Why did Botox cause hollowness around my eyes? How long will it last?

Question

A few days after botox injections, I noticed hollowness around my eyes followed by eye bags. What is causing the hollowness? I also have ptosis in my cheeks, does this make it worse? I'm about 7 weeks in and sometimes I feel its getting better but for the most part, I still do not look like my cute self. Is there anything that can be done (sauna, facial, cleanse, work out) to speed up the process? My right eye became larger, the left smaller.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Bad placement of Botox can lead to this, once its worn off the eye bags and hollowness should resolve. Its best to see a board certified physician for all your aesthetic desires to ensure a result you wish to achieve,

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Marsha.  If your Botox was injected too low on the cheek or under the eyes, there can be side effects including bags under the eyes or hollowness.  We would need to see before and after pictures to determine if this was caused by the Botox.  Ask your injector and if it is related, it will likely go back to normal very soon because you are at 7 weeks already.If it is unrelated, consider Restylane injections for under eye bags.  See below link for photos.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

botox at incorrect doses or injection sites can cause a muscle or group of muscles to begin to work improperly.  many patients treated around the eyes often complain of increased wrinkling under the eyes or worsening bags and this is typically due to change in the lymphatic flow after botox since the musculature is working less to move normal fluid out of the area.  also the temples can appear to be more hollow, due to the fact the orbicularis (eye muscle) atrohpies (thins) after botox because of muscle inactivity.  you have to wait it out, roughly 3 months, till the botox wears off to get back to your normal appearance.  filler can sometimes help, around the eyes and in the temples.  Best of luck, Dr. E.

Richard Parfitt, MD · Answer

Improper injection sites and wrong dosage when treating crow's feet can cause ptosis of cheeks and affect the aperture of the eyes. By relaxing the orbicularis occuli muscle "bags" can drop onto the upper cheek leaving a look of hollowness below the eye.  If muscles that lift the cheek were injected, the cheek can not rise to its natural postion, especially when smiling. Unfortunately, nothing but time can correct the problem.

Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

Hello there. I'm very sorry to hear about your
unsatisfactory results. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a great treatment when administered
properly. It sounds like your practitioner may have injected the BOTOX improperly,
which could cause under-eye hollows to become more pronounced. Unfortunately,
there is not much you can do to encourage the BOTOX to wear off. But take
heart: You are halfway there, as effects generally start to fade around 3 to 4
months after treatment. You should feel comfortable asking your injector for an
explanation if you are unhappy. If you consider BOTOX treatments in the future,
be sure to get them from the practice of a board-certified plastic surgeon or
dermatologist to ensure your results. Best wishes.

Why did Botox cause hollowness around my eyes? How long will it last?

Answers (7)

Answer: Eye hollowness after Botox treatment

Answer: Eye hollowness after Botox treatment

Answer: Misplaced BOTOX®

Answer: Misplaced BOTOX®

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Why did Botox cause hollowness around my eyes? How long will it last?

Answers (7)

Answer: Eye hollowness after Botox treatment

Answer: Eye hollowness after Botox treatment

Answer: Misplaced BOTOX®

Answer: Misplaced BOTOX®

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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.