I had an allergic reaction to restylane. My eyelids are swollen and am having trouble swallowing. Is dysport the same drug?

Question

I had 30units of dysport in between my brows. 1month later had 60unit added my forehead n brows. A week later the pa recommend restylane. Had 1/2 of syringe. Had a allergic reaction three days later still have swollen n.puffy eyelids,trouble swallowing. My dr put me on prednisone for a week. How long typically will these symptoms last? Would u recommend me getting dysport again since my attack came after the resytlane? Thank u

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Dysport is a neuromodulator and works like Botox on movement wrinkles.  It is not the same medication/product as Restylane which is a hyaluronic acid filler.  Rarely do people have true allergic reactions to HA fillers, I am sorry this happened.  Continue with the care of your physician, and if not improved or you have difficulty breathing or swallowing please go to your local ER.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Jeffrey W. Hall, MD · Answer

Dysport and Restylane are two completely different products. They have completely different functions and consists of completely different ingredients. However I would not recommend you do anything while you are still having a reaction to the Restylane and in the state of hypersensitivity.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Restylane and Dysport, as others have states, are not related and are not alike in any way. Restylane is a dermal filler made of hyaluronidase, and Dysport is a neurotoxin and has nothing to do with fillers. If you feel you are having an allergic reaction to anything, please make sure the treating physician get to see what is happening so he or she can determine what is actually going on. Are you on other medicines, have you been sick recently -- all of these need to be evaluated and see what the actual cause of these concerns are. Having trouble swallowing can end in a medical emergency, so get checked soon.

John R. Burroughs, MD · Answer

Restylane is a hyaluronic acid filler used to fill in folds, hollow areas, and some wrinkle areas.  Dysport is a botulinum toxin to relax muscles that cause wrinkles.  They are completely different products with different intended purposes and mechanisms of action.  Occasionally folks can have reactions to hyaluronic acid fillers.  If local area problems (swelling) persists around the filled areas then enzyme can be injected to dissolve the filler and allow your body to "clear" it.  I've never heard of a facial filler causing swallowing problems and don't believe it is related.  Very large dosages of botulinum toxin to the neck can cause some swallowing issues, but not generally for facial injections.  If your swallowing issues worsen then definitely see a physician asap (e.g, ER if you have to) to see what is happening.  I would not get dysport until your swelling improves and your swallowing issues are fully resolved.  Botox can be dangerous for certain patients that have myasthenia gravis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.  Many of the hyaluronic acid fillers continue to absorb water and can swell to a maximal amount for the first few days following injection.  Best regards.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Dysport and Restylane are absolutely NOT the same thing and don't have any of the same ingredients. If your reaction came after the Restylane and nothing happened after either Dysport treatment, I can't imagine there being a scenario where the Dysport is the issue. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and 
cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

I had an allergic reaction to restylane. My eyelids are swollen and am having trouble swallowing. Is dysport the same drug?

Answers (5)