localised infection or a low-grade allergic reaction. Muscle relaxants must be reconstituted (mixed with saline) before use. Whilst the manufacturers of Dysport recommend using a sterile saline free of preservatives for reconstitution, some practitioners will use a preserved saline for reconstitution. It is possible that the preservative has irritated the area around the injection sites.
If you are being treated with antibiotics and antihistamines you are being treated for both possible infection or allergic reaction. I recommend keeping a close eye on the area, and seeking medical attention should it not improve over the next few days, if you start experiencing fevers or if the redness of the skin begins spreading.
All the best,
Dr Scott.

Thanks for your question and the photos – they are helpful here.  We always recommend that you have these injections given in the offices of board certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons as we are the true experts not only in their use but in how to handle any untoward events, such as you are having now.  First, you need a second opinion – what you are experiencing is not very normal and needs to be looked at by a true expert.  An infection is possible, but that is very rare with toxin injections and an allergy seems highly unlikely with the pain you are describing.  You are on antibiotics which is good and this should help things – I would add in ice to reduce the swelling more – and I would find the best person in your area to evaluate what is going on now.  If you have had this done in the past without problems, perhaps in the future you go back to where you had it done before – if you went somewhere new because of price, that sometimes is a red-flag that you are not going to a real expert injector.  I hope this resolves quick for you.

Thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear that you are going through this. This is a very uncommon reaction - especially if you have had Dysport in the past. My only thought is that you are having a reaction from the saline that was mixed with the Dysport and/or an infection. Needless to say, you are on an antibiotic already, so that should clear up the infection. The only other thing that I can think of is perhaps being placed on a medrol dose pack to help decrease a potential allergic reaction - however, only your injector can make that decision. The good news is that it does seem to be getting better based on your photos. Hopefully it will clear up fairly soon. I would suggest close follow-up with your injector, or seeing a new Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist who injects Dysport often and can better evaluate you in person for a second opinion. Best of luck! 

I dont like the way there spots look. If it were allergy I would suspect a wider more diffuse area of redness swelling and itchiness. This looks like discrete red papule in the area of the injection. I believe either trauma from the injections themselves ( you mentioned it was painful) or an infection. Since starting the antibiotic continue for the course and warm soaks may help. However see a physician for followup to make sure this is clearing up as expected

This is obviously not normal and needs evaluation soon. It looks like a probable infection. It also could be an allergy which is usually to the preservative in the saline used - benzoyl alcohol. You can test this by doing an injection of the saline into the forearm. These are treated differently so an in person evaluation is needed. 

Thank you for your question. This post treatment presentation is uncommon and should be reviewed in person by an appropriately trained and experienced practitioner. From the photos, it appears to be a likely localised superficial infection and/or an allergic reaction mostly likely to the preservative used in the normal saline solution. Thankfully you are on both antibiotics and antihistamines to treat both likely causes and over time these unwanted side-effects are expected to resolve.

If you are based in Sydney and are still experiencing difficulties in finding an appropriate practitioner to review your case, we are able to refer you to an appropriate expert in the field.





Best wishes

it is very weird to have any signs of a dysport injection days after, other than either a small bruise at the injection site.  If there is swelling, tenderness, and redness, there may be an infection or an allergic reaction.   I would continue to treat with abtibiotics, and allergy medications and then seek what it is that you are allergic to.  You should ask for the lot number of the dysport,what it was mixed with and what kind of needle.  You should also find out of any other patient developed a reaction.  

BEst of luck