How to Treat Droopy Eyelids Resulting from Botox

Droopy eyelids are a rare but possible side effect of Botox treatments.

What are the most common side effects after a Botox treatment?

The most common side effects after a Botox treatment are pain, bleeding, bruising, infection, swelling, and tenderness. Most of the time these are mild and go away on their own. Precautions such as cleaning the area to be treated with alcohol prior to treatment and using cold compresses such as ice packs will minimize the risk of many of these side effects.

How do people get droopy eyelids after a Botoxtreatment?

Botox relaxes muscles of facial expression on the face. The muscular anatomy in the face is complicated and  there are many muscles neaar each other. When Botox is injected to treat frown lines between the brows, horizontal lines on the forehead, and crow's feet around the eyes sometimes the Botox travels to the muscles that raise the eyelids. This effectively relaxes these muscles and makes it difficult to raise the eyelids. As a result you see a droopiness or heaviness to the eyelid.

What is the difference between a droopy eyelid and a droopy eyebrow?

This is an important question because the treatment is different for a droopy eyelid and a droopy eyebrow. The difference is whether it is the lid that is droopy or the brow. Sometimes the brow will appear lower than normal or feel heavy. This is treated with a small amount of Botox in the corner of the brow to counteract this heaviness.

How often do people get droopy eyelids after a Botox treatment?

In the studies conducted by Allergan (makers of BotoxJuvedermVolumaLattise, and now Kybella) the incidence of droopy eyelids (also known as blepharoptosis) is approximately 3 %. In Dr. Alex's experience this value is less than 1 %.

Is droopy eyelids a permanent side effect of Botoxtreatments?

No, droopy eyelids after a Botox treatment are temporary and treatable.

How long do droopy eyelids after a Botoxtreatment last?

Droopy eyelids after a Botox treatment can last anywhere from a few days to three months but usually resolve after a few weeks. The full effects of Botox (whether intended effects such as wrinkle reduction or side effects such as droopy eyelids) normally go away on their own in three to four months.

How can you treat droopy eyelids resulting from a Botox treatment?

Droopy eyelids are treated with prescription eye drops. These eyedrops will relax a different muscle in the eye allowing the eye to open up. A commonly used prescription eye drop to treat droopy eyelids resulting from Botox treatments is Iopidine (apraclonidine). Apply two to three drops to the affected eye two to three times per day as needed. The droopiness will go away on its own and you will notice this when you wake up in the morning.

How can you prevent droopy eyelids?

Since droopy eyelids result from spread of Botox it is important that the Botox is injected in the right place. So the first thing to do is find an experienced injector such as Dr. Alex who is familiar with the properties of Botox, facial anatomy, and techniques to minimize side effects from Botox treatments. It is also critical that you follow the aftercare instructions. Avoid heat, alcohol consumption, and exercise for 24 hours after a Botox treatment because this can bring blood to the skin resulting in spread of the Botox and side effects such as droopy eyelids. Also do not lie down flat for four hours after a treatment because this can also cause movement of the Botox.

Contact us to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Alex. A E Skin is distinguished to be a Gold account with Allergan because we do so many Botox treatments. Ask about our Botox Bonanza event where you will have a chance to win free Botox and when promotional pricing is available on Botox and skin care products. At A E Skin we participate in the Brilliant Distinctions Program, a rewards program that will help you save even more.

Contact us Today

Our Location

Hours of Operation

Office

Monday:

10:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

10:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

10:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

10:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

10:00 am-4:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed