Botox crows feet side effects: heaviness, pain and tightness in my cheeks.

Question

Hi!Two weeks ago I had botox for my crows feet.Two days later I started feeling heaviness and tightness on my cheeks.Now that I am twoo weeks post my symptoms are worst because I also feel some pain in my cheeks.Is this common?Can it get worst?I am really scared.

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. There are a few things that could be happening here. I suppose it's possible that the inejctor may have hit the zygomaticus muscle instead of the obicularis oculi (the cheek muscle instead of the eye muscle). In this case you it would explain the heaviness in your cheek. Some tenderness may be a result of a bruise under the skin. It is best to follow up with your injector for an assessment. All the best, Dr. Solomon

Marek Kacki, MD · Answer

The pain two weeks after injection of Botox would be highly unusual. The tightness and pain could potentially signify either deep bruising or infection, both also very unusual. The heaviness, however, is a different story.  When the crow's feet are treated, you inject Botox into a part of the muscle that goes around your eye. When you inject the lower part of this muscle, particularly with the "recommended" dose, you are disabling the only muscle that elevates your cheek when you smile. If that happens, the entire volume of the soft tissue, normally elevated during the smile, hangs passively, hence the perception of heaviness. On top of this, if you really have some bruising or even minimal swelling due to infection, the soft tissue volume increases and heaviness may appear exaggerated. Please see your doctor to get the best recommendations.    Good luck!

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Botox works exceedingly well to remove fine lines around the eyes and treat Crow's feet.  The symptoms that you are describing are atypical and you should return at once to your treating physician.  Best, Dr. Green

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

This is absolutely not typical after botox injection. You should not have any pain at this point in time. I would take approximately 600 mg of Advil 3 times a day and apply moist, warm compresses to the affected area about 6 times a day. If no improvement is seen within a 24-hour period I would see your treating physician as soon as possible. Good luck from New York City

Botox crows feet side effects: heaviness, pain and tightness in my cheeks.

Answers (4)

Answer: Botox trouble

Answer: Botox trouble

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.

Botox crows feet side effects: heaviness, pain and tightness in my cheeks.

Answers (4)

Answer: Botox trouble

Answer: Botox trouble

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.