Is it normal to have swelling after Botox?

I had Botox injections 4 days ago in my forehead, and around my eyes. Today I noticed that everywhere I had the injection it looks lumpy and swollen. When I do my "surprised" face, I also get this lump right in the middle of my forehead just above where they do it for the crease between the eye. I have had Botox before and in some places it seems to leave an indentation. Can anyone tell me what might be happening? I am getting very nervous and am wondering if I should make an appointment to see a plastic surgeon. The Dr. that did it this time is qualified, but is a GP. Thanks for any information on this!

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13 answers to “Is it normal to have swelling after...”

A: Swelling after Botox is unusual

Wilfred Brown, MD

I have seen occasional cases of incomplete muscle paralysis of the injected muscles, leading to an irregular contour upon frowning or raising ones eyebrows. This is either due to inadequate dosing of the Botox, or incomplete area of the muscle injected. Occasionally, patients may develop a small hematoma... more

A: Return to your injector for an exam

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

If the muscle has been weakened in an unusual pattern, it maybe that you are experiencing visibility of contracting muscle segments between the weakened segments but my guess is that this is highly unlikely. Within all likelihood this will resolve on its own with no intervention or side effects but I would... more

A: I have not seen what your are describing after using Botox for 11 years

Francisco Canales, MD

Claudia, I have not seen the lumps you refer to. Usually any lumpiness disappears within a few hours. I also have not seen indentations as a result of Botox. Conceivably you could have some bleeding below the periosteum (lining of the bone). That could conceivably cause lumpiness that lasts longer and it... more

A: Persistent lumps following Botox injections are unusual.

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD

Claudia: I have been using Botox close to thirteen years and never have seen persistent lumps. We typically advise our patients to be off of all anti-inflammatory medications and aspirin products two weeks prior to any injections to minimize the risk of bruising. It sounds like this most likely represents... more

A: Not that uncommon

Steven Wallach, MD

Bruising or lumps the first  few days after Botox is not uncommon. But, it usually goes away within a couple of days.  If it persists, you should probably go see your doctor.

A: Go back and see your physician

Samson Lee, MD

Having swelling 4 days after BOTOX is extremely unusual. First of all, I would not recommend a GP to inject BOTOX. There is a reason there are medical specialities because one cannot be an expert at everything. If I had a kidney infection I wouldn't see a cardiologist. You deserve the highest level of care for... more

A: Bumps can be the result of muscle recruitment

Robert M. Freund, MD

Bumps after Botox can be the result of swelling, hematoma or muscle recruitment. Swelling can be the result of localized trauma and will go away shortly. Hematoma is the result of the needle injuring a small blood vessel and will also resolve within 1-2 weeks. More likely is the recruitment of muscle that was... more

A: See a plastic surgeon not a GP

Usha Rajagopal, MD

You should see a plastic surgeon and not a GP because a plastic surgeon is more experienced and knows what they are doing. It may simply be a little bruise under the skin that is causing the lump.

A: Botox Complication

Michael A. Persky, MD

Hi Claudia, I agree with Dr. Lupo.  I have never seen what you are describing in thousands of injections.  I have seen very small hematomas (bruises) that may form a small lump for a few days, but not everywhere as you state. Your statement that "the Dr. that did it this time is qualified, but... more

A: Follow up with treating physician

Mary Lupo, MD

The situation you are describing is very unusual. I have been doing Botox injections for 12 years and have never seen what you are describing. I'd give the treating physician the benefit of the doubt and see if he/she can fix this. In general, I always recommend board certified dermatologists and plastic... more

Comments

Facialdoc1
2 posts
20 Oct 2008

I have had great success with using a supplement of arnika forte to help reduce swelling and bruising.

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