Hot Compress or Icing the Area for Swelling after Botox Injection?

Question

i did botox 5 months ago i had sever side effect now is better but still have some line in my forhead i was afraid from fillers so i was injected for 2 drops to see in my forhead 36 hour ago now it is swelling what can i do is it normal some of you said icing and other compress with hot water i am not going to do any more but what can i do in this swelling in my forhead can you help me and advice me

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

I'm not sure if when you refer to two drops you mean Botox or filler. Either way, swelling is rare and it could be an allergy or bleeding focal collection of a hematoma, or some impurity or additive to which you're reacting. You may need to see an allergist and consult with the physician who injected you to see what exactly was used. Not all products are the same, depending on who manufactured it and was it tainted, diluted or mixed with some other agent.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Fawzeia.  It sounds like you are having an allergic reaction to the Botox.  We have seen this twice before in our practice.  One patient developed a resistance to Botox and each time we injected, she reacted by developing hives at the injection site.  The hives did last more than 24 hours.

You can try benadryl or perhaps even ask your injector for a prescription steroid.  The swelling will subside but unfortunately you should not attempt to have Botox injected again.  Good luck.

Catherine Huang-Begovic, MD, FACS · Answer

Ice is great to help bring down any swelling or bumps you get temporarily from Botox.  However, this swelling should only last a few hours at the most.  If you are still having swelling after 36 hours, I would recommend seeing your doctor to make sure everything is ok.  I'm sure he/she would be happy to take a look and help any questions you might have.

	Dr. Cat Begovic M.D.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

"Swelling" from Botox should only last a few hours and appear as what look like tiny little bee stings. Unless you have a bruise under the skin from hitting a blood vessel, I cannot imagine what swelling you might have. Please call your injector to be evaluated. I would not recommend hot or cold packs at this point. You just need to call for an evaluation.

John Whitt, MD (retired) · Answer

The best way to treat swelling associated with Botox injection or any sort of acute swelling is a combination of ice and elevation. The ice typically will only be beneficial for the initial 24-48 hours. Elevation should be of use until the swelling has resolved. Heat will increase the local blood flow and may well worsen the swelling.

Hot Compress or Icing the Area for Swelling after Botox Injection?

Answers (7)