Puffy Bags Under Eyes After Botox | Ty The Hunter

PUFFY BAGS UNDER EYES AFTER BOTOX - MY EXPERIENCE

8/3/2020

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That's certainly not my most flattering picture, but since the malar bags (puffy under eyes) I got after my last Botox injection have mostly gone away, I needed to tilt my head to let you see them. This is NOTHING like how they looked a few weeks ago, but I couldn't bear to take a picture at that point, being too worried that I'd forever disfigured my face after getting Botox injections in a site on my face I never had before. (read more)

MALAR BAGS FROM BOTOX
A VIDEO

Botox under eyes gone wrong:

I'm going to tell you my story, then I'm going to talk about the multitude of things I read on the internet while searching to see if anyone else had experienced the same issue. Of course they had, this is a super common problem, but a lot of what I read on places like Real Self was doctor's denying that it could happen, or, if they said it could happen, a lot of denying that it could last more than a few months.

I firmly believe that not only was Botox the cause of my malar bags, but that on some people it can stick around a lot longer than a few months. So if you're having this issue and it's been awhile since your last injection, I highly recommend going to talk to different doctors until you have one that will listen to you.

If you'd like to hear me go over this on a video, here you go.

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PUFFY UNDER EYES AFTER BOTOX
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?

I'm going to get a little scientific here, but please remember that I am not a doctor. This is only based on my experience and the things I read while trying to figure out what in the heck was happening to my face.

Basically, you have lymph glands under your eyes (I've included a picture below), and when you get Botox or other paralyzing injectables under your eyes (or in places where the Botox might drain under your eyes) you can and will paralyze the muscles that work to push the lymph away.

When these muscles get paralyzed, they stop moving, and the lymph that was otherwise being squished on to other places is now just sitting, pooling behind the thinnest skin on your body. Once enough lymph builds up, you get an unsightly bulge, and that's called a malar bag. This happens fast, just a few hours in my case, worse in the mornings, and even worse as the day progressed.

Now, this is just one reason you might get puffy under eyes from Botox injections. The other thing that might be happening is that your now lax under eye muscles have allowed any fat padding behind the muscle to pop through, meaning the bag you're seeing isn't lymph, but fat.

I'm not sure how you'd tell the difference between the two, but I would think a general idea might be whether or not your bags get better (or worse) during the day or in the morning, or if the bulge tends to stay the same throughout the day.

Here's that picture, so you can see how your body drains the lymph, and why it might not be happening once you paralyze the muscles.

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PUFFY UNDER EYES AFTER BOTOX
HOW TO FIX IT

Can Botox cause malar bags? Can Botox cause eye bags? Can Botox cause malar festoons? Can Botox cause bags under eyes?

Whatever you searched for to get here, whatever you want to call them, the answer is sadly, yes. Also sadly, I haven't been able to find anything that promises to fix puffy under eyes after Botox, though a few replies on Real Self seem to think that it can be helped.

For those of you who have bags under eyes after Botox for crows feet (or whatever), I feel your pain, and I get that you want it to go away, but I'm going to issue a word of caution. For me, I chose not to correct it with more injectables, feeling that any correction would have unknown consequences once my muscles started working again and that lymph began to flush as intended.

If you choose to chase this problem with further correction, my concern would be that anything you did would not have the end result you want long term. For example, if you choose to add filler to diminish the malar bag, what will that filler look like once your Botox has worn off, but your filler is still going strong?

I didn't feel like the risk was worth the reward, so I let it be as far as seeking out any treatment. However, I did read a few things that might help diminish the appearance while you wait for your Botox to wear off.

1. Drink lots of water. If you're retaining water because of a high salt or high alcohol diet, staying hydrated can help. I noticed this on myself one day after eating most of a bag of Doritos. It was a lot of salt and the next day my bags were terrible. I made sure to drink a lot of water and that really helped.

2. Cut down on the salt.

3. Cut down on the alcohol.

Anything that can make you feel puffy and bloated is not something you need in your life right now.

4. Try sleeping in an elevated position. I noticed that my bags were always worse on the side I sleep on. Being a left side sleeper it meant the left side of my face had a much larger bag than the right side. An elevated pillow can help, if you're able to sleep on your back at night. I already had one on hand from when I had surgery on my arm, so that was an easy fix.

5. Ice packs. Anything you'd use to help un-puff (I made that up) your face in the morning will be a good thing right now. If you have a gel pack to cool your eyes, a bag of peas, etc. that might take some of the swelling down.

