Is there a waiting period recommended for getting Botox after Blepharoplasty? Only 3 weeks PO, but I'm anxious to get started

Question

Is there a waiting period recommended for getting Botox after Blepharoplasty? I am only 3 weeks post op, but I'm anxious to get started.

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

Usually there is no reason not to do Botox after blepharoplasty.
However after lower blepharoplasty, particularly when the canthus has been tightened or a cheeklift has been performed, it is best to wait 3+ months.  The reason for this is that some lower eyelid surgeries performed through the lower eyelid, or cheeklift procedures can weaken the lower fibers of the orbicularis muscle.
Botox could further weaken the orbicularis fibers, causing a lag in the lower eyelid and drooping.
It is best to talk to your surgeon to see if any of this applies to your procedure.
There should be no reason not to perform Botox injections in the frown muscles for any of these procedures.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Dear Jen,
You have waited long enough for the BOTOX. Typically, with Microdroplet BOTOX, I find that most people can have BOTOX about a week after surgery. However, it really helps if your injector knows what they are doing.
However, we have found that BOTOX done at the time of surgery or even a few days prior to surgery, can be subjected to abnormal spreading of the BOTOX when it is done in the immediate surgical area. This can lead to some unpleasant surprises. So waiting like you have is very reasonable.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

That is a very good question and there are no definitive guidelines, only opinions based upon individual experiencea. There is no doubt that injection techniques will have an impact on the outcome. The primary concern is that if it is injected at or soon after surgery, the botox may spread far beyond its intended target due to the surgical disruption of the tissues.

Darrick E. Antell, MD, FACS · Answer

Your surgeon may choose to administer Botox at the time of surgery, if it is in a location that is distant from the surgical site, like neck bands for example.
However, if your question pertains to the crows feet area for example, depending on the extent of your blepharoplasty, your surgeon may choose to wait, or may choose to administer it at any other appropriate time, including the time of the surgery. Three weeks post op seems sufficient to me, but there are very few "absolute" answers in medicine. Like all things, the best choice is to discuss your concerns with your Doctor, who will be more familiar with exactly what was done in your case.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is probably okay for you to have botox 3 weeks after surgery. Check with your doctor first to see if it is okay with him.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is acceptable to have Botox injections three weeks post blepharoplasty surgery.  Injections of Botox will have no effect on the results of your blepharoplasty.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

First, it may depend on where you are getting the injection.  For example, forehead and corrogators, likely no problem.  If your eyelid function is completely normal, maybe ok.
I would just be very careful around the eyelids because they may be just compensating after surgery, and the Botox may cause them to not work well.  Have your PS really evaluate your eyelid status.
sek

Christopher L. Hess, MD · Answer

Although there is no formal recommendations regarding Botox after blepharoplasty it's up to your surgeon.  Depending on what lids were operated on and how much work was done will determine when you can get Botox.
With that said I would recommend waiting 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Jen-Jen,
Three weeks after your blepharoplasty it is probably alright to proceed with Botox treatments.  By now, most of the major swelling has subsided and your periocular muscles are probably regaining their activity anyway after being traumatized by the surgery.  So, you will need to reinstitute your Botox soon.  It may even serve to enhance or prolong the results of your blepharoplasty.  Good luck!

A. Peter Salas, MD · Answer

Dear Jen-Jen-67,
Many patients undergo Botox treatment while they are still under anesthesia in order to avoid feeling the injections.
There are many procedures that are all labeled Blepharoplasty. The timing and areas of your Botox treatment depend on the type of Blepharoplasty you received. With most Blepharoplasty techniques, Botox can be used immediately in the forehead, between the eyebrows, bunny lines on the nose, lips, and neck. Here is a partial list of Blepharoplasty techniques:

Lower eyelid fat removal performed from inside the eyelid.
Lower eyelid fat and/or skin removal performed through an incision near the eyelashes.
Lower eyelid muscle tightening.
Lower eyelid fat repositioning.
Upper eyelid skin and/or fat removal.
Upper eyelid surgery in conjunction with softening of the frown muscles. Botox should not be used between the eyebrows.
Upper eyelid surgery in conjunction with elevation of the eyebrows. Botox should not be used in the forehead.

I know it sounds a little complicated, but a board-certified plastic surgeon should be able to provide the appropriate treatment for you.
Good luck with your surgery/procedure.

Is there a waiting period recommended for getting Botox after Blepharoplasty? Only 3 weeks PO, but I'm anxious to get started

Answers (17)

More Botox Questions

Delayed Bruising After Botox?

Are 15 Units of Botox Enough for Frown Lines?

Is Botox used for laugh lines and small wrinkles in cheek area?

OK for RN to Travel to Peoples Homes to Administer Botox?

How Does Botox Dissipate Inside Our Body?

Botox for Hyperactive Frontalis Muscle? (photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS