Botox and immediately became lightheaded. Is that normal?

Question

I had 2 small drops of Botox injected just below my nose to lift the tip today. Within a minute or two of that injection I felt "fuzzy or lightheaded". My practitioner didn't seemed surprised. It seemed like it was a common and brief side effect. I realize it's FDA approved safe but I've had juviderm in my lips and never experienced that. How does Botox effect the brain? Has anyone heard of any long term studies of how Botox affects the brain or know why I had that side effect?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Botox doesn't affect your brain. Some people can experience "light headedness" after an injection, especially a sensitive site like the nose. It seems as though it has resolved. If you experience it again, call your Dr. Best, Dr. Emer

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your concerns. You have nothing to be worried about. Although it has not occurred before with injection of fillers, feeling faint when seeing a needle can occur at anytime. It is certainly not related to any effect Botox had on your brain and commonly occurs. I hope this helps.  Good luck,

Philip K. Robb Jr., MD, FACS · Answer

Hey Kryssy,

Your experience is quite common, especially under the nose which is a very tender area. The response you had is likely a "vasovagal" episode. There is no long term consequences or sequelae associated with it. Just recall it for next time as it could happen again during or after your next injection.

As far as brain or kidney damage, very little if any botox is absorbed systemically. I have never heard of any systemic damage from such minuscule amounts used in facial wrinkle treatment. You likely had between 2-6 units injected in your face under the nose. very small. no worries.

Hope this helps you rest better tonight!

Dr. Robb

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Botox does not affect the brain. What you experienced is known as a vasovagal reaction or a fainting spell. There is nothing to be concerned about.

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

Botox does not affect the brain. You had a simple response to stress because the pain in the area is more significant. nothing to be concerned about

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

This is not that uncommon and has nothing to do with the Botox. It is the body's reaction to stress in some people. It didn't affect the brain at all. It is absolutely nothing to worry about.

Edwin Ishoo, MD · Answer

The reaction is related to your baseline anxiety. You had a vagal reaction which is not unusual but had nothing to do with the Botox.

Matthew Elias, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  This is very common and is symptom of having a procedure performed on you and not the Botox.  This is know as a vasovagal reaction, which is due to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure due to an inciting trigger, leading to a fainting spell.  We see this fairly regularly with injectables and it is nothing to worry about, you should be placed in the Trandelenburg position (spine side down, with feet higher than head by about 30 degrees) to restore blood flow to the brain and you will recuperate very quickly.  Regards, Dr. Matt Elias

Corey Frucht, MD, PhD · Answer

Hello, and thanks for your question. This side effect is not likely related to the medication, but more likely the experience of getting injected. Best of luck, Dr. Frucht.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

It is possible that anxiety can make you feel dizzy from the injections.  It is probably not a result of Botox itself.  Best, Dr. Green

Botox and immediately became lightheaded. Is that normal?

Answers (11)