6. Antihistamines. This is something I read on the boards I was looking at. Some of the women thought perhaps their under eye bags were worse because it was allergy season, so they kept up with their antihistamines and noticed diminished swelling. I'm not advocating taking an antihistamine if you don't already take them for allergies, just don't forget them if they're a part of your normal routine.

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BOTOX CAUSED UNDER EYE BAGS
HOW LONG WILL THEY LAST?

Everything I read said that under eye bags after Botox will typically resolve themselves as the Botox wears off. So, if what you're seeing is lymph and not fat, that should start to gradually diminish as your muscles are able to start contracting again.

If the reason for your bags is that the fat pad has poked through the lax muscle wall, I would think that would resolve as well when your muscles get their ability to move again.

However, some women have reported their under eye bags worse after Botox and that this didn't go away. Some of the posts go back years with the women stating that the bags are still there, where they either had not been before, or had not been as bad before.

I would think, in most cases, the bags will go away once the Botox loses its ability to work. Once that happens, the lymph will begin to flush again, and (hopefully) if you're dealing with protruding fat, the muscles will once again close over it.

That said, I think that the women who have long lasting issues with this are the women who have the fat protrude and it doesn't go back, for whatever reason. But, that is my totally non medical opinion.

I go for Botox about twice a year, so I was ready to wait six months to see things get back to normal. Thankfully they got back to normal (mostly) after about two months, and I hope they continue on that path.

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PUFFINESS UNDER EYES AFTER BOTOX
FINAL THOUGHTS

The main thing I'm taking away from this event is that I will no longer be getting Botox under my eyes. I'll continue to get it on my forehead, crow's feet above my lower lid, between my brows, etc, but anything under the eyes, from here on out, is a no go.

For me it's just too much of a risk. That skin is very thin, it's very likely to show any imperfections, and even though we're told Botox will wear off at a certain pace, you can't quite be sure what the side effects will be while it's at its strongest.

Since this is not the first issue I've had under my eyes (I did get filler once, and it's still there, though it's been almost 4 years and everyone says it can't possibly last that long), I know that I'm susceptible, so I'd rather stay away from it altogether.

If you are a person who wants to continue getting Botox under your eyes, but you have had a problem with the bags, speak to your injector. Let him or her know what the issue is, see if there's something they can do like possibly injecting less, or injecting further away from the lymph nodes, etc.

I hope this has helped, and by all means, if you have any questions, let me know. I'm always happy to help if I can.

Ty

81 Comments

RECENT POSTS

Isa

9/15/2020 12:40:36 pm

Hi Ty,

thank you for your candid post and sharing your story! you have no idea what relief i felt finding your blogpost as i ruminated what had happened to me and if i will be “disfigured” forever. my story resembles yours - i have had botox for 2years and die to covid couldn’t travel to berlin, so found another injector here that i was recommended by a friend. he looked at me carefully and suggested injecting botox under my eyes as i have thin skin that is crepey when i smile. i had one injection under each eye and several to my forehead - 2 weeks later my check up- not much change, a little puffy eyes- he suggested injecting more and gave me 3 addtl under each eye. the next few days i got puffy eyes like if i had allergies, but not directly an eye bag but further below and more severe on my left eye. even my mom commented. i felt terrible, i felt tension when i smiled and my skin was taut and even more wrinkly when i smiled - i felt beyond ugly and worried that i ruined my face. searching online and realself and becoming very confused and worried reading others stories, looking older than before and fearing i have irreversible damage (not to mention the money down the drain). how has it improved for you now? it’s been 3 weeks since my second injection and it has gotten a littler better already. i will have a follow up with the doc - who on the phone indicated we should inject more - but i will decline - forehead maybe, but under the eyes just seems like a poor idea. please tell
me that you see further improvement and give me hope :) and i will for sure wait until the botox effect wears off (it was allergan) and then try to travel again to my precious doc (galderma). your article gave me comfort and hope! thanks
isabel

Sheila (Ty The Hunter)

9/15/2020 07:15:05 pm

Hey Isa. I can reassure you that my bags are gone now. It took a solid two months, maybe even a bit longer, but they have disappeared. It was subtle at first, and they would go away then come back, but eventually they didn’t come back, not even after a meal with more salt than I normally eat. I will also never have any injections under my eyes again. I’m glad you declined further units. Hopefully yours will go away totally in the next few weeks!

shannon

2/10/2021 04:25:38 pm

Ladies thank you so much for sharing. I too had under eye botox in November (5 units under each) and have extreme puffines and swelling under just one eye. It is terrible and has left me looking aweful as well as feeling pain from the swelling and lines. It has been just over 2 months and I am hopeful for some reprieve soon. It seems to be slowly getting better but I have a long way to go I think. The injector used a different brand (xeomin) and I'm wondering if you know if this lasts longer than normal botox? Also--Should I ask for a refund? I spent just under $600 and was not pleased AT ALL. Thank you in advance and thank you for your post!

