Botox 1 Week Ago. How Long Does it Take to Heal?

Question

Hello there, I recently had botox, about a week ago. 1 unit in lower eyelid, 2 units on crow's feet. (1 unit each spot) I feel slightly swollen, when I smile, I feel like a chipmunk with 2 balls in the top of my cheeks and my inner corner of the eye looks sunken, but only from a side shot. Not if your looking at me from a front view. Do I have to wait the whole 3 months before I can laugh again without looking like a chipmunk or can I expect some relief in about a month?

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

It's not typical to have swelling from Botox that lasts a week. Follow up with your provider for further assessment closer to two weeks post-treatment. Dependent upon placement and injection technique, the area treated can have a different "feel" when making dynamic facial movements.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Hello, and sorry to hear about the side effects you are experiencing. The dosing of your Botox is very low.  I typically place between 5-12 units of Botox per side to treat the crows feet.  2 units in the area should have little effect.  Botox 1 week out should not cause “balls” on your face.  I would recommend you seeing a specialist to investigate your issues.   Typical side effects of Botox  may include the following:
	
	1) Slight bruising
	2) Swelling
	3) Temporary ptosis (drooping of the eyelid)
	4) Allergic reaction at the injection site
	5) Muscle stiffness near the injection site
	6) Headache

	The Botox typically lasts 3-4 months, but associated side effects will not last that long. The typically side effects resolve within a few days to weeks at most. Thank you and I hope this helps!

Michael Horn, MD · Answer

Most patients get no swelling from botox aside from the occasional mosquito bite looking swelling that goes away within an hour. Botox starts working in a couple of days, peaks at a week, and lasts 3-4 months. If you do not like the results of your treatment, it can frequently be adjusted with a touch up treatment. Either way once the botox wears off, the effects go away. If you have repeated botox treatments in the same area, the muscles weaken giving some permanence to the effects. If you still have swelling a week later, follow up with your doctor to evaluate it

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello

	Thank you for the question.  Most people get about 15 units total for the crows feet so I suspect that you're  understanding the issue of units differently. Regardless it sounds like you have some undesirable effects from Botox.  The good news is that most of these undesirable effects will go away before the three months.  

	All the best

	Dr. Remus Repta

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

I would recommend you follow up with your provider 10-14 days post injections.  They can then discuss with you your outcomes. 

	 

	 

	Dr. Grant Stevens        Marina Plastic Surgery Associates          Marina del Rey, CA         The Institute

Botox 1 Week Ago. How Long Does it Take to Heal?

Answers (10)