Swelling and redness after Botox (Photo)

Question

I got 45 units of Botox injected yesterday: forehead, between brows, crows feet. using Botox 8+ years. never experienced these symptoms before. Usually small swelling around injection site subsides within an hour / less. Got injections at 4.30pm. Areas v swollen all night, painful to touch. Felt very bruised / 'full', especially in forehead area. Swelling persists 24 hours on. Am concerned allergic reaction to saline / non-Allergan product. Use zolpidem to sleep usually. OK?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Your best course of action is to ask the office what they did differently. If they used a new manufacturer of saline, or different needles, they could have introduced something into the treatment that you're reacting to. It might also be a good idea to have an allergy test and find out exactly what you're sensitive to for the future.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi AKF. Although there is some redness and swelling after Botox injections, what I see in your pictures does seem to be a bit excessive. Though true allergy to Botox is rare, you are correct in suspecting that this might be related to whatever was used by your injector to dilute the Botox (especially if you used a different injector than usual). You can use benadryl or hydrocortisone cream to see if it helps, but I would notify your injector in case he/she wants to see you in person. Best of luck.

Lorrie Klein, MD · Answer

from your photos it appears as if you might have an allergic contact dermatitis.  This would most likely result from whatever was rubbed on your skin, perhaps prior to your treatment to cleanse it.  Find out what they used and if it was anything other than alcohol you might be allergic to it.

Kate Ross, MD · Answer

Call the office and find out what was different this particular time from all of the others you've had Botox injected. What stands out is probably the reasoning for your reaction. It doesn't look serious, but uncomfortable for sure. A topical steroid such as hydrocortisone should help. You should use a mild cleanser for a few days so that you avoid irritating the area more.Thank you for your question and for sharing your photo! Feel better!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

I would make sure that Botox was actually used.  Also, I have seen people that are allergic to the preservative in the saline used to reconstitute Botox.  That is actually a fairly common allergy.  This is often used instead of regular saline because it makes the injections more comfortable.  Also, as others have suggested, was a topical cream used to numb you?  I try to avoid using this because of the possible side effects.  Also, make sure you discuss this with your doctor.  I am not recommending any treatment until you are seen by a physician who can exam you more thoroughly.

Swelling and redness after Botox (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Reaction

Answer: Reaction

Answer: Allergy to Botox is quite rare - look into other things

Answer: Allergy to Botox is quite rare - look into other things

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Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Swelling and redness after Botox (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Reaction

Answer: Reaction

Answer: Allergy to Botox is quite rare - look into other things

Answer: Allergy to Botox is quite rare - look into other things

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.