9/20/2020 06:45:11 am

Thanks Sheile, I am glad to hear its getting better for you and i keep my fingers crossed it will reverse in my case as well - with time. it’s a bit better already but i also see some days are milder and others show greater bags although i may have had a lot of rest. and they are not the “typical” eye bags, as they sit lower, like a second ring on top of the upper cheekbone. oh well, i will have to be patient and see it wear off and let that be a lesson for future injections ;) take care and thanks for sharing your story! isa

Sarah

1/7/2021 12:00:57 pm

Isa, have you had any luck with their going away on their own. I am in the same spot. I had the botox on 10/19 and they are still there. I am so frustrated.

2/10/2021 04:26:48 pm

Same Sarah...mine were done 11/18 and it's now 02/10 and it's still there...what brand of botox did they use for you? They used xeomin for mine. NEVER AGAIN!

Donna

9/30/2020 01:17:09 pm

Hi I have this awful problem I’m laying in my hotel bed in holiday and I feel totally ugly I gave big droopy eye bags due to Botox injections ,really puffy and saggy in the morning do get slightly better through the day but not much .I just want my face back to normal it’s so upsetting and only been 3 weeks so I have weeks to wait 😪x

10/13/2020 12:08:44 pm

Hey Donna, how is it going now? It's been what, a couple of months? Are the bags any better?

10/13/2020 02:42:31 pm

Hi, love it’s been around a month they are better but not normal still have pouches I never had before but thankfully not as bad!i had my lips injected with 2ml of filler never again this isn’t my face at all I have learnt a hard lesson from now on just gonna be me I look
So much prettier without all that shit,can’t wait for it to all be gone xxx

Anna

10/13/2020 12:00:53 pm

I had dysport in December beside my eyes and my swelling never went away. I'm quite upset it damaged my eye shape as I never went back to normal and the swelling is worse and unpredictable. I'm in my 20's so I should have never ever had it in the first place the woman who did it was a psychopath honestly. I have huge eye bags now too that were not as bad before. Like the muscle has totally been eaten away. Stay away from eye injections. They can cause permanent damage 100% because it happened to myself.

10/13/2020 12:08:08 pm

Hey Anna, I'm sorry you're going through it. Has it been a whole year almost and you're still having problems? Have you been to see anyone about it, maybe you could get an injection to dissolve anything that might be left? Yes, I agree with you about getting stuff done around our eyes, it's so easy to be talked in to it, but the results can be really terrible and quite unpredictable.

Patricia Lopez

11/12/2020 10:45:37 pm

Hello Anna how are you now? Any difference?

Tadeja

1/1/2021 05:32:05 am

Hi Anna.. How are your eyes/bags now..?
I have the same story... I am waiting now 6 months already but its not much better. :(

deborah bao

10/28/2020 05:55:56 am

OMG the same thing happened to me the injector is denying this and my problem is so bad and I DIIDN'T ASK HER TO INJECT THE SIDE OF MY EYES!!!!!! its almost 3 months and I look like a freak!!! Im going to another pastic surgeon to see if he can help me and I looked so beautiful before I got free botox because I got breast implants

10/28/2020 01:15:13 pm

Hi Deborah. I am so sorry you're going through this. :( I just want to clarify, she did inject the side of your eyes, right? Or did she not inject the sides of your eyes and the Botox traveled? I am due to go back in for a touch up, and I am definitely not letting her anywhere near my eyes, I may not even let her do my crow's feet.

Let us know what your doctor says. Everything I have read says that you should not chase it with correction and that it will resolve on its own, but I'd like to hear what a doctor says.

Mine is resolved now, but it did take a solid three months to go away, maybe even a bit more.

I hope this passes for you soon.

Deborah Bao

11/13/2020 03:39:43 am

Thanks! I’m going to see another plastic surgeon this week it looks a tiny bit better that’s all! I’m so upset Becki never asked the PA to inject my eyes on the side!!!!

