Facial pressure, eye heaviness 2 weeks after Botox injection. Is this related?

Question

I got 20 units of Botox between my eyebrows and above each eyebrow. 2 weeks later I am having drooping and heaviness of my left eye, dryness and pressure that feels like a sinus headache, but I have no congestion and have not had a cold to indicate sinusitis. My doctor told me the eye drooping is not due to the Botox and suggested I treat my self for sinus infection. It is now 3 weeks later and symptoms persist. Any advice?

Alexander Rivkin, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Although rare, Botox can travel downwards into the eye muscles when injected in the glabella and cause a droopy eyelid.  A photo would be best to determine if this is the case, or if you just have a heavy brow from too much Botox.  Unfortunately if either of these are the case, you would have to wait the 2-3 month period until it wears off completely.  It is safe to say that Botox does feel the strongest the first 3-4 weeks and does tend to let up a bit.  In the meantime you can ask your doctor for specific eye drops to help lift the lid a bit temporarily.  Best of luck.

Christopher L. Hess, MD · Answer

There are two different eye droops that can occur with paralytics.  When injected into the glabellar region or the area between the eyes and injected too deeply it can effect the levator muscle or the muscle that lifts the eyelid.  So if you eyelid is lower this is the case.  The amount that can effect this muscle is less than the amount in the corrugator muscles so it won't last as long.  The other issue is if you unconsciously lift your eyebrows when your eyes are open.  This occurs in somewhat older patients.  This creates a heaviness on the eye and feels like a droop.  If this is the case it will take the entire three months to resolve.

Carmen A. Traywick, MD, FAAD · Answer

Botox lock the release of a chemical called acetylcholine, which triggers the muscle contractions that create wrinkles. Botox essentially paralyze the muscles and stops them from contracting. Results from these treatments are visible within 3-7 days with results that can last anywhere from 3-4 months. Follow up with your injector to have an in person exam. It is hard to determine without seeing before and after photos. Hope this helps.

Deborah Kessler Hudak, MD, MHA · Answer

What you describe could be related to the Botox, or to a sinusitis.  If it is due to the Botox, it will wear off in time...and then you need to request future injections be a smaller amount of Botox and (possibly) injected higher on the left forehead than they were.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Botox is the most popular cosmetic treatment in my office. It sounds as if you have a droop from the Botox injections. For this reason I like to inject “baby Botox” to my patients. I would return to my treating physician for examination. It will take about two months for the effect to dissipate. For the best cosmetic results please consult an expert in Botox injections. Best, Dr. Green.

Facial pressure, eye heaviness 2 weeks after Botox injection. Is this related?

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Answer: Heaviness in left upper lid and dryness of eye after Botox to glabellar complex

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Answer: Botox and heaviness in eyes

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Facial pressure, eye heaviness 2 weeks after Botox injection. Is this related?

Answers (10)

Answer: Heaviness in left upper lid and dryness of eye after Botox to glabellar complex

Answer: Heaviness in left upper lid and dryness of eye after Botox to glabellar complex

Answer: Botox and heaviness in eyes

Answer: Botox and heaviness in eyes

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Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.