After Botox Injection in my Frown One Eye Lid is Swollen and Droopy. Can I File a Law Suit?

Question

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Your main concern is likely how long this will last and what you can do in the meantime. The answer is that your injector (assuming they are a physician) can prescribe drops that will help elevate the drooping eyelid. The drooping typically lasts a few weeks and will resolve completely when the Botox effect in your levator muscle "wears off."
	Prior to consulting your lawyer, I'd recommend returning to your doctor. They can give you specific advice about this issue and prescribe medication to help in the meantime. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACSWeber Facial Plastic Surgery

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

I would advise that you follow up with the treating provider or get a 2nd opinion from a board certified dermatologist in San Diego to examine you in person.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes. However, it would be a waste of your time and expense considering the product will likely wear off very quickly, and you probably signed a consent that you understood the potential side effects.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

We are not hear to give you legal advise.  One does assume certain risks in having a treatment.  It is very likely that in your consent, you were advised that these types of issues can occur following a botox treatment.  Even in the studies perform my leading clinicians on the safety of botox, side effects like this were reported to occur in 2-5% of cases.  It is my personal opinion that side effects will occur in a small percentage of cases even in the best of hands and that it does not necessarily mean that the doctor committed malpractice. 

	You need to decide for yourself if this temporary inconvenience, a risk you accepted in having the service, is so grievous that you are willing to bog yourself down in the legal process.  Ultimately that is a matter for you to decide.

Jacque P. LeBeau, MD · Answer

Although this is complication does not occur often (less than 5%) it is typically the result of poor injection technique.  The condition is temporary and may be corrected by a prescription eye drop until the Botox wears off and your eyelid returns completely to normal.  I would recommend returning to your physician who injected you to discuss your concerns rather than an attorney.  

	Best Regards,

	Jacque P. LeBeau, MD

After Botox Injection in my Frown One Eye Lid is Swollen and Droopy. Can I File a Law Suit?

Answers (9)