Using Alphagan for Droopy Eye from Botox

asked 3 years ago by DG1 in Missouri city, texas
Latest answer by P. Daniel Ward, MD
Question viewed 35,187 times
Tags: Alphagan P, droopy eye

Would it be okay to use Alphagan P 0.1% to treat a droopy eye cause by Botox even though I don't suffer from glaucoma and neither require medication for lowering the eye pressure? I am concerned about the fact that I am using a medication that is primarily used to treat a condition that I do not suffer from. This is my 3rd week post-Botox and I still have droopy eye. Thanks again for your kind reply.

10 answers to Using Alphagan for Droopy Eye from Botox

Yes it is okay to use Alphagan drops after Botox

A drooping eyelid after Botox is a known, but very rare, temporary complication of Botox. This complication, however, must also be distinguished from drooping of the eyebrow, which causes a "fullness" in the upper lids - this is much more common than an actual ptosis (drooping) of the eyelid. For true ptosis of the eyelid, drops do help. It is okay to use Alphagan drops even if you do not have glaucoma. The only contra-indication to using Alphagan drops is if you are also taking a... more

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

Stop if Alphagan isn't working

Alphagan is an accepted remedy for blepharoptosis caused by unexpected Botox infiltration into the levator muscles. Alphagan works by stimulating a second set of muscles called Muller's muscle which causes lifting of the eyelid muscle. If it works then I would continue to use it. However, if it doesn't work, why keep using it?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Yes, it is safe

Alphagan and Iopidine are commonly used to correct a "droopy" eyelid after Botox. It is actually quite safe and as pointed out by Dr. Shafer, the only contraindication is use of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. The "droopy" eyelid usually lasts somewhere between 3-5 weeks on average. The effect of the Botox on the wrinkles lasts 4 months on average. You are hopefully close to not needing the drops any more. The muscle on the inside of the eyelid is contracted with these drops, causing the... more

Sirish Maddali, MD
Portland Plastic Surgeon

Treating an eyelid drop after botox

Botox given around the eye area has a potential to affect the muscle that opens the upper eyelid. This causes a drooping of the eyelid, which can be very concerning to patients. This happens rarely (less than 1% of the time). Experimental evidence has shown that botox can diffuse from an injection site approximately 1 inch or 2.5 cm. Although the amount that reaches areas next to the treatment site does not often cause problems, there are cases where side effects occur. Frown line... more

Richard W. Westreich, MD
Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon

Ptosis and the Droopy Eyelid

Hi, A droopy eyelid is a rare experience in Botox injection but can happen based on the location of the injection and the experience of the injector. I have not heard of Alphagan P but Ipratropium eye drops are indicated for the short term treatment of ptosis or a droopy eyelid. I have not seen a droopy eyelid from Botox injection but have from the Phase III studies of the soon-to-be-released competitor. In that situation it took approximately 5 weeks for resolution (from another... more

Shepherd G. Pryor, MD
Scottsdale Facial Plastic Surgeon

Droopy eye from Botox will last 3 months.

Hi. Alphagan is safe to use temporarily to partially improve droopy eye caused by bad Botox technique. If it helps, use it. Ultimately, you have to wait for the Botox to wear off.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Watch Out If Your Botox Injector Sells Designer Eye Patches in the Waiting Room

Hi DG1, Sorry to hear that you are suffering from a droopy eye lid after Botox. I have not heard of using Aphagan P (a glaucoma eye drop treatment) for your problem. I have heard of using Visine eye drops that cause a vaso constriction, and help a little for a few hours. Fortunately I have not had to advise my patients, but we recommend that the drops be used sparingly, and only if the patient has a social occasion where they want improvement for a few hours. I will speak to our... more

Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Alphagan should be fine

Alphagan should be fine to use to help treat your droopy eye after Botox injection. Thankfully, your droopy eyelid should return to its normal state in a few months. Good luck!

P. Daniel Ward, MD
Salt Lake City Facial Plastic Surgeon

Alphagan after Botox

You should not worry about using alphagan for a while even if you do not have glaucoma. Some find that Iopidine is more effective but it is also more difficult to find. Alphagan can sometimes cause allergic reactions or irritation of the eye. If your eye becomes red, light sensitive, or uncomfortable discontinue use of alphagan.

Brian Biesman, MD
Nashville Oculoplastic Surgeon

www.drbiesman.com

How to treat a droopy eyelid after Botox

Alphagan is an eye drop medicine that can help a droopy eyelid that occurred after the administration of Botox. However, this is only a temporary solution. As you have noticed you will need to continue adding Alphagan to see the effect. Rest assured that the Botox will eventually wear off and your droopy eyelid will resolve. For more information on Botox or to schedule an iConsult, please visit us online at: