Can Botox cause a sty to develop?

Question

I have developed a swollen and sore left eyelid (looks almost as if I have a sty) 7 days after botox injections. Are the two related?

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Botox has not been reported to cause a sty. Styes can form on the upper or lower eyelid, but unless the Botox was injected directly into that region (which would never be recommended), there is no reason the Botox should have formed the sty. I cannot give you a definitive opinion without examining you in person.

This situation is probably a coincidence, and you should seek treatment with an opthalmologist if your symptoms persist. Hope this helps.

This situation is probably a coincidence, and you should seek treatment with an opthalmologist if your symptoms persist. Hope this helps.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

No, Botox wouldn't cause a sty to develop. If it persists, I recommend following up with an ophthalmologist for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Matthew Brace, MD · Answer

If this truly is a sty, the two are not likely related. Warm compresses can help. I would see your injector to have the eyelid assessed though.
All the best,
Dr. Brace

Philip K. Robb Jr., MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, 
Botox isn't the cause of your stye. I recommend talking to an ophthomologist to see if that stye needs to be treated. 
The mechanism of botox doesn't cause eyelid or skin irregularities.

Hope this helps and God Bless!
Dr. Robb

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I would say that it is unlikely that the stye on your eyelid is related to the Botox treatment you had a week ago.  You might consider consulting with an eye doctor for treatment of your stye.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is very unlikely that the stye on your eyelid is related to your Botox treatment. I recommend having a consultation with an eye doctor for treatment. Best of Luck!

Damon B. Chandler, MD · Answer

It is most likely that if you received Botox injections from a Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Physician with expertise in facial cosmetic surgery, that eyelid swelling and soreness is unrelated to the injections.  If in fact you do have a sty (chalazion), it is caused by an obstructed gland within the eyelid itself and not in any areas that Botox is typically used for facial cosmetic treatments.  I'd seek out an Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon (with Ophthalmology training) to determine what is best for you.

Faiyaaz Kalimullah, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It's difficult to determine exactly what may be going on without examining you in-person, or at least reviewing photos.  That said, while Botox can sometimes make an eyelid feel heavy or droopy (also known as ptosis), it should not make your eyelids feel swollen or tender.  It is unlikely that your eyelid symptoms are related to your Botox treatment.  I would recommend that you schedule an appointment with a board-certified ophthalmologist for evaluation.

David Shamouelian, MD · Answer

Hi there, 
It is unlikely that what you are experiencing is related to the Botox injection. I would contact the professional that did the injection and consult with them. It may be due to a heavy eyelid from Botox that might have migrated to the upper eyelid. This would not cause an infection though. If this persist see an Ophthalmologist. 
Good Luck,

Dr David Shamouelian

Paul Pietro, MD · Answer

Helllo snanci,Thanks for sharing your question. Short answer is no Botox is not known to be associated with or causing a sty in or around the eye. Completely different situations. Best to see an ophthalmologist for evaluation and remedy.