Will squeezing a pimple right next to a Botox injection site cause the Botox to spread to other muscles?

Question

I had Botox done on my forehead at around 10:00 and came home at 13:30 and squeezed a deep pimple that was right next to where I got an injection. I only realized after that I probably should not have done that. Will the Botox move to the surrounding muscles on my forehead and cause sometime of unwanted drooping e.t.c? Should I go back and get it looked at?

David W. Kim, MD · Answer

Hi Francescaangelica,I wouldn't be concerned about the Botox spreading from squeezing the pimple, especially since it was 3.5 hours later. I usually advise my patients not to rub the areas injected for 4 hours after treatment, but that is on the more cautious side. I don't think your results will be affected, so not to worry!

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Squeezing the deep pimple a few hours after treatment should not affect your result. You will start seeing results typically within 7-10 days. It is always a good idea to follow up in about 2 weeks to address any concerns. Good Luck!Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I do not believe that squeezing a pimple next to the site of your Botox injection will affect your results.  This should not cause the Botox to spread to other muscles.

Summit Kundaria, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.   It is ideal to avoid pressure over a Botox injection site for the first couple of days after having it injected to prevent the material spreading to unwanted areas.  That said, there is no way to "unsqueezed" the pimple, so relax and wait until the Botox kicks in, and enjoy!  Good luck!

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

It was not a good idea to put this much pressure on the area that was injected but it probably did not do much damage so not to worry

Milan Doshi, MS, MCh · Answer

Hi,thanks for the question.Squeezing a pimple after about 4 hours of getting the botox done is not advisable but you should not worry much as it will not disperse the botox much.Be careful for the next time to avoid doing such a thing in the future again.

Benjamin J. Cousins, MD · Answer

Botox will typically begin to "kick in" after 4-7 days, but some may see results earlier. The full effect is usually seen after 7-10 days so two weeks after your injections is a great time for a follow-up with your injector if you are not getting the results you desire. Additional injections may be given at 2 weeks if more correction is desired/needed. Botox typically lasts 3 months, and after that it begins to slowly wear off. I tell my patients not to rub the treatment areas or lie down for 4-6 hours after injections to be safe. 
  
Dr. Benjamin J. Cousins MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Miami/Miami Beach

Justin Harper, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi Francesca,
I have extensive experience in using Botox. I routinely tell my patients to stay upright and avoid touching the area for a full 4 hours after the treatment. Squeezing creates pressure and may indeed cause some migration. There is no known antidote for any unwanted effects except time. You've only had the injection 2 days ago so try to observe whether the change in your face is symmetrical in the next week or so. If not, inform your doctor and go for a touch-up during your follow-up visit. 
Your dosage should be safe and not give you any problems with talking and swallowing. But if any of these come up, call your doctor for management.
Again, don't sweat it. I hope this helps.
All the best, 
Justin Harper, M.D.

Robert J. Troell, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Good Day. Thank you for your question.
If the pressure was after 24 hours, the chance of spread is highly unlikely. There is a chance that shortly after the injection (minutes), you could have moved the chemical to a close by (several millimeters) area.
However, for the pressure at the Botox/dysport area to make a clinical difference to the muscle relaxant effect of wrinkles effacement is highly unlikely.
I think you can relax. You do want to followup at the time of maximal effect in 14 days after injection to ensure a satisfied result with good symmetry.
Make sure you optimize your treatment of your acne.
Have an enjoyable day.

Will squeezing a pimple right next to a Botox injection site cause the Botox to spread to other muscles?

Answers (9)

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