Botox is widely-known as a treatment for facial rejuvenation. Since 2002, it has been FDA-approved for addressing certain types of wrinkles like crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles. The Botox cosmetic is also an FDA-approved treatment for a number of eye problems, such as strabismus and blepharospasm, which concern the eye muscles. As effective as Botox is, however, clients may experience an adverse reaction when injected with Botox around the eyes.
So how do you manage Botox side effects for the eyes? It depends on the symptoms you have, as most of the common Botox side effects tend to disappear on their own. For example, in mild cases of dry eye or droopy eyelids, you may need to apply eye drops or ointments for relief. On the other hand, if you’re experiencing a severe allergic reaction, it’s best to call your doctor immediately or seek urgent care.
The Botox cosmetic is primarily used for its ability to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles -- specifically deep, dynamic wrinkles and folds, rather than fine lines. Botox cosmetic injections do this through its primary ingredient, botulinum toxin, which is produced by the microbe responsible for botulism. In small doses, cosmetic Botox can temporarily relax your facial muscles and keep the skin smooth.
Botox treatment prevents the muscle from moving by blocking the chemical nerve signals from the brain to the muscles, preventing the muscles from contracting. In terms of eye wrinkles, the Botox neurotoxin can keep the orbicularis muscle from folding or furrowing, reducing the severity of crow’s feet and frown lines. And because it can keep muscles relaxed, Botox injections work well to relieve other problems with the body:
Generally, Botox is a very safe treatment. It has been used by countless people worldwide; in 2016, 7 million people received Botox -- and serious adverse events are rare among treated clients. Botox use for medical conditions is FDA-approved for men and women who are aged 18 years old and above, although there are some exceptions. You shouldn’t get Botox if you:
As long as Botox injections are performed by an experienced, board-certified doctor, they are a safe treatment to undergo. A qualified doctor will consult with you to determine if the procedure best suits your needs and your health condition. They’ll instruct you on how to prepare for the treatment, check your medical history, and address your questions or concerns.
It’s also crucial to find an expert injector who knows the correct treatment sites and inject the Botox precisely so the small, highly concentrated dose of Botox won’t spread outside the intended area. For cosmetic Botox procedures to address frown lines around or under the eyes, your provider should be able to match their injection techniques according to your unique facial anatomy for good results.
After Botox, your body is likely to react to this foreign substance temporarily. Common side effects experienced by clients include:
If Botox is administered incorrectly, it can be dangerous and cause potentially life-threatening complications. Usually, these unlikely instances occur due to a wrong placement of the injection -- causing the toxin to spread throughout the body. Some clients experience a severe reaction like an allergy -- rash, hives, wheezing, itching, feeling faint, or swelling in the face, lips, tongue, and throat. You should also call your doctor immediately if at least one symptom appears hours or days after receiving Botox:
In general, common side effects of Botox last a few days or weeks at most. Unwanted side effects tend to vary from person-to-person; reactions are often different depending on the condition you’re trying to treat. While the amount of Botox in the body eventually decreases and wears off, it’s best to talk to your doctor if the side effects bother you. Here are some things you can do to relieve discomfort at home:
It’s unclear why a Botox shot to the forehead can cause headaches, but it happens. When this occurs, you may take over-the-counter medication for relief. It’s best to call your doctor as well so you can discuss how you’re feeling before they make an appropriate recommendation.
Sometimes, trying to treat an overactive bladder may make it more difficult to urinate at all, especially if you have diabetes or multiple sclerosis. In cases like this, a doctor should monitor your urine volume constantly. A catheter may also be used to temporarily help you empty your bladder until the symptom disappears.
Common flu-like symptoms such as a cold, cough, runny nose, sneezing, fever, fatigue, or a sore throat may occur as a mild infection from the injection. Aside from calling your doctor to ask for medication or treatment, it’s recommended to treat this as an ordinary flu. Get more rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use a humidifier or a steamy bath for relief. You may also try an expectorant or acetaminophen to relieve aches and fever.
Pain, tenderness, redness, bruising, or bleeding in the area you were injected are among the most common symptoms of Botox injections. These are usually caused by damaged blood vessels bleeding into the surrounding areas, although this effect doesn’t last for more than a few days. Avoid drinking alcohol, taking blood thinning medications, or engaging in vigorous activities if this happens. Keep your head elevated above your heart and apply ice at regular intervals to soothe discomfort.
When the orbicularis muscle is treated with Botox, it may be difficult to open and close the eyelids completely. Eye drops (apraclonidine) or ointments would help, while a severe droop can be counteracted by additional Botox injections between the eyebrows.
To prevent unwanted side effects, it’s best to find a practitioner with the proper medical qualifications. Someone like a salon stylist would not be an appropriate provider, because they won’t have the emergency equipment or sufficient medical knowledge to treat you in case something goes wrong.
For eye treatment, it’s best to find an oculoplastic surgeon -- trained and board-certified ophthalmologists who have also completed highly-specialized courses in plastic surgery. Sensitive eyelids, tear ducts, and eye orbits should be handled by someone familiar with cosmetic, corrective, and reconstructive procedures for these eye structures.
Learn more: What are the causes of droopy eyes and how to treat them?
At Evolve Med Spa, we understand that no two clients are alike. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we prepare customized treatment plans to accomplish your aesthetic goals.
Our expert medical staff stay updated with the rapid changes in the cosmetic industry, so we’re always equipped with the latest technologies and advanced techniques to perform safe and effective skin, body, and hair procedures. Schedule a consultation with Evolve Med Spa today to learn more about our custom treatments.
