Botox Has Destroyed my Face & my Life. Is There Any Hope of a Recovery? (photo)

Question

3 MONTHS ago I was injected (forehead ONLY) w/ 21 units of botox. A few days after, I developed extremely swollen eyelids, huge bags, double vision, & disabling headaches. I never had this prior to botox. A neurologist tested me & confirmed it is all from the botox. He showed me ALL my symptoms are listed on the botox side effect list. Another dr says my periorbital muscle is damaged causing fat to seep out. No dr seems to know if I'll recover. My injector ignores me. I'm 28. Is this permanent?

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Periorbital muscular damage and, "fat to seep out" is not a logical conclusion from a Botox injection in the forehead.  I certainly hope that a Physician did not suggest this because such an explanation is implausible.  The effect of Botox is transient, lasting 3-4 months.  If you have continued headaches, I would suggest you return to your Neurologist to search for other causes.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Bulging of the lower eyelids and headaches could be caused by sinus problems. Botox injecitons of the forehead should not in any way cause problems of the lower eyelids. The fat would not herniate out unless Botox were injected in the lower eyelids weakening the support of the eyelid muscle and this can't happen by injecting the forehead. 

	something peculiar is occurring in your case and I wonder if you had an extremely rare sensitivity to some agent in the Botox to which you had a reaction and developed some swelling. Please see an allergist who might test you to the product as well as other items to which you may be allergic. Furthermore an ENT doctor should be consulted to determine if you have chronic sinusitis.

	The information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs. If you are experiencing a medical emergency proceed to your nearest emergency room.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Having had the Botox only injected into your forehead, I do not see how it is possible that all of your issues are a result of that injection.  It is possible to get temporary headaches from the injection, but I cannot explain how you would have swollen eyelids and double vision three months after the treatment.  I also cannot see how any injection in your forehead could cause any damage to periorbital muscles.  In addition, the effect of Botox is temporary, so any effect should dissipate with time.  I would definitely seek another opinion as to the cause of your problems.

Nicholas Gentry, MD · Answer

while the side effects of Botox can vary from person to person, any adverse effects should be gone by 4 months. Most people see reduced headaches from Botox except for the first 2-3 days. I’m also not sure how a periprbital muscle could be affected from forehead injections. I would ask your injector to see before and after photos

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

You used the term "injector", not doctor, so I am concerned whether you went to a spa or were injected by an aesthetician.  Medical grade Botox could not have caused your symptoms.  My question is whether you were injected with something else, including gray market product, by a non-physician.

Botox Has Destroyed my Face & my Life. Is There Any Hope of a Recovery? (photo)

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Answer: Medical grade Botox would not cause your problems

Answer: Medical grade Botox would not cause your problems

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Botox Has Destroyed my Face & my Life. Is There Any Hope of a Recovery? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Doubt Botox

Answer: Doubt Botox

Answer: Medical grade Botox would not cause your problems

Answer: Medical grade Botox would not cause your problems

Browse related questions

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.