Should I delay my Botox treatment following a recent facial injury? (Photo)

Question

I experienced mild head trauma due to an accident 2 days ago. There is a small, mildly tender hematoma just above my right eyebrow, with dark bruising over my eyelid crease. There is mild yellowish bruising above the brow, but the swelling is pretty mild. I have been icing and applying arnica cream with no drastic improvement. I am scheduled for facial botox in 2 days. Could the hematoma adversely affect my Botox results and/or would it be harmful to inject near the area at this time?

Shanthala Shivananjappa, MD · Answer

The depth of Botox injection is varies from  forehead area to the glabellar and crows feet area. Since you still have the bruising and swelling, the diffusion of injected botox might be unpredictable and the results may not be accurate. It is best for you to wait till the bruising is cleared.
Best wishes
Dr. Shanthala

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear AzizMa,After a facial injury, it is best to wait until you have recovered. The layers within the face become disrupted after facial injury, and the Botox may move around in unpredictable ways after injection. Just wait until the bruising and swelling have recovered and you should be fine. Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.Certified, American Board of Plastic SurgeyrMember, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

You may want to wait until the swelling, bruising and any other symptoms of the head trauma have resolved before undergoing any additional treatments.  Once you've recovered, go ahead an schedule an appointment with your injector!  Hope you feel better soon!Best Wishes, Dr. Aldo Guerra

Aaron Capuano, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question.  In my opinion, you should never undergo any elective cosmetic procedure if conditions are not optimal.  This includes injection of Botox shortly after a trauma.  The hematoma and surrounding edema may make accurate placement of the toxin more difficult.  Additionally, injection into the hematoma may introduce bacteria from the skins surface resulting in the hematoma becoming infected.  Once the swelling and hematoma have resolved, you should be able to have the injection performed, and your results will be more predictable.  Hope this helps.  Please be sure to make sure that your injector is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

Since you have swelling and bruising it would be difficult to accurately place the Botox so i suggest you wait until you have healed

Should I delay my Botox treatment following a recent facial injury? (Photo)

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Should I delay my Botox treatment following a recent facial injury? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Should I wait for Botox treatment after facial trauma?

Answer: Should I wait for Botox treatment after facial trauma?

Answer: Facial trauma and Botox

Answer: Facial trauma and Botox

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