Which OTC Eye Drops Help Counter the Effect of a Drooping Eyelid Caused by Botox Treatment?

Question

I have a slight droop from my treatment and would like to go the over the counter route before going Rx. Which OTC eye drops help counter the effect of a drooping eyelid caused by botox treatment? Thank you.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Eyelid droop can be corrected with a prescription eye drop (Iopidine 0.5%). This can help alleviate the droop within a few weeks to a month. You can also wait a couple of months for the effects of the Botox to wear off, at which point the droopiness will also go away. You should see your injector first instead of self-medicating.

Mark K. Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately OTC eye drops offer minimal to no improvement for eyelid droop.I would recommend being seen by your injecting physician to ensure that you have eyelid droop and not eyebrow droop.  He/she would likely prescribe Apraclonidine 0.5, 3-4 times per day.  These can raise your eyelid 2mm, on average. Be sure that your physician discusses all potential side effects of the eye-drops including "adrenaline-like" symptoms (such as anxiety, and "heart-racing"), as well as possible eye-irritation, dryness, and pain.Good luck.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Please check with your treating physician if you would benefit from drops. The effective ones are prescription.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Although it is hard to tell without examining you, you should first be seen by your provider to determine that it isn't brow drop versus eyelid drop. 

	Iopidine is often prescribed to counter eyelid droop, and it should resolve in 2 to 6 weeks without further treatment. We don't recommend any OTC drops to help counter eyelid ptosis.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

The best drops for treating temporary upper eyelid ptosis after Botox is iopidine, and this is available by prescription. Phenylepherine OTC eye drops for eye redness may be beneficial, but when ptosis has occurred in my patients, phenylepherine has only provided limited benefits, and iopidine was ultimately prescribed.

	In any event, your ptosis will completely resolve, usually within 6 weeks.

	All the best.

	Dr. Joseph

Which OTC Eye Drops Help Counter the Effect of a Drooping Eyelid Caused by Botox Treatment?

Answers (10)

Answer: OTC drops for eyelid ptosis

Answer: OTC drops for eyelid ptosis

Answer: OTC phenylepherine eye drops may be helpful for treating eyelid droopiness (ptosis) after Botox.

Answer: OTC phenylepherine eye drops may be helpful for treating eyelid droopiness (ptosis) after Botox.

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Which OTC Eye Drops Help Counter the Effect of a Drooping Eyelid Caused by Botox Treatment?

Answers (10)

Answer: OTC drops for eyelid ptosis

Answer: OTC drops for eyelid ptosis

Answer: OTC phenylepherine eye drops may be helpful for treating eyelid droopiness (ptosis) after Botox.

Answer: OTC phenylepherine eye drops may be helpful for treating eyelid droopiness (ptosis) after Botox.

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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.