After a Botox injection on my forehead I woke up with deep grooves on my forehead in a diagonal shape of a 'W'. Help?

Question

Should I panic ? I just had Botox and I have a indent of a W on my forehead the next morning . What should I do ?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Botox takes 2 weeks to work, I suggest you give it time to determine what the ultimate outcome is. Best, Dr. Emer.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would recommend posting a photograph of what you woke to but most likely this is swelling of your forehead skin as a result of the injections.  You may want to try some cold compresses to the area to help minimize this appearance.  In most patients Botox takes 3-5 days to start having an effect, and 10-14 days for its maximum.  If you are seeing little improvement, see your injector for an in-person evaluation.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

I would recommend you wait 10 days to 2 weeks before deciding to get additional Botox performed.  SOmetimes, certain muscles groups will be affected first and I recommend my clients wait 2 weeks before deciding if additional botox may be neededAll the bestDr Soni

Christian N. Ford, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Sorry to hear that you are having some concerns about your postprocedure appearance.  It is difficult to comment without seeing a photograph, but what you are describing is most likely related to swelling.  In general, swelling at the site of Botox injections is normal and typically resolves completely within an hour or two after injection.  Botox will start working in a couple of days.  You will see your final result 2 weeks after treatment with Botox.  In general, icing can help to reduce postprocedure swelling for up to 48 hours after the procedure.  Arnica can help to minimize any postprocedure swelling and bruising.  What you are describing is unusual.  I would advise you to see your injector for an in-person reevaluation in order to best address your concerns and to determine the best course of action.  Best wishes!

Lisa Vuich, MD · Answer

Give it a full 7-10 days to settle, but it may be that you will need additional Botox units if the forehead muscles are not relaxing evenly. BestLisa Vuich, MD

Elliot Duboys, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I'm not sure what you mean by "W".  Did this happen the following morning?  Botox typically takes 5-7 days for its maximum effect.  Botox on the forehead typically takes care of the two muscles (frontalis) on the forehead the create the horizontal corrugations.  It also might mean that you need to have the muscles between your eyebrows (glabella) treated. Good luck.

Justin Harper, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi there, Botox takes up to 7 days to see results, I would wait 7 days to see if you still notice the issue. Could be just from the way you slept. Best thing to do is send a picture of what you're seeing to your original injector, or post it here so we could know a little better what you're seeing. Keep us posted!

After a Botox injection on my forehead I woke up with deep grooves on my forehead in a diagonal shape of a 'W'. Help?

Answers (7)

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