Drooping eyelids after Botox? "What if they never go back to normal?" (A practicing doctor's answer)
Published -
Updated -

Author
Wi Young-jin · Chief director
Seoul National University College of Medicine · Seoul National University Hospital Specialist
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Botox side effects,
is it okay to just ignore them?
Or should you go to the hospital?

After getting forehead Botox,
you've probably heard friends say
their eyes drooped, right?
Director Kim too, haha,
once back in 2019,
experienced it..
[Droopy eyelids after forehead Botox]
Today is a complete summary of Botox side effects.
Whether it's just a passing reaction,
or if something is actually wrong,
I'll clearly organize the criteria for you.
First, the most frequently asked
three questions.
Q. After Botox,
is bruising a side effect?
A. No, in most cases it's normal.
If a blood vessel is lightly touched,
it can happen.
Q. If your eyelid droops,
does it last forever?
A. No. Almost all cases recover.
It just takes some time,,
and needing about 3 months
is what worries people.
Q. If side effects occur,
is there an injection that dissolves it right away?
A. Unfortunately, unlike filler,
there is no injection that dissolves it immediately.
Check the main text for how to respond.
Reactions after Botox,
what is considered normal?

Not everything uncomfortable is a side effect.
Since Botox is a muscle-inhibiting drug,
various reactions can appear early on.
1. Reactions from the procedure itself
Needle marks, mild bruising or swelling,
and stinging usually disappear within 1–2 weeks.
2. Reactions from the drug effect
Mild headache after forehead or glabella treatment,
or a heavy or stiff feeling in the area.
These are very normal processes
as Botox settles into place.
However, reactions that happen when the 'location' is wrong
should be viewed differently.
This should not be ignored
— real side effects to watch out for

To be honest, most Botox side effects
are issues with the practitioner's 'injection location'.
Where and how accurately it was injected
completely determines the result.
These are cases we often see in clinic.
Eyelid drooping (ptosis)
Occurs after forehead/glabella Botox. (lasts 2–6 weeks)
Samurai eyebrows
If only the glabella is treated, the outer brow tail rises excessively.
Asymmetric smile
After jawline or mouth-corner treatment, mouth shape can look awkward.
Difficulty swallowing
After neck wrinkle or trapezius treatment, a foreign-body sensation can occur.
The most common inquiry is, of course, eyelid drooping.
It happens when forehead Botox spreads
toward the muscles that open the eyes.
In these cases, if prescribed dedicated eye drops,
discomfort can be greatly reduced.
Director Wi Young-jin's practical note:
Over 90% of Botox side-effect inquiries
come from the forehead and eyebrow area.
If the injector places it too low
or uses too much dose, the drug can drift down,
making the eyes feel heavy.
In my experience, at least 2 cm above the eyebrows
should be the baseline, but depending on each person's muscle distribution,
the position must be adjusted very precisely.
If the location is chosen incorrectly, rather than getting results,
you may just suffer for over a month.
Botox 'spread' side effect,
why does it happen?

More precisely, it means
unintended muscles were also affected.
There are two main reasons this happens.
First, when the injection location is wrong.
Second, when the area is rubbed hard right after the procedure.
For a certain period after injection,
Botox can move within tissues.
So on the treatment day, meridian massage,
sauna, and sleeping face-down are prohibited.
Your own aftercare
has a huge impact on the outcome,
so please remember that.
How to prevent and handle side effects
[Prevention]
Check whether the director performs the procedure personally, not a factory-style clinic.
Ask whether it's an appropriate dose for your muscle thickness.
If you already have asymmetry, make sure to mention it before treatment.
[What to do]
Bruising/swelling: Wait for natural healing with cold compresses and ointment.
Eyelid drooping: Visit the clinic and get prescribed dedicated eye drops.
Facial asymmetry: Usually recovers naturally within 2–4 weeks.
Headache: Can be managed with common painkillers,
but visit the clinic if it lasts over a week.
One thing I really want to emphasize:
for Botox, unlike filler, there is no
separate 'antidote' to reverse it immediately.
Waiting for natural metabolism
is the most realistic way to handle it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. After the injection,
my head hurts too much.
A. It may be a tension headache
caused by sudden muscle inhibition.
It usually disappears within 3–7 days, so don't worry too much.
Q2. The effect is too strong,
is there any way to make it wear off quickly?
A. Unfortunately, currently there isn't.
Some say warm compresses or exercise help,
but medically meaningful differences are minimal.
Q3. If effects appear in other areas,
does that mean it spread?
A. Yes, if unintended muscles
are not moving, then it has spread.
If you have symptoms, please let us know your condition right away.
Botox is not just a simple injection,
it's a procedure that designs muscle movement.
If you have concerning symptoms, don't worry alone,
and feel free to contact Beautystone anytime.
This was Wi Young-jin.
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