Nancy

10/30/2020 07:04:08 am

I learned a lot from your post. AGree about the deniers on Realself. :) I have had Dysport or Botox for years. I am usually very pleased with the results, but I ended up with unsightly bags like Isa described, "as they sit lower, like a second ring on top of the upper cheekbone." They appeared a few days after being injected. My injections were forehead, sides of eyes and my "elevens". My eyelids are also more hooded than they were, which was the reason to go in. I followed up at the two week mark and the injector (new to me as I moved) told me that it was swelling, advised me to do Benedryl at night, which I haven't done yet. But, I look so much worse and will probably not do injections again. I hope it goes away soon. Will try the more water route and pray that it wears off. The other thing the injector told me was that I was unfortunately among the 26% of people who have this side-effect. 26%? Those aren't great odds, IMO.

10/30/2020 07:36:14 am

P.S. I have found that I cannot have forehead injections at all as they increase my hoodedness. I told the injector that and he said it wasn't the case. I have to learn to be my own advocate. I know what I know and should have insisted that I not get this injection site.

10/30/2020 11:27:13 am

Hi Nancy, I'm so sorry you're having this issue. I hate that it appears to be so common, yet it's not something any of us were told could even be a possibility. I'm so nervous to have any more Botox, even the frown lines on my forehead. This is definitely something where we need to look at the possible side effects and ask ourselves whether or not losing those wrinkles is worth it...
I hope your face is back to normal quickly.

isa

10/30/2020 11:26:39 am

Hi Nancy,
sorry to hear!
it’s been a little over 2 months for me now and it had gotten better, but not gone yet. when i tilt my head like Ty did on her photo, it’s still there, and mostly on my left eye. Some days it is better and barely visible, on other days it is back and a bit more severe. I don’t have an explanation and cannot see a direct correlation to salt or food intake. you will have to be patient, but it should get better and hopefully it will fully reverse after 4-5months...

i found a video on youtube that was very enlightening for me - here it is (i have no affiliation with them, just searched for side effects botox and this came up) https://youtu.be/7UqSXw-4MKU
take care, ladies!

10/30/2020 03:55:14 pm

That was a super clear video. Thanks for sharing.

Emmy

1/3/2021 03:54:10 pm

Where did you read about the 26%

1/7/2021 02:02:28 pm

I didn't read about it. The injector mentioned it when I went in to complain two weeks after my injections.

Elena

11/21/2020 10:38:44 am

THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS!!! My crows feet were starting to show because my last Botox was wearing off. The lady I went to added some Botox in the crows feet area and she asked if I wanted some for my bunny lines too. I'd never gotten Botox near my nose, but I said sure. Big mistake.

1. When I smile, the skin under my eyes crinkles in a way it never had before. It almost looks like reverse crows feet that start at the bottom corner of my inner eye.
2. When I smile, my nose looks longer, like the tip points down more. I look kind of scary, like a witch, so I have been trying to smile differently.
3. The skin under my eyes and on the top of my cheek look older, tired. I did have dark circles under my eyes, but not bags. Now it looks like I have bags.
4. The skin where my bottom eye lashes are also look puffy, especially in the morning. One eye looks puffier than the other. I think this is called a jelly roll and it looks like it's bulging.
5. My overall face looks different. I really think that bad Botox changed the features of my face. Can't wait for this to wear off.

It was a huge mistake getting this Botox done. I did it hastily because I was going to see family in a few days and I didn't want them to say anything about my crows feet. Instead, they noticed the lose skin under my eyes. I also had a to postpone a full face fat transfer procedure I was going to get done for my birthday to correct all the volume loss I've had, but because of this bad Botox, I had to postpone the procedure 5 months so all the effects of the Botox wears off. Lesson is to only go to doctors who really know what they are doing, and not make quick decisions regarding altering your face. I usually only pick the best doctors, but I messed up this time. I'm seeing this as a blessing in disguise because at least Botox is reversible. This is making me see how easy it is to mess up one's face, and that maybe a few crows feet aren't so bad. I don't look like me right now. I miss me. When I look at pictures from before the bad Botox, I think I looked so good then. Funny thing is that back then, I didn't think I looked so good. This has taught me to appreciate my natural look, my real smile, with crows feet and all.

11/21/2020 02:46:11 pm

Hi Elena. I am so sorry you had this reaction as well. Hopefully it does go away soon. Like you, I believe I'm going to be too wary to continue with any sort of Botox. I will stick to chemical peels, but anything beyond that...I think this has scared me off of it. You just never know when something like this could permanently affect the features of our faces. :( Mine did go away, so I have high hopes that yours will as well.

