Can Botox injected wrong cause nerve damage?

Question

I got Botox for my 11 lines and as soon as it was injected I had a sharp pain run down my nose that disappeared after a few minutes. I had a severe headache for over a week after. My left eye was heavier than my right after and I didn't feel good. It wasn't majorly noticeable so I left it because I wasn't feeling good. Recently I've had numbness/in my swelling feeling in the back of my tongue and throat. Is it possible that the Botox travelled and I have nerve damage?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the issues you are experiencing. The temporary sensation you described during your treatment may have been a nerve ending being touched.  The sensation would not lead to swelling and numbness in the back of your throat over a week later.  Some patients do report occasional headaches for a day or two after treatment that is typically relieved with Tylenol. I encourage you to visit with your primary care physician for an evaluation.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

Most likely what happened was that the needle simply touched a nerve ending creating the pain that you fell down to your nose. Botox will not cause any permanent nerve damage. I don’t believe you have anything to worry about. I hope this helps and good luck from New York City Plastic
Surgery.

Niro Sivathasan, MBBS, MRCS, FAACS · Answer

I'm sorry to read that you're feeling unwell and are worried. Botox injected into your lower forehead region (to address '11 lines') would 'not' cause the symptoms you're describing (i.e. there's no direct relationship between injecting between the eyebrows and "numbness/in [sic] my swelling feeling in the back of [your] tongue and throat". Importantly, have you spoken with your MD about your concerns?

Can Botox injected wrong cause nerve damage?

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Can Botox injected wrong cause nerve damage?

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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