Why is There a Bag Under my Eye After Botox?

Question

Seven days ago, I got touch-ups of Botox for the wrinkles under my eyes.  On my way home, I noticed that I had a bag under one of my eyes.  It was very large and has gone down since then but it still looks puffy and unlike my other eye.
This is my second treatment of botox.  I went once 6 months ago for my forehead and eyes and then had touch ups and everything looked normal, and now this time 6 months later when I went it was normal, but then when I got touch ups I got this ugly eye bag.
So is the swelling normal?  Will it go down?  What do you suppose happened in this case?  I am seeing my doctor about it next week but I am wondering why this might have happened and if it will go away.  I thought Botox was supposed to make you look better, but in this case I look worse.  Any thoughts as to why this happened would be greatly appreciated.  Any treatments I might try at home?  Thank you so much.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Dear Rae Rae,
Lower eyelid Botox is not always the best idea. The muscle that is treated helps to support the lower eyelid skin. When it is weakened sufficiently, the lower eyelid skin can bow creating the appearance of a bag. The good news is that this effect will diminish in time. The bad news is there is not specific treatment to speed up the process.
Generally, if you know that this can occur, it is a good idea to avoid lower eyelid BOTOX. Often it is better to have under eye treated with Restylane to fill the lower eyelid as an alternative treatment.
WIth regard to what you can do at home, really nothing. However, don't allow yourself to get talked into having more BOTOX to this area or the other lower eyelid which can sometimes happen with a well meaning physician in a effort to make you happy. Simply give yourself time, probably a 4-6 weeks and this should begin to improve and be happy that BOTOX is not permanent!

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

As the panel members indicated, the timing of your symptoms would indicate you are most likely dealing with swelling which should gradually improve with each passing day.  Using cold compresses intermittently (frozen peas works well), sleeping with the head/shoulders elevated, and avoiding massaging will help resolve the swelling - this and time.  If you do not see progressive improvement or experience any other symptoms, ask to see your physician sooner.

Daniel Reichner, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on how fast (less than an hour) you developed the swelling, I suspect that the injection caused a small amount of bleeding under the one eye. Since you are only seven days out from this second injection, if the swelling was caused by bleeding, you should expect another week or two of swelling under this eye. A methylprednisolone 6-day dose pack would help speed this process up. 
The other possibility (though less likely) is that you are suffering from Botox induced pseudo-herniation of the infra-orbital fat pads. When too much Botox is injected into the obicularis muscles they lose tone and the fat pads bulge out - much like when you are really tired after staying up all night.  Unfortunately, if this is what happened,  you can expect the problem to last 10 weeks or more.
Botox must be used very carefully when injecting into the obicularis oculi muscle. I recommend that when seeking injections and treatments around the eyes, you seek a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who understands the anatomy in this area

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

RaeRae,
Botox does not cause prolonged swelling.  If you noticed the "swelling" on your way home from the injections, then this may be due to the trauma of the injection itself or to a small, localized hematoma/bruise from the needle.  Within hours, the saline used for Botox is absorbed in the body and does not cause prolonged swelling.  If you notice swelling 5 to 7 days after Botox, this is usually due to tissues falling from lack of muscular support (brow ptosis) and is always temporary.  If you post before and after pictures, we may be able to give you more specific advice.  Good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Hard to say what it is without examining you. Is it a noticeable fat bag?  Is it bruising from  the Botox injection itself?  Hard to tell without seeing you.

Why is There a Bag Under my Eye After Botox?

Answers (7)

Answer: Botox does not cause prolonged swelling

Answer: Botox does not cause prolonged swelling

Answer: Lower eyelid swelling after Botox

Answer: Lower eyelid swelling after Botox

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Why is There a Bag Under my Eye After Botox?

Answers (7)

Answer: Botox does not cause prolonged swelling

Answer: Botox does not cause prolonged swelling

Answer: Lower eyelid swelling after Botox

Answer: Lower eyelid swelling 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.