Is There Anything I Can Do to Reverse a Really Bad Dysport Injection?

Question

A few days ago, I had dysport injections. Both of my eyebrows are considerably lower and have lost their arch. Both of my eyelids are extremely droopy. My rt eyelid is so bad that I have to tape it up so it doesn't fall over my eye. I just need to knoe if there is anything I can do, and if not, how long am I going to be stuck like this?

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, the effects of Dysport cannot be reversed. The only thing you can do is give it time for the Dysport to wear off. The effects of Dysport usually last for 3-4 months, but the unwanted effects such as drooping/ptosis don't tend to last as long. Usually the drooping should improve in 1-2 months. For droopy eyelids, your doctor can prescribe eyedrops that can lift and open the eyelid a bit so that they appear less heavy. Contact the person who did your treatment so that they can properly evaluate you and also take note of the drooping so that it may be prevented in the future.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Any side effects experienced are associated with the injection site, and may include the following:

	 

	1) Slight bruising
	2) Swelling
	3) Temporary ptosis (drooping of the eyelid)
	4) Allergic reaction at the injection site
	5) Muscle stiffness near the injection site
	6) Headache

	Ptosis typically occurs in 1-5% of patients. If you experience ptosis following the injections, there is an eye drop, an alpha agonist, that can be placed that will temporaliy raise your lid.  If the eyebrows dropped and lost their arch, an experienced Botox injector can inject the muscles pulling down the eyebrow to help you regain your natural arch of the brow.  Both conditions will improve, and you will just have to be patient while the issue resolves.  In general, choosing a skilled physician to perform the injections minimizes the chances of any complications occurring.  Thanks and I hope this helps!

Jeffrey Adelglass, MD · Answer

The number one side effect of any of these injectables such as Botox, Dysport, etc. is lid ptosis. This is the dropping of the lid which can last until the medication wears off. The first thing that you need to do is go back to whoever injected you and have them do an evaluation to determine a course of action to help you. Having to tape your eyelid up doesn't cut it. There are some eyedrops that are out there that they can prescribe that may help with this situation. Every physician that has injected Botox or Dysport has had minimal lid ptosis at some time. This is not minimal ptosis, this is more significant. I would really be curious to know if this was a physician or an injector that performed this treatment. It is imperative that you go to someone that is very qualified to do this procedure. Unfortunately, most people do not give it the due diligence that it deserves prior to seeking out this treatment. The absolute worst case scenario is that you will have to wait until the medication wears off, which usually takes approximately three months. I know this is not what you want to hear, but I cannot make an educated treatment plan without seeing you. Take care and good luck

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

Greetings~

	Terribly sorry to hear about your bad experience.  A good example of too much of a good thing turning out to be a bad thing.  The good news is- it will wear off.  You should generally see some improvement in a few weeks.  The effects should hopefully not last through the entire duration of the Dysport.  There is unfortunately no antidote for Dysport or Botox... the only tincture is time. You may try some Neosynephrine eye drops...they can help alleviate some of the droopy eyelid symptoms.  Definitely follow up with the physician that injected you...both so he can advise you on other options as well as so he can learn from the experience and prevent it in the future.  He may recommend some prescription eyedrops that will help with the droopy lids as well. Hang in there.

	Good luck~

	 Dr. Grant Stevens

Adam J. Cohen, MD · Answer

Low lying eyebrows and loss of the eyebrow arch results from weakening of the frontalis (forehead) muscle with Botox or Dysport. This muscle is commonly treated to eliminate forehead wrinkles but unfortunately  depression of the eybrows can occur if the product is injected too low along the forehead.

	In some cases an injection of Botox or Dysport directly below the eyebrow may weaken the muscle that normally pulls the eyebrow downward. This will equal the playing field and allow your eyebrow to rise slightly.

	Your droopy eyelids can be treated with eye drops that will stimulate a muscle that causes eyelid elevation.  The drops are medications used to treat glaucoma and are well tolerated and safe in the majority of cases, but your doctor should review any medical conditions that may preclude using these drops.

Is There Anything I Can Do to Reverse a Really Bad Dysport Injection?

Answers (10)