Dr. Put 60 Units Botox in my Forehead. I Have Never Been So Sick in my Life?

Question

Please help.. I saw this plastic surgeon a week ago today who gave me 60 units of Botox between my eyes.. All week long I haven't been able to get out of bed, nothing but sleep. Too dizzy to walk, completely exhausted.. Isn't 60 units of Botox way too much? Thx

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Sixty units in the glabella region, which is the area between your brows/eyes sounds excessive, however it's very difficult to know for sure if there wasn't any placed in the eye area or if it was all concentrated to one spot. What you are describing sound like flu symptoms - it might be time to visit your PCP or return to the provider for further assessment.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

If it is just the area between the eyebrows, 60 units of Botox Cosmetic brand of botulinum toxin is excessive but if it is 60 units distributed among different forehead areas and crows feet, then that can be reasonable.  If it was 60 units of Dysport brand of botulinum toxin, then that's normal as that is roughly equivalent to 20 units of Botox Cosmetic.

	Regardless, you should notify your doctor about your symptoms and should be checked out. There may be a coincidence with other issues being present, whether disease or electrolyte imbalances that are unrelated. Please see your primary care provider.

	The information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

Hello, and sorry to hear about the issues you are experiencing. 60 units of Botox is not an excessive amount if you had multiple problem areas that needed to be addressed. The dizziness and fatigue you are experiencing are not typical side effects of Botox and may be coincidental. Botox may potentially cause temporary drooping of the eyelid, headache, bruising, minor swelling, and an expressionless appearance (if too much is injected or if poor technique is used). I would recommend an exam by your physician immediately, as these symptoms may be caused by something else. Thank you, and I hope this helps answer your questions.

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

There is are a few rarely reported cases of patients getting flu-like symptoms after Botox or injection with other neurotoxins. This may last from a few days to a few weeks. These were in the original FDA studies and in less than 1% of patients but did occur. You should get a check up by your primary doctor to make sure you don't have any other concurrent medical issues that just happened to surface at the same time.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

I agree that 60 units of Botox should not cause what you describe and I have used it since it came out. See your family doctor for an exam.

Dr. Put 60 Units Botox in my Forehead. I Have Never Been So Sick in my Life?

Answers (9)

Answer: Weakness after Botox may be anxiety or an unusual "flu-like" side effect

Answer: Weakness after Botox may be anxiety or an unusual "flu-like" side effect

Answer: Botox and illness.

Answer: Botox and illness.

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Dr. Put 60 Units Botox in my Forehead. I Have Never Been So Sick in my Life?

Answers (9)

Answer: Weakness after Botox may be anxiety or an unusual "flu-like" side effect

Answer: Weakness after Botox may be anxiety or an unusual "flu-like" side effect

Answer: Botox and illness.

Answer: Botox and illness.

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.