Botox given around the eye area has a potential to affect the muscle that opens the upper eyelid. This causes a drooping of the eyelid, which can be very concerning to patients. This happens rarely (less than 1% of the time). Experimental evidence has shown that botox can diffuse from an injection site approximately 1 inch or 2.5 cm.
Although the amount that reaches areas next to the treatment site does not often cause problems, there are cases where side effects occur. Frown line injections or injections underneath the tail of the eyebrow (to produce a brow lift effect) are the most likely treatments to cause a droopy eyelid.
With that in mind, remember that this problem is temporary in nature. It will often wear off long before the cosmetic benefit of the injection has. Treatment with eyedrops, such as Alphagan or Iopidine, can help to soften the lid drop, by raising the eyelid 2mm or so. It does this by stimulating a different eyelid muscle that was not affected by botox.
Alternatively, some patients will wear their glasses or purchase a pair of nonprescription glasses to help conceal the droop. Others will just use a cover story of an eyelid infection during the period of recovery.
If the eyelid drop starts 3-4 days after the injection, then it will probably last about 3-4 weeks. If it starts 4-6 days after the injection, then it should wear off faster. Good luck and remember that it will absolutely get better.
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