What to Do with Droopy Eyelids After Botox?

Three weeks ago I received Botox injections. Now I have severe eyelid drooping and my eyebrows are lower than usual. I look terrible. My doctor is using a weekly laser treatment to correct the problem but I have seen no improvement. Is there any other treatment. Will this be permanent?

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eyelids droopy ptosis

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by mimi55fl in clearwater Flordia

Doctor Answers (8)
Community Comments (1)

Forget laser!

The hard truth is that the botox is already in your tissues and working like it is supposed to. Unfortunately, it is in the wrong spot. Laser will have no effect. You will have to tough it out. Fortunately, it will likely only last a few more weeks. I am sorry that you are experiencing this, but the good news is that it is not permanent. Hang in there. sek

This will wear off

The botox has caused this problem and it will be self-limited. The laser treatments have no beneficial role in treating this. Your doctor is just buying time trying to keep you happy. Give it a fe weeks and the effect will resolve. You might want a different injector in the future.

Droopy eyelids will be better in 2 to 3 months.

Hi! 1) This is the most common Botox complication. You had Botox injected too close to your eyelids, and the main muscle that raises your eyelids is weakened. This self-corrects as the Botox effect wears off. 2) During these difficult few weeks, you can try eye drops such as Iopidine, which help temporarily by stimulating another muscle that lifts the lids, and make you look better. 3) I would try another doctor (a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist). Lasers have no... more

Droopy eyelids after Botox

There is a eyedrop solution called Lopidine that can strengthen a small muscle that helps raise the eyelids. Aside from that, a couple of units of Botox can be injected just below the sides of the eyebrows that can help lift that part of the eyelid/eyebrow. If you had nothing done, chances are within 4-6 weeks, you would notice improvement in the drooping and by 3-4 months, it will have resolved completely. Laser treatments are unlikely to help with your problem. Good luck.... more

Time heals all botox problems

Botox lasts three months -- your droopy lids will go away. I do not believe that the laser is doing anything to help. Only time can cure your problem.

Droopy Eyelids After Botox

Thank you for your question. Although rare, droopy eyelid (eyelid ptosis) after Botox treatment is one of the most common potential side effects of treatment and is not permanent. Botox causes eyelid ptosis by migrating into one of the muscles that holds up the eyelid (levator palpebrae superioris). The good news is this muscle tends not to be affected by Botox for as long as the typical muscles Botox targets which is generally three to four months. If your provider determines you are a... more

You received Botox too close to the eye

Unfortunately, you have been given Botox too close to the eye, and this has resulted in weakness of the muscle that helps open the eyelid (AKA the Levator Muscle). You can use an eye drop (Naphcon-A) to help open the eyelid by activating another muscle (AKA the Muller's Muscle). As you know, Botox generally lasts about 3-4 months. Fortunately, the effect of Botox on the Levator Muscle is shorter than it is in other areas. You should begin to see improvement within a couple of months... more

BOTOX induced ptosis.

Dear Mimi Your BOTOX treatment was a little too much. However, you need a real doctor. As others have pointed out, the laser treatment is nonsense. With all do respect to Dr. Salas, his message regarding board certified plastic surgeons is also not helpful and is probably unethical according to the bylaws of his own society. Oculoplastic surgeons who are board certified ophthalmologists and are fellowship trained in oculoplastic surgery have the largest body of experience treating... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

8 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

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Comments (1)

apriljoy 23 Jan 2013

Thankfully this discussion existed as I had a droopy eyelid after dysport. I called the dr that gave the injections and was told they couldn't do anything for 2 weeks as it may just resolve itself. I then went to my general practitioner and even gave him the name of the prescription drops. He refused to write a prescription telling me it would just go away. I then sent my bf to the pharmacy for the Naphcon drops and within minutes of using them my eye opened up! Thank you doctors that contributed. I can now leave the house sooner than the month my dr predicted. I may go and put the drops in my eyes in his office tomorrow so he can become more educated!

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