Bad Headache from Botox Injections, When Will It Stop?

Headaches are a rare side effect of Botox, but they usually resolve within 24 hours.  Given your description, I wonder if you are used to using your forehead to help keep your eyes open.  Botox weakened your forehead muscle so now you are straining to keep your eyes open.  This strain is giving you a headache.  If this is the reason, then your headaches will probably last until the Botox weakens and some of your forehead strength returns.  This does not usually take four months, but it can take several weeks, unfortunately.  If you decide to have Botox again, I would recommend a lighter dose.

Neuromodulators like Botox can cause headaches in a small percentage of patients. I often find it is the technique used that does it more than the Botox itself. If the problem persists, I suggest following up with your physician or getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer.

Thank you for your question. What you experienced is quite rare, but described in the product info sheet. If it happens it can last for a few weeks. In 25 years we have never seen it last longer than that.Bes wishes.

Hello,I am sorry about your bad experience with Botox.This is very uncommon but it rarely can happen.The good news is that it is self limiting and an usually only lasts for a few hours to a few days...By placing the injection ion superficially along the frontal is muscle of th forehead and avoiding touching the needle to the covering of the frontal bone which can cause headache. You can use anti-inflammatory medication, pain medications and cold compress which should help a great deal.A common mistake by many providers is to inject the botox in large doses around the eyebrow which can cause the eyebrow to come down. Given  your description, it might be caused by some muscles that were keeping your eyes open. For example, if you are using the frontalis muscle of the forehead to keep your eyes open. That can put pressure on some of the nerves of the forehead and cause headaches. The good news is that it will stop soon.Hope this was helpful.Regards Dr Sajjadian

Hi there!I do personally find around 1/3 of clients who have botox treatment especially in the forehead can suffer from varied intensity of headache for up to a week or two post injection. This is completely normal and invariably settles down at around the 14 day point. I always advise regular pain control such as paracetamol to help alieviate symptoms. Of course if these do persist it is best to check in at the 2 week point with your practitioner who can provide you with further advice. I hope this helps!Best wishes,Dr Rupert

In the majority of cases, any side effects from Botox treatment are temporary and limited to the area where Botox was injected.  It is not uncommon to experience an aching forehead or headaches after treatment.  Usually within the first 2 weeks the headaches and heaviness will start to subside. If you have concerns about side effects or if symptoms persist follow up with your injector.