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Botox® Droopy Eyes: What to do if it Happens?

Non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as Botox®, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau are widely used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles. 

These injectable neurotoxins temporarily prevent muscle contractions, smoothing the skin and minimizing the formation of wrinkles.

botox droopy eyes

While Botox® is generally safe when administered by a skilled professional, a rare side effect is drooping eyelids, known as ptosis, which can cause facial asymmetry and affect a person’s appearance. 

This side effect occurs when the injected neurotoxin inadvertently spreads to the muscles controlling eyelid movement.

If you experience droopy eyes after a Botox® treatment, it is best to consult with a doctor for evaluation. They may prescribe medication to help alleviate any discomfort and ensure that the drooping is not due to an underlying issue.

Keep in mind that this side effect is temporary, and your eyelids will typically return to normal within a few weeks. In the meantime, using over-the-counter artificial tears can help keep your eyes moisturized and reduce discomfort. 

It’s also important to avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can exacerbate the condition. If you have any concerns, always consult your doctor for further guidance.

Droopy Eyelid Botox® — How It Develops

Ptosis, or eyelid drooping, is a condition that can occur after a Botox® injection. Unlike congenital ptosis, where the drooping is present at birth, acquired ptosis is often caused by a poor injection technique.

Botox® works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles in the face through its main ingredient, botulinum toxin. This helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles such as crows feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles. However, an inexperienced injector may inject excessive Botox® too close to the levator palpebrae or frontalis muscles, which can lead to ptosis. The levator muscle is responsible for lifting the eyelids, and when Botox is injected around the eyelid, it can leave the muscle unable to control the eyelid’s movement, causing drooping.

In some cases, the over-relaxation of the frontalis muscle, which raises the eyebrows, can also cause ptosis. This can occur when Botox® is injected into the forehead to reduce wrinkles but migrates to the frontalis muscle.

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How Long Will the Eyelid Droop Last?

Droopy eyes, also known as ptosis, is a rare and temporary condition that can occur after a Botox® injection. Although it can cause embarrassment in social and professional situations, it is not life-threatening and will typically resolve itself within 3-4 months as the Botox® wears off.

During this time, patients may experience muscle weakness in the upper eyelid. This can lead to symptoms such as lazy eye, where patients are unable to fully open their eyes, and eye heaviness, where there is a heavy feeling in the eyelid that becomes worse throughout the day. These symptoms can also affect the patient’s quality of life and make it difficult to perform daily tasks like applying eye makeup.

To address any side-effects and camouflage the droop until the Botox® effects subside, certain medications can be prescribed. It’s important to consult a doctor if you experience droopy eyes after a Botox injection to determine the best course of action for your individual case.

It’s important to note that while many people experience bruxism, the potential damage to the teeth and the pain that it causes are both good reasons to seek treatment. Whether it’s a mouthguard, muscle relaxation activities or Botox®, there are many options available to help alleviate the symptoms of bruxism and improve your quality of life.

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Prevent a Drooping Eyelid

Droopy eyes or a sagging brow are not an inevitable side-effect of Botox®. To prevent this from occurring, it is important to visit an experienced injector. An experienced injector would have a thorough knowledge of facial anatomy, so they can make educated decisions on the specific locations and depths to inject Botox®. Prior to the procedure, a well-trained injector would look at the facial muscle movements of the patient to accurately map injection points to the millimeter.

Using only quality products is another way to prevent droopy eyes. Before the procedure, it is important to confirm that the botulinum injections are from a well-known brand name manufacturer. Botox® is only manufactured by Allergan, while other quality products are Dysport by Medicis and Xeomin by Merz. These products have undergone extensive testing and are considered the best in the market.

Explaining your full medical history to your injector is also important. Patients who have had previous facial surgery or a history of Bell’s palsy may be more likely to develop a droopy eye after neurotoxin wrinkle injections. It is important to be honest with your doctor about your complete medical history, including previous cosmetic treatments and medications.

Following your doctor’s instructions completely is crucial to prevent complications. Avoid rubbing or massaging the face for a full day after the injections to help stop the medication from spreading beyond the injected area.

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