How Long Will Partial Eyelid Droop from Botox Last? (photo)

Question

I was given Botox injections on 1/26/12. 5 days later on 1/31/12 I noticed that my left eyelid was drooping. My brows are even, only the one eyelid is drooping down close to the top of the pupil. I was prescribed Apraclonidine .5. It took a few days to start working, but now right after I use the drops my eyes almost look even, though still not 100% normal. Can anyone tell me when I may notice a permanent improvement? It's been 12 days since my injections. I'm desperate!

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

Typically, this would improve in 6-8 weeks. In severe cases, it may last the entire duration of the activity of botox which is 3-4 months in the average.

Mark K. Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the picture.What you have experienced, unfortunately, is a known complication after Botox with no great remedy other than time. At 12 days out, the full extent of the Botox has likely been reached and your droop will not get worse.  Also be encouraged that the eye-drops don't necessarily work on everyone -- the fact that it is with you is a good thing.  Make sure your physician has discussed all the potential side effects of the drops, including adrenaline-like symptoms such as "racing" your heart, making you feel anxious, as well as being irritating to your eye and at times, painful.  If that occurs you may need to switch to something other than Apraclonidine and also try some lubricating eye drops for dryness.The good news is that the eyelid droop is typically 100% reversible since the effect of the Botox is not permanent.  Botox can last up to 4-5 months but typically the eyelid droop does not last as long (1-2 months) because a lower dose of the toxin has reached part of the eyelid-raising muscle.Good luck.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

A rare side effect is temporary drooping of one eyelid. This is short lived. Eyelid droop may also be corrected with a prescription eye drop (Iopidine 0.5%)  that you can get from a physician. This can help alleviate the droop within a few weeks to a month. You can also wait a couple of months for the effects of the Botox to wear off, at which point the droopiness will also go away.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

If the levator aponeurosis is affected by Botox being placed too close to the eyebrow in the middle of the eyebrow, it can take 12 to sixteen weeks to improve. The use of the eyedrops such as Iopidine, several times a day can help keep the eyelid up. It should all go away in time.

Daryl K. Hoffman, MD · Answer

Droopy eyelid after forehead Botox injection is a known complication but fortunately it is not common and completely reversible. It will improve gradually and it usually takes four to six weeks before it isn't very noticable. Some small weakness may be present for longer.

How Long Will Partial Eyelid Droop from Botox Last? (photo)

Answers (9)