Ladina

12/3/2020 03:33:20 am

Hi Ty, I experienced the same thing over a year ago. It got better, but didn't go away completely. Unfortunately. I swore to never do Botox for my crows feet again, but here I am, tempted to just do the sides and the upper part (no injections below the outer corner of the eye). So same as you actually. Therefore I wanted to ask whether you already did it. And if yes, if all went well.
Does anybody else have experience with that?
Feedback very much appreciated.

margo

12/23/2020 10:18:00 am

I go to a well-known dermatologist in NYC where I have had some filler to cheeks and Fraxel. I have not had Botox in the past but this doctor suggested Botox. The first time was fine. They do Fraxel, filler and Botox on the same day. I went in for all three in early October. Two weeks later, I saw bags under my eyes and another set of bags/lines on cheek. It has been just three months,still have them. The skin under my eye/upper cheek is wrinkly which it never was before. My under eye area was always smooth. I am hoping this will resolve by the 4th month-end of January. (??)
It is confusing as I don't know whether it is filler or Botox causing the problem although I have never had anything like this happen before with filler.
I am wondering how others that posted are doing? Any other info is appreciated.

12/23/2020 10:42:38 am

Hi Margo. I wish I could say whether it was the filler or Botox, but there's really no way to tell. My bags are gone for the most part, but it has been 6 months. I still don't feel that they look like they did before, but it's definitely close. Hopefully your face will go back to normal and then you can try just the filler or just the Botox and see if one or the other causes it to happen again. Or, you might be like me and end up swearing off anything aside from chemical peels. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful.

Sandra

7/22/2021 10:52:18 am

Hi Margo! I feel so surprised that so many women have similar side effects. I had 30 units of Botox applied on the side and under my eyes. Five days afterwards they applied Laser Cutera + IPL + Fraxel, even though I told them I was afraid it would be too much for my skin. They assured me it was perfectly ok. However a few days afterwards I got two big bumps on the sides of my eyes on the temples' area and also over each malar, creating a view of a mask. These edemas look horrible and also get worse depending on the day. My eyes are swallowed and I never felt uglier before. I had these treatment before travelling just to enjoy the summer in Sweden and instead I'm now confined in my room unable to face the outside or enjoy anything. My doctor (back in SouthAmerica) is not taking any responsibility. She says it will go away by itself. I'm desperate. The malar bags are prominent and the balls on the temples are really awful. Not getting any better after 2 weeks. Hope to find a solution. I'm now looking for a clinic or doctor to get a sonogram or so to see what these edemas are made of.
Any clues, ideas, or advice will be more than welcome.

1/6/2021 11:21:24 am

Hi Ladina!
I have the EXACT same issue. I am horrified by it. It wasn't until just today that I realized the cause of this. I thought at first it was just due to my aging and/or too much salt intake and alcohol. It's worse to know that a procedure, for which I paid a lot, caused this. I am praying it goes away. I dind't notice this issue until about 3 weeks after the Botox. It was the first time I increased my crowsfeet units; this is now the result. My biggest question: WILL this go away?

margo margolis

1/7/2021 01:55:56 pm

Like Sarah,my under eye bags did not show up until two weeks after injections. I am curious to hear from others if they are back to normal and how long it took It has been 3 months for me and I have read Botox can last until 4 months and sometimes longer. Be good to hear from those who have had resolution and how long it took. Anyone do anything to help the situation?

1/3/2021 06:03:08 am

Thank you so much for this article. We need to speak up about this and not let injectors and the industry get away not fully informing patients of risks. I have had several different people do injections. Not once has anyone followed up about their work. I also appreciate the light shed on realself which seems more patient centered than it really is.

jade

1/9/2021 06:53:45 pm

hi i have the same problem'
i've done this 3 times before never had any problem
since i moved to vegas found a new one
this happened
and it's already been 3 month .........

