Botox around the eyes – I’m having a problem!

Dr. Irwin
October 21, 2013
Hi Dr. Irwin, Your site is incredibly informative and your answers leave me feeling relieved. So, my question is this: I have received 14 units of Botox for my 11's 3 times over the past 6 months. A week ago was my third visit and this time I had my Dr. treat my crows feet. He used 16 units total. My right eye area looks fine and feels normal. My left area feels swollen and there a pressure around my eye that I understand could be a strange feeling due to the weakening of the muscles. I'm fairly certain he injected improperly on this side. I have a little bit of the chipmunk cheek effect when I smile and it looks odd. Of course I've been panicked about this and probably overthinking it but I am worried that there might be damage or is this a normal sensation that will diminish over time? I definitely will not be using Botox around my eyes ever again. Thank you, Mary

Thank you for reading and sharing the site with friends. I want it to be helpful!!!

 

So to reassure you, this will wear off. Usually if the Botox is being done for the first time in an area, and not too much was used, it will wear off in 2-3 months. Botox lasts longer with repeat visits up to a certain point (maximum usually about 4-6 months). This is because you are retraining the overactive muscle group to relax and it’s slightly weaker.

 

If the left side is swollen or puffy, please be sure you report this to your doctor and they may need to see you to check it. A “pressure feeling” is sometimes the result of excess fluid accumulation due to slightly less lymphatic drainage because the muscle action around the eye is less. Muscle action improves lymphatic drainage, in general. Again though, please report this to your doctor!

 

Dr. I

 

Read Dr. Irwin’s article Botox Mistakes and How to Fix Them.

 

Learn more on our Guide to Botox and Dysport.

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

Ask me your skincare question!

Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

  • All our content is written and researched by myself.
  • My medical office in Seattle has treated thousands of patients for 15+ years.
  • This site is not affiliated or financially tied to any product, treatment or device.
Ask Me Something
SkinTour Skincare
One of the best investments in your skin is your daily skincare. Why? Because you can prevent many problems with blotchy skin color, lack of glow, texture, some types of acne, and fine lines with good skincare products. You can also correct some of these problems with effective skincare products. Great skincare is often more expensive because quality ingredients are expensive. Some companies spend on research/development which benefits all of us and adds to the cost. Are they worth it? In general - yes! I have handpicked some of what I consider to be the best skin care products, and offer them for sale on SkinTour's shop. This is based on my team and I's testing and research at our clinic. Many of the products are in my own regimen. What could be better than using skin care products a dermatologist uses?!
Browse Shop