Botox is a widely popular cosmetic treatment that can help you achieve a smoother and more youthful appearance. Like any other cosmetic procedure, it's important to be aware of the potential side effects before undergoing treatment. While Botox is generally safe and well-tolerated, you may experience some common side effects such as mild headaches, temporary pain, swelling, and bruising at the injection sites, or even flu-like symptoms. One possible side effect that you may have heard about is heavy eyelids, which can understandably cause concern. In this blog post, we'll delve into the reasons behind heavy eyelids, provide helpful tips on how to prevent this from happening, and offer guidance on what to do if heavy lids do occur.
WHAT CAUSES HEAVY EYELIDS AFTER BOTOX?
Heavy eyelids after Botox are typically caused by one of two reasons. The first is from the relaxation of the frontalis or forehead muscle. More specifically, some people use their frontalis to actually lift the top portion of their eyelids (think engaging the forehead muscle to put eyeshadow on). If this client was to receive a particularly high dose in their forehead and can no longer lift their eyebrows, they might also notice the skin above the eyelid feels heavy. The second reason is called ptosis. Ptosis is when either the levator palpebrae or the upper portion of the orbicularis oculi is inadvertently relaxed by botox.
HOW TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF GETTING DROOPY EYELIDS?
There are several ways to minimize the risk of heavy eyelids after Botox, read on below:
Research your injector: Injectors that understand anatomy and specialize in Botox Cosmetic treatments are less likely to inadvertently cause heavy eyelids or true ptosis.
Start with a Lower Dose: Starting with a lower dose of Botox can reduce the risk of heavy eyelids. A lower dose allows the injector to assess how your body reacts to the treatment and adjust the dosage accordingly.
Avoid Rubbing the Area: Rubbing the injection site can cause the Botox to spread to nearby muscles, which can increase the risk of heavy eyelids. Avoid rubbing the area for at least 24 hours after the treatment.
Follow Post-Treatment Instructions: Following the post-treatment instructions provided by your healthcare provider is essential in minimizing the risk of side effects. This includes avoiding strenuous exercise. At Contour Collection, we advise that all of our clients refrain from wearing tight hats, helmets, getting a massage or facial and falling asleep on their face for the duration of 4 hours after their Botox injections.
IF I DO GET HEAVY EYELIDS, HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?
If you experience droopy eyelids after receiving a Botox treatment, don't worry! Even if you received a low dose or worked with an experienced injector, this can still happen. It's important to remember that the sensation of heaviness in your eyelids will gradually improve every two weeks until it has fully lightened back to baseline.
At Contour Collection, our providers go above and beyond to avoid heavy eyelids as best as they can. However, it's important to acknowledge that this is a potential risk when undergoing neurotoxin treatment, especially if it's your first time and muscles are especially naïve to Botox. Although it can happen even with low doses, avoiding this phenomenon drives our treatment techniques. Starting with a lower dose, avoiding rubbing the area, and following post-treatment instructions can help minimize the risk of heavy eyelids after Botox.
If you have any questions about potential side effects of neurotoxin, we are here to help! You can reach us at (720) 629-8921, or you can book a New Client Consultation to learn more. We're happy to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process.