What can go wrong with Botox around the eyes?

Author: Dr. Agnes Casper MD  |  Last update: Monday, November 3, 2025

Possible side effects of Botox around the eyes include: Difficulty breathing or swallowing, which can be fatal. The traveling of the poison from the injection site to other parts of the body, causing severe complications. Shortness of breath.

What are the side effects of Botox around the eyes?

Possible side effects and unwanted results include:
  • Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site.
  • Headache or flu-like symptoms.
  • Droopy eyelids or crooked eyebrows.
  • A crooked smile or drooling.
  • Watery or dry eyes.
  • Infection at the injection site.

What is the risk of eye Botox?

Crossed eyes. Migraine headaches. Eyelid spasm (blepharospasm) Hemifacial spasm.

Can Botox under eye go wrong?

The area is delicate, and risks of having Botox injected around the eyes include: difficulty closing the eyes. eye drooping. eye numbness.

What happens if you inject Botox too close to the eye?

The glabella is sensitive, and improper injections can lead to unwanted side effects, such as drooping eyelids. Only an experienced, licensed professional should administer Botox here to ensure safe, precise treatment without complications.

Botox Around The Eyes - Some Common Unwanted Effects And What To Do

What are the riskiest areas for Botox?

Let's dive in below on some of the areas that are considered danger zones for getting Botox injections.
  • Chin or Around the Mouth: Precision is Key. ...
  • Orbicularis Oculi Muscle: Avoid The Wrong Spots.
  • Frontalis Muscle: Correct Placement is Vital. ...
  • Upper Skin Layer: A Pointless Place for Injections.

How do you know if Botox has gone wrong?

Common indicators that Botox may have gone bad include drooping eyelids, uneven results, excessive bruising, or prolonged swelling beyond the expected recovery period. Difficulty swallowing or breathing could also signal that the toxin has spread to unintended areas.

Why do my under eye wrinkles look worse after Botox?

"After receiving Botox, a patient may unconsciously attempt to re-create the facial expressions in the area where treatment has paralyzed their facial muscles, "said Dr. Becker. "What can happen is that other, nearby muscles compensate--this can have the effect of actually creating new wrinkles."

What are examples of bad Botox?

3 Botox Danger Zones
  • Brow Droop. If a Botox provider injects too much above the brow, they can paralyze the frontalis muscle. ...
  • Eyelid Droop. Another danger-zone problem gained attention in 2021 when a lifestyle blogger and influencer from Chicago shared her story of Botox gone wrong. ...
  • Raised Brow.

What happens if Botox is injected too deep?

“In the frontalis, a deep treatment is likely to cause pain if you manage to hit the periosteum. However it's unlikely to affect the aesthetic result”, she continues. When treating the orbicularis oculi area, Dr Lindsay notes that “a deep injection could diffuse to the zygomatic muscles causing smile asymmetry.

Is Botox around eyes worth it?

BOTOX works

Frown lines (the wrinkles between the brows) and crow's feet are difficult to treat using home methods. BOTOX ® has shown to be very effective for facial wrinkles and is the go-to treatment for eye wrinkles and lines for a reason.

Where should you not inject Botox around your eyes?

The glabella region is located between the eyebrows and is a danger zone for Botox. Because this area is so close to the eyes, it can cause vision problems if the injection is not performed correctly.

Why do my eyes look weird after Botox?

After Botox injections targeted at relaxing muscle tension, some patients may encounter temporary vision alterations. Specifically, the toxin injection could unintentionally involve the eye muscles, leading to cases of a droopy eyelid or blurred vision. These are generally mild effects and tend to resolve on their own.

What is the biggest risk of Botox?

Serious adverse effects after cosmetic use of botulinum toxin include dysphagia, muscle weakness, and allergic reactions [22, 23].

Can Botox cause hooded eyes?

While BoNT is generally safe, it's important to note that, ​as with​ any cosmetic treatment, it can have potential complications. One such rare issue is the droopy eyelid or eyelid ptosis. This occurs when BoNT migrates to unintended areas, affecting the muscles that control the upper eyelid.

How long does Botox around eyes take to settle?

You will start to see the effects of your treatment, with the area looking smoother and more refreshed after just 5 to 7 days. The full effect of your BOTOX injections will be seen between 10 and 14 days.

What are the long term side effects of Botox around the eyes?

Negative Long-Term Effects of Botox Use

There have also been isolated reports of more severe complications, such as muscle weakness or paralysis, speech difficulties, and vision problems, which can significantly impact patient health and well-being.

What are the symptoms of botulism from Botox?

Initial botulism symptoms may include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms may be followed by a descending, symmetric muscle weakness that progresses over hours to days.

What are the neurological side effects of Botox?

When To Call the Doctor
  • Vision problems, including blurred vision or drooping eyelids.
  • Signs of urinary tract infection, such as blood in your urine (hematuria).
  • Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
  • Trouble swallowing.
  • Slurred speech.
  • Numbness or paralysis in an untreated area.
  • Severe stomach upset.

How do you fix bad Botox under your eyes?

A skilled dermatologist may be able to correct bad Botox with dermal fillers to create a more symmetrical appearance. It's a balancing act –Botox smooths out facial lines and wrinkles, while a filler's plumping effect sculpts the face and enhances facial contours to produce a more natural-looking appearance.

Why do my 11 lines look worse after Botox?

The appearance of vertical lines after Botox is due to its unique utilization and weaving. The corrugator muscle is responsible for creating the inter-brow number “11” creases. Once these muscles are crippled, the brain recruits the orbicularis oculi to produce the same expression.

Why have I got bags under my eyes after Botox?

Puffy eyes can occur as a result of the injection process itself or as a side effect of the Botox treatment, leading to swelling around the eyes. While this side effect is usually mild and resolves on its own, there are steps you can take to help alleviate puffy eyes post-Botox.

What is the danger zone for Botox?

The key danger zones of botox include the areas around the eyes and mouth, specifically involving the orbicularis oculi muscle, the facial artery, and the temporal artery. Think of these zones like a “no-go zone” on a map—trespassing can lead to hazardous results.

What can ruin Botox?

7 Things Not to Do After Botox
  • Rubbing Your Face. ...
  • Sun and Heat Exposure. ...
  • Intense Exercise. ...
  • Taking Blood Thinners. ...
  • Alcohol Consumption. ...
  • Washing Your Face With Soap. ...
  • Applying Topical Products.

Is Botox safe around the eyes?

It's very safe to use Botox for wrinkles in the FDA approved areas of the forehead, crows feet, and frown lines. Off label use on the nose (bunny lines), upper lip, golf ball chin, and vertical neck bands are also safe when performed by a skilled dermatologist.

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