Will Botox Make Droopy Lower Eyelid Worse?

asked 2 years ago by bracken in NIreland
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 1,402 times
Tags: age 35-44, crows feet, eyelids, lower eyelids, droopy

I am 35 years old and was born with a droopy lower eyelid and my eye also is out of position turning very slightly upwards, this has affected my self esteem. Surgery to correct this problem was decided against by my consultant.

I have though had 2 lower eyelid operations in the past, a skin graft was used to try to raise my eyelid up to improve appearance. If I have Botox in the future for crow's feet could this make my lower eyelid worse by causing it to drop? As I am concerned that Botox relaxes muscles. Thank you

11 answers to Will Botox Make Droopy Lower Eyelid Worse?

Complicated eyelid problem and Botox

If you have a droopy eyelid problem and have ahd skin grafts in the lower lid, Even though you have crow's feet, I would avoid treatment with Botox at this point because your lower lid tone may worsen.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Botox for crows feet

If you get too many units or if the placement is too close to the lower eyelid, then the lid can droop. Some eyemuscle problems can be addressed by a knowledgable oculoplastic surgeon or ophthalmologist. Good luck.

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

3 steps for Botox safety, eyelid shaping

Dear Bracken, The Botox for crows feet can be tricky in some people. Especially for you! The easy way to check with your physician is to: 1. Look specifically at the muscles that you wish to weaken, by pretending there is sand blowing into your eyes 2. If the muscle is in the region of the lower eyelid it can make things worse 3. Be very careful, as the relaxation of the muscle in this area may not recover as the change could be permanent.

Trevor M. Born, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon

Botox and a droopy lower lid

Obviously your's is a complex situation and not the norm. Botox for crow's feet shouldn't drop your lower lid in normal circumstances but I agree that you should see an oculoplastic surgeon (an ophthalmologist who does cosmetic eyeliud surgery) and be evaluated.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

One of the side effects of Botox is lower eyelid drooping

You are absolutely right to be cautious because one of the side effects of Botox is lower eyelid drooping. Under normal circumstances, the position of the lower eyelid is a delicate balance of muscle tone, skin tension and lid support. After surgery to the lower lid it is very difficult to predict whether you will get a pleasing relaxation of the crows feet or relaxation combined with lid drooping. Furthermore, when one has had lid surgery, the injections are often more painful! When you are... more

J. Timothy Heffernan, MD
Seattle Oculoplastic Surgeon

Risk of lower eyelid droopiness with Botox injection

I would definitely exercise caution in the use of Botox. Given your history, you are at a higher risk of lower eyelid droopiness. To diminish the risk, the Botox should be administered in high concentration with precise and localized injection along the outer quadrant of the orbicularis oculi muscle.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

BOTOX in the crows feet should be fine

Dear Bracken In the right hands, it should be possible to treat the crows feet area without weakening the lower eyelid. You should know that the lower eyelid position can very much be affected by weakening the muscular sling along the lower eyelid margin that holds the lower eyelid against the eye. When this muscle is weakened by surgery or BOTOX, the lower eyelid position can be compromised. However, it is possible to treat the crows feet area and not weaken the lower eyelid. The key to... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Botox for Crow's feet lowering a droopy lower lid

It sounds like you had a congenital lower lid retraction. Without knowing more and examining you, I cannot comment on how could this be improved nor can I comment on the Irish health care system. I am sure though that if you had the financial ability, you could get an answer to this problem in the private heath care sector in Ireland. As regards Botox - Botox will relax ONLY the muscles it is placed in contact with. If an experienced Botox injector places small doses of Botox along the side... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

It is possible Botox will worsen it

Botox can cause slight laxity of the lower eyelid. This is usually seen in older patients with very loose skin. You are young for this kind of complication. Perhaps an oculoplastic surgeon should be consulted to review both surgical and non-surgical options. Maybe a laser would help as well. Good luck.

Mary Lupo, MD
New Orleans Dermatologist

Botox in the lower eyelid helps wrinkles but can make ectropions worse

Botox can definitely affect the lower eyelid position especially if you have had previous surgery to correct a pulled down lower eyelid. While small amounts to lessen crow's feet may not have much of an impact, it certainly can lead to a worsening of the condition especially if some product diffuses under the eyelid. So I would do it with small amounts if you really want to and proceed cautiously. I hope this information helps.

Scott Trimas, MD
Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

Botox for crows feet should not affect eyelid position

Botox for crows feet is placed lateral, and moslty below the lid position, so it should not affect ptosis of the eyelid or the position of your eyelid. Botox of the crows feet also does not change very much the lines that occur around the lateral eyelid with smiling.