Botox in my crows feet - does this look like something to be concerned about? (Photo)

Why Botox Is Less Likely to Cause Vascular Occlusion:

Mechanism of Action: Botox works by temporarily paralyzing muscles, not by adding volume or structure like dermal fillers. It is injected into muscles or just under the skin, not into deeper tissues where blood vessels are more prevalent.

Injection Depth: Botox is usually injected at a more superficial level compared to dermal fillers, which are often injected deeper into the skin where larger blood vessels reside.

Small bruises can develop after botox treatment but typically resolve within a few days.

Treating a bruise from a Botox injection involves several strategies to reduce its appearance and promote faster healing. Here are some effective methods:

Immediate Post-Injection Care
Apply Ice or a Cold Compress- Apply ice or a cold compress to the injection site immediately after the procedure. This can help reduce swelling and minimize bruising. Use the ice for about 10-15 minutes at a time, with breaks in between.

Avoid Touching or Massaging the Area- Refrain from touching, rubbing, or massaging the treated area. This can exacerbate bruising and spread the Botox to unintended areas.

Over-the-Counter Treatments
Arnica Gel or Cream- Arnica is a natural remedy known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce bruising. Apply arnica gel or cream to the bruised area a few times a day.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers- If there is discomfort, acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used. Avoid aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, as they can worsen bruising.

Home Remedies
Elevate the Area - If possible, keep the bruised area elevated to reduce swelling.

Warm Compress After 48 Hours- After the initial 48 hours, switch to warm compresses to increase blood flow and promote healing.-Apply for 10-15 minutes, a few times a day.

Pineapple and Bromelain- Eating pineapple or taking bromelain supplements (an enzyme found in pineapple) may help reduce bruising and swelling due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Lifestyle Tips
1. Stay Hydrated with water
2. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking- Alcohol and smoking can slow down the healing process and should be avoided for a few days post-treatment.

But they can cause bruises. If you get poked with a needle, you can be bruised and this is what it looks like. The good new is that this will resolve but it does take time. Arnica and vitamin K cream are not actually helpful so don’t waste your money.

Small hematomas/ bruises after injection of filler or Botox are relatively frequent. Areas of the face are very well vascularized with abundance of small blood vessels under surface of skin; it is possible to damage these invisible structures with needle during injection of any kind. Swelling and color will disappear within days. Make up will help. Applying the ice compresses before and immediately after Botox injections will reduce swelling and bruising.

It's not uncommon to experience some swelling, bruising, or puffiness after receiving Botox injections, especially if you've had them around the eyes (crows feet area). However, it's important to differentiate between typical post-procedure effects and signs of more serious complications.

Here are some things to consider:

Typical Post-Procedure Effects:
- Mild Swelling: Some puffiness or swelling is common and usually resolves within a few days.
- Bruising: Bruising can occur at the injection sites and may take a week or more to fade.
- Tenderness: The area might feel tender or slightly sore.

Signs of Complications:
-Severe Pain: Intense pain that doesn't improve with time could be concerning.
-Discoloration: If the area becomes significantly discolored (beyond normal bruising), especially if it turns white or dark blue, this could be a sign of vascular occlusion.
-Persistent Puffiness: Swelling that doesn't subside or gets worse over time.
-Vision Changes: Any changes in vision or severe headaches should be addressed immediately.
-Necrosis: Skin that appears to be breaking down or developing ulcers is an emergency.

Vascular Occlusion:
Vascular occlusion is a rare but serious complication where blood flow is blocked by the injected material, potentially leading to tissue damage. Symptoms can include severe pain, skin discoloration, and signs of skin necrosis.

Next Steps:
1. Monitor the Area: Keep an eye on the swelling and any other symptoms. If you notice any severe pain, significant discoloration, or other concerning signs, seek medical attention immediately.
2. Contact Your Provider: Reach out to the healthcare provider who administered the Botox. They are best equipped to assess your situation and provide specific advice.
3. Consider a Specialist: If you are worried about vascular occlusion or other complications, seeing a dermatologist or a specialist in cosmetic procedures can be helpful. They can provide a thorough evaluation and appropriate interventions if needed.

Using Arnica:
Arnica is often used to reduce bruising and swelling. While it can be helpful, it is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation if you suspect a complication.

Conclusion:
While mild swelling and bruising are common, significant pain, unusual discoloration, or persistent puffiness should be evaluated by a medical professional. If in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of caution and seek a professional opinion.

Remember, this advice is general, and it's important to consult directly with your healthcare provider for specific concerns.

From the photo it appears to be a bruise. Using arnica tablets and applying a cold compress intermittently should help. If you have further concerns or it worsens, contact your injector.

HiThere is no risk of vascular occlusion with anti wrinkle injections like BotoxThis is a bruise which is common issue following Botox injections as this is a highly vascular area

If you were so concerned after reviewing and post photos, I did not you not return to injecting provider to address this post injection bruise? Always best to return to where the injections were done and by whom. This will resolve over the next few days to week. Regards.