My botox side effects are getting worse; will I have permanent damage?

Question

I had 45 units of botox in the glabella, brows and crows feet. About 6 hours after I had a hematoma on my forehead that lasted for 4 days, he must have hit a blood vessel. Then the right side of my face started feeling very numb, down through my cheek and jaw, and then to my right hand and leg. Now it is day 5 and my ears are ringing and one of them is starting to hurt fairly bad. Please do not respond by saying this is not botox, I know it is! I have never had any health issues until this!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

The side effects you are experiencing are not common of cosmetic botox injections.  Please follow up ASAP with your family doctor as well as your botox provider.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Botox will resolve in 3-4 months. Because you are experiencing these unusual complications, I suggest returning to your treating physician. Best, Dr. Emer

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear of your current symptoms. I would recommend reaching back out to your injector for an in-person examination.  Outside of the hematoma these are very atypical side effects that require a medical professional to work through and diagnose.  Your injector may refer you to your primary doctor to work up what may be taking place.  Botox's effects are self-limited and tend to resolve 3-4 months after administration.  Best wishes.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question Roomew. A bruise or hematoma is not uncommon after an injectable treatment. They can last up to two weeks. In our office we treat bruises with a laser as soon as the next day and the bruises resolve much more quickly, usually within one to three days. I have never heard of numbness radiating to  the leg or ringing in the ears after a Botox treatment. I do not know if this is from Botox or not. I recommend consulting with your doctor and a neurologist for further recommendations. Good luck!

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

The side effects of the Botox that you are describing are really unusual.  I would return to your treating physician and have your general physician examine you as well for the ear ringing and numbness.  Please keep us posted.  Best, Dr. Green

My botox side effects are getting worse; will I have permanent damage?

Answers (8)

Answer: Side effects after Botox

Answer: Side effects after Botox

Answer: Botox and Side Effects

Answer: Botox and Side Effects

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.

My botox side effects are getting worse; will I have permanent damage?

Answers (8)

Answer: Side effects after Botox

Answer: Side effects after Botox

Answer: Botox and Side Effects

Answer: Botox and Side Effects

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.