• Botox is a cosmetic treatment that freezes the facial muscles.
• If Botox is injected incorrectly on the forehead, it can cause droopy eyelids.
• A dermatologist explains this uncommon side effect and how to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.

A recent viral TikTok video featured a person suffering from drooping eyes following a Botox injection. The person recently had an injection above their eye, causing drooping of the upper eyelid. With the recent increase in younger patients seeking injections and fillers for preventative or aesthetic reasons, the clip has caused some excitement in practice – and many wonder how common post-injection eyelid drooping is.

There are risks associated with any beauty procedure, treatment, or “fine-tuning.” A number of factors can contribute to side effects, especially with injections, but visiting a licensed, experienced specialist will definitely help lower your chances of experiencing any complications.

We spoke to a dermatologist to find out (and put your fears to rest) why eyelid drooping, aka ptosis, happens after Botox. Keep reading to learn more.

What Causes Eyelid Drowning After Botox?

First, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a random or common side effect of Botox – it happens when the injection is done incorrectly. “When the treating doctor is less experienced, or when Botox is injected into the wrong area, eyelid drooping or ptosis can occur after Botox, causing muscle weakness and drooping,” says FAAD, dermatologist Marina Peredo. .

If Botox is injected between the two eyes and migrates to the upper eyelid area, it can cause relaxation of the levator palpebrae muscle that controls your upper eyelid. Dr. “If this muscle is affected, it will sag,” Peredo says. Alternatively, if someone injects the frontalis muscle (the area of ​​your forehead) very close to the eyebrow, the eye may droop and become heavy because it is the muscle that holds your eyebrows up.

How Common Is Botox Eyelid Drooping?

For those nervous about getting Botox, you’ll be relieved to hear that it’s not a common side effect. Dr. “Only five percent of people who get Botox have droopy eyelids,” Peredo says. “When you use a specialist to inject, that number will drop to less than one percent.”

How Long Does a Droopy Eyelid Last After Botox?

Eye drooping caused by incorrectly injected Botox is not permanent, but lasts for about four to six weeks after treatment. Dr. “As the effect of Botox decreases, it will get better,” Peredo says.

Can You Fix a Droopy Eyelid Caused by Botox?

The sagging of the muscles around the eyes will gradually subside as the Botox effect diminishes, but if you don’t want to wait that long, there are a few things you can try to fix the problem. Dr. “You can try using a 0.5 percent apraclonidine eye drop that helps tighten the eye muscle,” Peredo says. Typically used in the treatment of glaucoma, Alpha2 agonist eye drops can also be used as they will “allow the Müller muscle to contract and lift the upper eyelid.” (Editor’s note: Muller’s muscle helps maintain eyelid elevation.)

Your best bet may also be to seek help from a professional. Dr. “You can get more Botox to neutralize the muscles that are already relaxed,” Peredo says, but the doctor will decide if this will work. “It’s important to remember that everyone has a different anatomy and no two Botox injections are the same,” he adds.

It’s rare to experience droopy eyelids from Botox, but you can further reduce your chances by going to an experienced professional or doctor. Dr. “If you’re trying to save money, save it for something else,” Peredo says.

When to Start Packing for a Move:

Two days before moving day

Finish packing. Get everything in boxes except the few items you can’t do without for a couple of days and the cleaning supplies you’ll need before moving out.

Defrost and clean your fridge. Get all your household appliances ready to move — empty them, clean them and make sure they’re fully dry and safely wrapped for transportation.

Secure your valuables. Confirm that you have all valuables and important documents with you for moving day.