I have severe swelling under my eyes from injection of Botox, is this normal? (Photos)

Question

I have severe swelling under my eyes as if I was punched and have fluid build up. I know this isn't normal, and I have contacted the Dr, and she advised its normal, and to just ice the area. I do also have small bruising in both injection sites. Lastly, as the Botox was being injected, it was extremely painful, like burning. The injection itself was not painful, only when the medicine was injected. Like bee stings, only worse, then they dissipated in about 5 seconds.

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

Prolonged swelling following Botox injections is not typical.  I suspect that if the injection hurt at the time of injection but the pain dissipated shortly there after, your injector my likely have used preservative free saline to dilute the Botox rather than saline which has preservative in it.  Preservative free saline burns and is used in sclerotherapy and can lead to swelling but will resolve.  Ice is definitely the thing to do for now.  Good luck.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

The pain with injections suggest the Botox was diluted with lidocaine and not saline, but that’s just a guess. You might have a reaction to the diluting agent if something else what used. I suggest you go in and be examined! Good luck. Dr. Aldo

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

There is a decent amount of swelling after the Botox injection and this is not common in my experience. I would followup with your injector in person. This may represent an allergic response to the dilutent used to reconstitute the Botox or the Botox itself although the latter is rare.

Marek Kacki, MD · Answer

This type of reaction would be very unusual after Botox injection but much more common after certain filler injections. It would be also nearly a miracle to injure a blood vessel on each side in exactly the same  area. If this was really after Botox injection that it could be explained by local allergic reaction with excessive histamine release causing swelling. This type of reaction is self limiting and without consequences. Make sure your injector is aware of it to proceed accordingly (safely!) with the next injection. Good luck!

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

It appears from your photos that you have bruising and the injections may have hit some blood vessels in that area.  You will see the full results in two weeks and then can assess the area.  Best, Dr. Green

I have severe swelling under my eyes from injection of Botox, is this normal? (Photos)

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Answer: Severe Swelling under Eyes from Botox

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I have severe swelling under my eyes from injection of Botox, is this normal? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Swelling after Botox

Answer: Swelling after Botox

Answer: Severe Swelling under Eyes from Botox

Answer: Severe Swelling under Eyes from Botox

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.