Botox feels like it is slowly moving down my face and now I can't move eyes or brows. Should I be concerned? (Photo)

Question

I had Botox to the upper third of my forehead and crows feet area around my eyes. Six days later I have very droppy/swollen eyelids and now the space between my eyes is becoming frozen and my injections where no where near this area. It feels like the Botox is creeping down my face. I am on an overseas holiday and I can't go back and see my dermatologist (who did the injections). Please help me, I am very concerned

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  It appears that you do have puffiness as a result of your Botox injections.  It will take anywhere from three to six months for the effects of Botox to dissipate.All the best,

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photographs, and I am sorry to hear about your Botox issues.  Depending on the concentration of Botox used, there is some spread that takes place that can affect other muscles nearby.  This is what seems to have occurred.  If its been 6 days, there is not much more effect that the Botox is going to have and I anticipate your eyelid swelling to start to spontaneously resolve.  Try to sleep on a couple of extra pillows at night to encourage the swelling to recede, but its largely a matter of time. Hope this helps!

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for the question. Without knowing exactly where and how much Botox was injected it is hard to know what the problem is. Your description is not typical for Botox injected properly. Since you are unhappy and anxious, you should try to speak with the doctor who injected you by phone or make an appointment with an expert while on your vacation. Good luck.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Botox is a great injection for the areas that you described.  It appears from your photo that too much Botox was injected in the forehead which has made your eyes appear swollen and too low.  Proper amounts and placement of Botox in small amounts "baby" Botox is key to a good result.  Your swelling will relax and disappear over the next 6 to 8 weeks.  Please keep us posted.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

It appears you were probably injected with more Botox then you need/wanted. This will gradually improve as the Botox wears off. The full effect of Botox takes 3 to 4 months to go away, but you should get improvements before then. Unfortunately, there really isn't much to be done to reverse the situation. A very skilled injector might be able to help raise the brow by placing injections in the depressor supercilii muscle and some in the lateral brow.

Botox feels like it is slowly moving down my face and now I can't move eyes or brows. Should I be concerned? (Photo)

Answers (9)