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Can botox get in your eye through the injection?

I received botox today for my 11 lines. During the injection I felt as if the botox was shooting into my eye. Specifically the tear duct area. Is this possible? I am so scared!

Doctor Answers 7

August 30th, 2016

Botox Around The Eye

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Botox shouldn't cause any issue around the eye area even if a small amount drips into your eye.  I suggest speaking to your physician if you are concerned.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa6C2fuS-AgOnvBjr6_VSQg

Jason Emer, MD


Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 203 reviews

August 29th, 2016

Botox injection and eyes

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The shooting pain was probably from irritation of a nerve by the injection. Even if the Botox were to get into your eye, it would not cause a problem. No need to be worried. Botox works great. Look forward to your results:)

Learn more: http://www.miamiskinandvein.com/botox-cosmetic/

Shaun Patel, MD
August 28th, 2016

Botox in eye

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It is not unusual for some Botox to drip into the eye during the process of injecting areas around the eyebrows and in between the eyes. It is typically inconsequential however with no untoward effects.
Sanusi Umar, MD

Sanusi Umar, MD
Redondo Beach Dermatologic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 33 reviews

August 28th, 2016

Botox For The Glabella Getting Into Tear Ducts

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It is extremely unlikely that your glabellar Botox injections got anywhere near your tear ducts. I agree with Dr. Lee - your injection probably touched a nerve. Nothing to worry about. Hope that helps.  

Learn more: http://westsidemedicalspa.com/procedures/botox

Alexander Rivkin, MD
August 28th, 2016

Botox in eye

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Botox can drip from the syringe directly into the eye which is harmless. Sometimes physicians will inject into the side of the nose trying to decrease "bunny lines", this could be close to the tear ducts but shouldn't cause any issues if it was injected into the tear duct. You just wouldn't have as much of a result in that area. The other thing that could have occurred is there is a nerve that runs from the glabellar area back into the area around the eye and it may have been stimulated from the injection. Either way you should be fine. If you develop decreased vision or double vision you need to an ophthalmologist.

Byron A. Long, MD

Byron A. Long, MD
Marietta Oculoplastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 3 reviews

August 27th, 2016

Botox getting into eye?

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The only way it could get into your eye is direct dripping into it. I make sure patients tightly close their eyes during the injection just in case there is any possible drops which leak out. Injection into the glabella can't connect to the tear duct.

Learn more: https://stevenfweinermd.wordpress.com/2014/10/12/all-botox-providers-are-not-the-same-choose-carefully/

Steven F. Weiner, MD

Steven F. Weiner, MD
Panama City Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 54 reviews

August 27th, 2016

Botox getting into the eye

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Botox for the 11's is usually put directly into the muscle above your brow. The feeling your got was likely that the needle touched a nerve that goes down to your inner corner of your eye. This happens very occasionally and I have never seen adverse consequences of it. Do not worry. 
Lily Lee, MD

Lily Lee, MD
Pasadena Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 28 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.