Botox to the Glabella Caused Under Eye Bags, Is This Normal? What Can I Do?

Question

I had 8 units of Botox to the upper forehead a week ago. I went back because a still had a few lines above my brows. The doctor said i needed to have my glabella done to support the forehead. So she injected 8 units into the glabella. The next morning my eyes were swollen and I have HUGE bags under my eyes, that were NEVER there before. This was my very first botox experience and I'm worried sick that these bags won't go away. Is this common, is there anything I can do?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

It sounds that your doctor is very appropriate in the treatment plan. The units were not too high. I can't imagine how the Botox would have affected your lower eyelids unless you had the crows feet injected 8 days ago along with the forehead, but you made no mention of that. Possibly, if you had a numbing cream applied prior to the treatment the day before the glabella, you are seeing a dermatologic swelling reaction from that? Gravity often pulls fluids from swelling or dermatitis of the forehead down to the lower eyelids.  There might be some coincidental occurrence of sinusitis, etc.

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

This is not a typical response to Botox when used in the manner you have described.. Sometimes we can become more aware of areas we have had work on and noticefor the first time things that have always been there. Early development of eyebags can be transcient in the initial stages. You should consult your injecting physician for evaluation.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Botox itself takes several days to take effect.  Even 16 units is a very small dose.  However, there is sufficient variation in how doctors place this agent that I have learn not to say something is impossible.  If this swelling persists over the weekend, I would recommend going back to be assessed by your injecting physician.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

This is not a typical occurrence with Botox to this area.  As other panel members have mentioned, it is possible that it is swelling.  I recommend that you see your injector for an evaluation.

Daryl K. Hoffman, MD · Answer

The Botox hasn't had time to take effect yet after just waiting over night.  The Botox takes a week to work so any changes you see over night are due to swelling or bruising from the injection or are unrelated to the treatment.  They aren't caused by the Botox.

Botox to the Glabella Caused Under Eye Bags, Is This Normal? What Can I Do?

Answers (7)

Answer: Botox in the the Glabella

Answer: Botox in the the Glabella

Answer: Botox takes a week to work

Answer: Botox takes a week to work

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.

Botox to the Glabella Caused Under Eye Bags, Is This Normal? What Can I Do?

Answers (7)

Answer: Botox in the the Glabella

Answer: Botox in the the Glabella

Answer: Botox takes a week to work

Answer: Botox takes a week to work

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.