Had Botox injections yesterday for frown lines. I have redness and swelling above my eyebrows. What's the cause?

Question

I hate to put it like this but as if someone gave you a punch in the face but only in a small area above your eyebrows! It doesn't protrude in a massive way but there is a area above each brow protruding. And there is noticeable redness as if 'something happened". Looking at my profile, it looks like I have a strong brow. I did not have any of this beforehand. How can this be reasonably explained? Is this rare and it is a permanent disfigurement?

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Botox application requires the injection of the product to the targeted tissues with a very small needle. Therefore, Botox application is associated with risk related with the injection process.Face soft tissues could swell up or bruise after a needle goes through them. Therefore, it is possible that both swelling and bruising (visible or deep -usually seen as a non discolored bump) could happen after Botox injections. In mu practice  recommend the patients to ice for at least 5 to 10 min immediately after Botox application to prevent injection site related side effects. In the few cases my patients develop swelling or bumps with the Botox injection, they are requested to ice the area for 15 min several times a day. Patients should also avoid any aspirin, ibuprofen, motrin, advil, fish oil, omega or any other oral supplement that makes the blood "thin" ( and therefore cause bleeding) 7 days prior Botox application and 24 hours after Botox treatment.

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

It is possible that you have some bruises from your Botox injections.  It may take a few days to resolve.  If you still have concerns at that time, please return to your injector.

Had Botox injections yesterday for frown lines. I have redness and swelling above my eyebrows. What's the cause?

Answers (2)