I had Botox for hyperidrosis around my hairline and forehead as well for thin lines, when will the swelling go away? (Photo)

Question

It got very swollen but I thought it was normal. 4 days later I woke up with my face huge, more on the left side, my eyes, eyebrows, eye lids, my nose, between the eyebrows. Like if I was allergic to a bee’s sting. Is that normal? Could the Botox has spread?

Martin Ray, MD · Answer

Hi Sauvage,
It is very difficult to appreciate your swelling in this photo. Could you please post some more photos?
Swelling after Botox is not normal, and allergic reactions to Botox are highly unlikely.
I recommend you see your injector for assessment and to seek appropriate treatment for the reaction.
I have experienced one similar reaction to Botox injections in the past. It was a reaction to the preservative in the saline used to prepare the Botox. I treated the reaction with prednisone and antihistamines and the swelling resolved quickly. The client now safely receives Botox injections mixed with saline that is preservative-free.
Allergan, the makers of Botox, suggest being careful by not laying down or manipulating the tissues after injections for up to 4 hours. This is a very conservative estimate as Botox is normally well absorbed shorty after injection. Repeated movement of the injected muscles after injection will benefit local absorption of Botox into the desired muscles.
Again, I recommend you see your injector promptly for assessment of this unexpected swelling.
If you wish to have Botox again, try a test spot on your arm without Botox of saline that is free of preservatives. If the saline without preservatives causes no reaction, then try a test spot with the Botox mixed in. Make sure there is an up-to-date epi-pen in the doctor's office when having test spots done.
A referral to an allergist may also be recommended by your physician.

Atul Bembi, DO · Answer

After Botox there may be mild swelling at the injection site which resolves within a few hours. Widespread swelling can be sign of an allergic reaction so you should return to your physician to seek care.

Ramez Bassari, MBChB, FRACS, BHB · Answer

Hi, it is quick a focused snapshot provided and makes assessment quite challenging. In general, the lumps due to botox last no more than 20minutes after injection, at the site of injection. There is a possibility of product diffusion, depending on what you did and how soon after Botox injection.
This might be someone completely unrelated to Botox.
I suggest you contact your botox injector.
Kind regads

I had Botox for hyperidrosis around my hairline and forehead as well for thin lines, when will the swelling go away? (Photo)

Answers (3)