Help for Droopy Eyes from Botox

Nancy, In the early clinical trials of Botox® done by Allergan, Inc., the incidence of drooping lid or ptosis was 3.2 percent. It was found to be very technique dependent. In other words, some practitioner’s had a much higher incidence while others had very little. Fortunately, the effects of Botox do not last forever and often in these cases will get much better in a few weeks. In the meantime, the ptosis (drooping lid) you are currently experiencing may be responsive to... more

When a droopy eyelid occurs after a Botox treatment, there is treatment for it. Apraclonidine 0.5% drops, neosynephrine hydrochloride 2.5% or brimonidine 0.1% can be used. Additionally, the great thing about Botox is that after 3 months it just wears off. Sincerely, Martin Jugenburg, MD

Droopy eyelids after Botox injection is a very rare, but troubling side effect.  It has been demonstrated to be dependent on the injector and the technique used.  There are some rules and guidelines when injecting that can help decrease the potential of this happening, which is why you should only have Botox injected by someone with intimate familiarity with the anatomy of the skin and face.  In cases of eyelid drooping, alphagan or lodipine drops can be effective in... more

Botox can sometimes cause a droopy eyelid. This resolves with time but in the meantime an eyedrop (iopodine) can be used to lift the eyelid. The droopy will get better over the next couple weeks. I would have an ophthalmologist check your vision because botox does not affect the optic nerve. Occasionally patients can get double vision which can create a small blur when both eyes are open. Also the droopy eyelid can cause small changes in the need for glasses and create astigmatism. The... more

Botox or Dysport injections to the frown lines can cause droopiness of the upper eyelid. This is very rare in experienced injectors (I've been doing it for 20 years, my physician assistant - P.A. - for 10 years). The risk of eyelid drooping may be increased with the use of Dysport instead of Botox, as Dysport is reported to spread more. Eyelid drooping occurs when the medicine goes into the muscles that are responsible for opening the eye (orbicularis oculi), instead of the frown muscles... more

A drooping eyelid from Botox is transient. It usually resolves within 3-8 weeks. In the meantime prescription eyedrops can be used that  will activate a muscle to open your eyes. 

Droops can occur, even if rarely, to the most experienced injector of Botox. Your doctor probably knows of a way to help you. See your doctor and if you are still uneasy to proceed with their recommendation, then get a second opinion.