Fast facts

Botox 


What it is: Cosmetic injection to relax wrinkle-forming facial muscles intended to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Botox injections typically last up to 4 months.


What it addresses:

- Lines between eyebrows
- Furrows on forehead
- Crow's feet
- Smile lines
- Neck wrinkles
- Bell's Palsy
- Facial Asymmetry
- Excessive sweating


 
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Was it worth it?

Percent of consumer reviews saying "Yes":

75% Lasik
74% Botox
55% IPL
40% TITAN

Question

Botox side effects - Can too much cause my eyebrows to drop?

I have been getting for about 4 years and everything has been great. This time when I got it, it made my one eyelid look like it was a double eyelid (kind of baggy).  However, I thought I noticed that my eyelid needed a lift before I went this time, but now it's worse. And both my eyes are baggy in the corners. Both my eyes feel heavy.
I'm 40 years old but never had any of these problems before. Do I need a or will this go away when the Botox is out? Did she give me too much??


Asked by: jaime24 from Canada

Answers (3)

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1
September 1, 2008

Droopy eyelid

Shawn Allen, MD
Shawn Allen, MD
Board Certified
Dermatologist
Answer by Shawn Allen, MD

There are 2 ways to have this problem from Botox injections.  If the product is placed too low on the forehead, the muscle that raises the forehead (frontalis) will be inactivated and not able to lift the brow.  A droopy brow can look like a droopy lid , but usually will correct if you pull the lateral brow upward with your finger.  If it corrects by you doing this, a little Botox placed by an experienced injector into the lateral tail of the brow, into the eye muscle (orbicularis) may help relieve the downard pull somewhat. If the lid stays drooped when you pull on the forehead, then the problem is that the Botox has reached the eyelid muscle (Muller's) and this will only respond to eye drops, but only temporarily and drops need to be used frequently throughout the day.  Usually, this lid ptosis resolves quicker than the 3-4months you may have read about, somewhere in the 1-2 months range or shorter.   

The best treatment for these complications is prevention.  I recommend that you seek a board certified dermatologist or facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon when getting any cosmetic procedures performed. And please have the doctor do the injection themselves!

2
August 7, 2008

Botox can cause Eyelids and Eyebrows to droop!

The good news is that this problem will resolve when the Botox wears off (in 3 - 4 months) - the bad news is that you'll have to wait 3 - 4 months for the problem to resolve. . . Sorry. I couldn't resist.

Botox can cause droopy eyelids if it is injected too low, pushed into the area, or so dilute that it migrates into that area. Eyedrops can be prescribed, such as iodipine and vasocon-a, to help raise the eyelid slightly. I would also recommend keeping some artificial tears to help out with dryness, too. You will be able to stop the drops when the Botox wears off.

You could also have the provider perform an eyebrow lift if they determine that you have room for improvement and that the raised eyebrow will help pull the eyelid up. (You really need to have an experienced injector determine this. . . if they had problems with the eyelid droop. . . I'm not sure how I would feel about having them put MORE Botox in my face.)

Eyebrow droops are usually caused by too much Botox in the frontalis muscle so that the upward pull of this muscle is compromised, resulting in the eyebrow positioning itself lower. No eyedrops or other treatments will help, unfortunately. This is a waiting game. Sorry. (But that's not the problem you presented.)

3
April 1, 2008

Chemical eyelift with Botox

If Botox is injected into the wrong muscles or too much Botox was used in one area then these side effects may result. The good news is that this effect will resolve once the Botox wears off... usually in 3 months. You would want to get in contact with the treating injector and let them take a look.

There are eyedrops available to prescribe if you have a droppy eyelid. Iodipine is a common antidote to help lift the eyelids 1-3mm.

This is a very rare side effect when having Botox treated by a skilled and experienced administrator.

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