Will lateral Botox browlift cause fluid retention?

Question

I have slight ptosis and a little weak eyelid muscles, which sometimes causes fluid retention/puffy upper eyelids in the morning. I really want a lateral botox browlift. Will it worsen my weak eyelid muscles and cause more fluid retention and ptosis or will it only affect the outer part of the eyemuscle ? I really want the browlift but I'm scared.

Harriet Comite, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for this interesting question regarding Botox injections.
Botox treatment lateral to the sides of your eyes should not cause any swelling.
Rarely, Botox injections are done under the eye (under mid-pupil) to smooth lines.  This can cause slight puffiness if the tear area is affected.  This effect is temporary and will go away - usually with a few weeks.

Robert Zieber, MD · Answer

Botox is commonly used to relax the upper outer portion of the obicularis oculi muscle allowing the outer portion of the brow to lift.  The levator palpebrae superioris muscle which lifts the upper eyelid lies inside the eyesocket.  While fairly rare, it is possible that a small amount of Botox can move or spread effecting the levator palpebrae superioris muscle causing or aggravating ptosis.  If ptosis occurs, it usually only lasts for 2-3 weeks.  Good luck, Dr. Z.

David A. Sherris, MD · Answer

Botulinum toxin is effective in browlifting by temporarily weakening the brow depressor muscles. It should not cause water retention.

Will lateral Botox browlift cause fluid retention?

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Will lateral Botox browlift cause fluid retention?

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