Why does Botox make me faint, but fillers don't?

Question

I am 23 years old and I have gotten Botox and Lip Filler (Juvederm Ultra) twice now, and both times, I was fine when getting the fillers (which I find to be much more painful and I am more scared of) but then I have what I have been told is a vasovagal reflex and lose consciousness when I get Botox. The first time this occurred it was Botox in my forehead, and the second time it was around my lip. Any reason why I would get this reflex with Botox and not filler?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Hi Brooke, this question does come up occasionally. Without an evaluation, it's difficult to tell why it would occur with the Botox but not the injectable fillers; however, it is highly unlikely that this was caused by the Botox itself.I don't know your specific aesthetic goals, but the good news is that Botox is likely not your only option for treatment. I would either follow up with your physician or schedule a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist to explore your options. Best, Dr. Emer

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's difficult to say why your would have a vasovagal response to one but not the other.  You may want to take a few precautions before treatment.  Make sure that you are well hydrated and not too warm.  You can use cool compresses on your inner elbows and around your neck.  In our office we often employ tapping during injections to help our patients during treatment.  I've included a video on this that I hope you find helpful.

Brian A. Pinsky, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear brooke,Feeling faint after injections is common.  Many patients can experience a vaso-vagal response from any injection.  It's a normal, short-lived physiology stress response but can be quite scary when it happens.  For patients prone to vaso-vagal reactions, I will inject in the reclined position;  Pre-icing the area and making sure the patients are well hydrated before treatment can also help.  Make sure you inform your surgeon so that precautions can be made to try and minimize any discomfort during the procedure.  Best of luck!

Christopher Kieliszak, DO · Answer

Hi Brooke,
Thanks for your question.  Patients respond differently to the sight and thought of needles and medical treatments including botox and fillers.  It would be unusual that the botox medication itself is causing you a true vaso-vagal reflex.  A medical evaluation from your medical doctor is something that you should still consider.  Another tip would be for you to ask your injector if he or she has any tools that can be used to "distract" you during the procedure.  These include (but are not limited to) vibrating devices, ice compresses, squeeze-balls, all which may make the procedure more tolerable for certain patients.  Best of luck in the future!
Dr. Kieliszak

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. There could a variety of reasons, however you would need a medical evaluation to determine the possibilities.  In some people the sight of blood or needles can cause a vaso-vagal response, but this is not related directly to Botox.

Why does Botox make me faint, but fillers don't?

Answers (8)

Answer: Response to Botox Reaction

Answer: Response to Botox Reaction

Answer: Vaso-vagal

Answer: Vaso-vagal

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Why does Botox make me faint, but fillers don't?

Answers (8)

Answer: Response to Botox Reaction

Answer: Response to Botox Reaction

Answer: Vaso-vagal

Answer: Vaso-vagal

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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.