Are you thinking about getting Botox around the eyes, but you’re concerned about your eye health? You’re in the right place! As an optometrist and beauty connoisseur, I am all about educating others on both benefits and risks to Botox. Let’s explore:

 

What is Botox commonly used for?

 

Surprisingly enough, Botox was first used in 1980 to treat lazy eye. Ever since, it is most widely used to help out with those frown lines between the brows, or crow’s feet around the eyes. Now, most people think of Botox as a purely cosmetic treatment, but its effects can actually help safely target and defeat serious eye issues.

 

These common eye problems include:

• Lazy eye (Strabismus)
• Eye twitching (Blepharospasm)
• Drooping eyelids
• Excessive tearing
• Dry eyes

 

Targeting these eye issues can lead to life-changing results for many people. However, even for cosmetic purposes, botox can improve your overall mood & self-image. Either way, it’s important to know about the minimal risks associated with Botox in order to make the best decision for you.

 

How does Botox work?

 

Botox contains a purified form of the botulism toxin, which typically causes food poisoning. However, Botox injections are highly regulated and safe. They are designed to block muscular signals that cause wrinkles. For non-cosmetic purposes, the effect of this blockage also helps relieve pain or discomfort from spasms.

 

Each injection takes about 10 minutes and often requires no downtime. While injections can hurt initially, there should be no lingering effects within a day or two afterward. A few days after getting Botox, the muscles around the injection site start to freeze up, and within a week, you should see your full results.

 

What are the risks and side effects associated with Botox around the eyes?

 

While Botox injections are mostly safe and approved, there are some minimal risks to keep in mind. Some potential symptoms that may arise after a Botox injection may include:

 

• Pain or swelling at the injection site
• Numbness
• Muscle spasms or twitching

 

These symptoms typically go away after a few hours or a couple of days, but if you continue to experience side effects, get in contact with your doctor immediately for help.

 

Beyond typical side effects, there is a risk of facing an allergic reaction, which can lead to more harmful consequences, but this happens very rarely. These symptoms include:

 

• Irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Vision problems
• Fainting
• Rash or hives
• Trouble holding up your head
• Seizures
• Difficulty moving your face a few days or weeks after the procedure
• Trouble swallowing
• Chest pain

These symptoms can show up within the first week of your injection, but an allergy to Botox is extremely rare. If you do suspect an allergic reaction, it is important to get emergency medical treatment right away.

 

How long does Botox last?

 

Unfortunately, Botox does wear off eventually, so you will need more injections later on to maintain results. Botox is metabolized by your body overtime, so it can last between 3-6 months, or more with continued use.

 

For the most lasting results, avoid direct sunlight by wearing sunglasses and sunscreen, and optimize your eyecare and skincare routine with high-quality skincare products. For those who are treating chronic eye conditions, it’s especially important to maintain your injections in order to keep up a better quality of life.

 

Thankfully, the more you get a Botox treatment, the longer lasting its effects may be. If you have any questions about your personal potential risk, I’d love to chat – feel free to email me!