Why does my eyebrows and lashes thin out after Botox?

Question

I received botox in my forhead, between my eyebrows and the crows feet about two weeks ago. On day two I got really sick. It spread through my body causing numbness in my limbs. I had to be hospitalised for a few days. But now my eyebrows and lashes are thinning really bad. I have seen a lot of questions about this and even though it's not common I think it is safe to say that botox causes hairloss. But why does it cause hairloss? Is it because the blood doesn't circulate as it suppose to?

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for
your question Ida1982. I understand your concern. Botox is a purified
protein used to address wrinkles associated with facial expression. Botox has not been shown to be associated with hair loss. However, many conditions are associated with hair loss. If I had a patient who experienced hair loss after an illness that required hospitalization I would say that the illness was the most likely cause of the hair loss. 
Please
consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

Botox doesn't spread. It only affects the local area where it is injected. It sounds as if you have some other condition that is causing the flu like symptoms and the hair loss. I would suggest that you see your physician for a full work up. Best of luck.

Jessica H. Kim, MD, FAAD · Answer

The hair loss you are experiencing is likely associated with your systemic condition for which you were hospitalized and unrelated to Botox.  Botox causes relaxation of the muscles, which results in smoothening of the overlying skin surface.  Hair growth is unaffected.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It sounds like you had something else going on that was coincidental to your botox treatment.  I have never heard of botox causing hair loss or systemic illness, it stays localized in the muscle.

Noah B. Sands, MD · Answer

Hi there (from NYC),
   Botox should not cause any form of hair loss, not short term nor long term.  Further, Botox does not cause systemic reactions in quantities used for cosmetic/medical purposes.  Your symptoms are likely attributable to something else, possibly a systemic viral infection, which should be self-limiting.  If your symptoms worsen, I would consult your PCP or a local Emergency Department.

Alix J. Charles, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Botox remains localized to the area injected and does not spread throughout the body.  You likely had some other unrelated illness that coincided with the Botox treatment. There are forms of hair loss that can occur after a stressful event, but the hair loss takes months before it manifests itself.  I suggest you find a well trained and experienced dermatologist/trichologist and set up a face to face consultation to discuss your hair loss issues.  Best of luck to you!

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

Botox does not and did not spread through your body so the illness that you had was not due to Botox.  Additionally Botox does not cause any type of hair loss; you should see if your family doctor can evaluate you as to what has occurred

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

I think the most likely cause of your hair loss is not the Botox treatment that the illness that followed afterwards. I wish you all the best and good luck from New York City

Why does my eyebrows and lashes thin out after Botox?

Answers (8)

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