Can I get Botox if I have been experiencing angioedema from other treatments? (Photos)

Question

1st reaction with eyelash extensions, woke the next am to swollen eyes. I'd been doing my lashes for a year, had experienced some itching & swelling, but nothing like this. Was gone in a week w/o medicine Recent reaction when getting a Restalyne touchup -I believe it was from the numbing cream because I only had filler on 1 side of my face, but the cream on both sides. Was prescribed a steroid , swelling went away after a couple days. I have had filler before with no reaction same dr/cream

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

I think it's best to hold off on doing botox treatment until you find the cause of your allergies.  Botox allergies are rare.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based from your description and photos it appears you had contact dermatitis. This is an allergic reaction to something applied to your eyelid and cheeks. If you had a hyaluronic acid filler injected, your swelling will worsen over the next 4-8 hours. However, it is unlikely this is due to fillers. Also, repeated exposure to the allergen will make future exposures lead to more severe reactions. I recommend refraining from applying eyelash extensions or maybe trying a different adhesive. I recommend being tested for an allergy because your reaction was so severe. You can be tested for lidocaine and anesthetic products. Best of Luck!

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question lolo20121. I am sorry to hear about your
situation. Botox is a purified protein used to address wrinkles associated with
facial expression. I never treat patients who are actively having an allergic reaction such as that in these photographs. If I had a patient with such edema and allergies I would recommend an allergy test prior to Botox. Also a small amount of Botox can be placed in the forearm or back to see if an allergic reaction occurs. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Andrew Pichler, MD · Answer

You clearly had significant allergic reaction to different products. Botox allergy is very rare but to be safe you should visit a allergist and be skin tested.

Suneel Chilukuri, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photos.  Based on your history and the photos, you had a contact dermatitis (allergic reaction to something applied to your eyelids and then your cheeks).  If a hydrophilic hyaluronic acid filler (#Juvederm, #Restylane) was injected, your swelling will worsen over 4-8 hours but it is unlikely the reaction is due to filler.  Also, your repeated exposure to the allergen will make subsequent exposure lead to more severe reactions.  Please let your dermatologist know so you can avoid the topical agent next time.  Consider refraining from applying eyelashe extensions or try a different "glue" adhesive. Best of luck,Suneel Chilukuri, M.D.Houston, Texas

Drew Varano, MD · Answer

Allergic reactions to Botox are extremely rare . The components of the neurotoxin are different than restylane products . So you should not have any issues receiving Botox. It would be best to visit an allergist to find out what triggers your reactions for future knowledge of what to avoid. Just to be safe alert the physician of your multiple allergies and they should have an epi pen on hand if needed.

Stephanie Olivier, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for your questions, i will really concerns that you get botox, considering the reaction that you had. Its a really bad reaction that you should be tested for ( lidocaine, and other anesthetic product). YOU NEED TO BE TEST , for allergy. You can ask them to test botox in same time, and if you have no reaction after that you can have botox. I think its the safest way to do it. if it was just skin bénin reaction i will not recommend all that, but angioedema its a severe allergic reaction and can be lifetreatening. Good luck
Dr Stephanie Olivier MD, FRCSC

Can I get Botox if I have been experiencing angioedema from other treatments? (Photos)

Answers (7)