Megan

1/11/2021 10:09:59 pm

Ladies thank you all for answering this post. I had the EXACT same experience with my Botox. I went to an incredible med spa the first time I ever got Botox and the lady did a fantastic job and took her time. The second time I went, I was out of town and did it in a rush before Christmas. HUGE mistake. The lady literally injected me in less than 10 minutes with 40 units, which really disturbed me. I told her I was worried and sketched out at how quickly she did that, but two weeks later, my under eyes looked fine. No major swelling. It has now been a little over 4 weeks since I got injected, and a few days ago, I noticed absolutely horrible bags under my eyes that were so puffy. It looks as if I have ledge of fluid build up that looks worse based on the ways I position my face. In one position, it legitimately looks like I got punched in the face because of how puffy they look. My face looks completely different as a result. I’m terrified of my face never looking the same again. My wrinkles now look even worse and MORE “crepe-y” than before. I’m furious and scared and panicked. I’m never getting injected under my eyes again. But I just need some hope that they will start going back to normal because call me vain all you want, I legitimately can’t stand looking in the mirror at myself now and just want to cry every time I do. It’s really affecting my life and I’m scared... thank you ladies for all your stories and support. Y’all are helping me through this ❤️

1/12/2021 05:39:23 am

Hi Megan,
I had the exact same with regard to timing. The bags came overnight four/five weeks after my last treatment. Apparently this is when the Botox is at its max. This is now almost 1.5 years ago. It got slightly better, but my bags are still there and they are always the worst in the morning. I went trough the same emotional breakdown as you and I still can't accept it. Ever since it happened I did a lot of research, talked to many doctors (some denied this is caused by Botox) and now I decided to do lower lid surgery, because the Botox has clearly worn off a long time ago. You may be luckier than me and eventually it will get better. If not, you may find comfort in the fact, that you can have the bags removed with surgery. I found this page that provides a lot of info (also why the bags are worse in the morning): https://prasadcosmeticsurgery.com/lower-eyelift/ I don't know this doctor (I live in Switzerland), so please don't take it as a recommendation. I just find it pretty helpful. And it's a backup plan :)
All the best for you.

1/12/2021 05:57:26 am

Hi Ladina,
Thanks for writing and giving an update with your information. I am wondering what you tried and what if anything worked to help the situation?
Have you/ had you considered Thermage , laser or radiofrequency therapies? I am about 3 1/2 months from the time of injection and feeling distressed.

3/1/2021 02:27:16 pm

Hi Margo,
I still didn't try anything. I've been looking into treatments for quite a while now, but I keep getting mixed messages from doctors. Not only don't they believe me that Botox is the cause for my bags, but also they all suggest different treatments. The main suggestion is filler (Hyaluron) to even out the bags. They suggest to not directly inject it into the tear trough, but to build up the cheek so that the eye/cheek transition gets smoother. The reason I guess is that I'm rather young and that the bags are not super bad, so they prefer filler (or own body fat) over surgery. However, I'm super scared to add more injectables, since I fear that this might make everything worse, especially in the morning. So if any of you girls with the same pre-conditions has experience with that, please share.
All the best to you, Margo!

1/18/2021 04:27:59 pm

I have been waiting 4 months now for my bags to go back to normal, they are better but definitely different from before, I'm praying in another few months it goes as it has made me look older and tired. The injector added a little bit of filler a couple weeks after the botox to try and puff out the droopy ledges, I'm not sure if its the filler looking lumpy now or the botox?never again.....I really hope with all my heart all you ladies go back to your normal selfs we don't deserve this.my injector tried telling me she had never heard or seen it before and that my eyes where baggy in the first place ,they wasn't at all and she didn't believe the botox had caused it ...PLEASE..!!

Sandy k

2/6/2021 11:55:08 am

Hello
I had a similar experience which started about 18 months ago, bags started to appear after each Botox application, but my injector assured me it could not be from Botox.
My eyes were heavier and looked smaller as the puffiness took over.
I spent months and so much time agonising and ruminating over what it could be, finding quick fix solutions and scouring the internet for a cause- it destroyed my confidence and consumed my thoughts.
The only thing that worked somewhat was lymphatic drainage, so that may be useful for some reading this.
Finally I changed injectors and they used dysport, which was horrendous for the bags. It lasted 4 months at peak puffiness. Bags appeared significantly worse at 2 weeks (worse after alcohol) and eventually the puffiness would spread to the hoods as well.
Its now been 6 months with out any injections and they have gone entirely. I do have more pronounced creepiness and lines under my eyes from the skin stretching, but it’s a trade off... I don’t think I could ever risk another injectable under my eye.
Ladies, let’s all just learn from this. I think about the time lost, the pain, the heartache and the fear I have put myself through..all because I wanted to look better.
My learning has been: When we over examine each tiny physical attribute in isolation of course they will not be perfect, but take a step back and try to see ourselves how others do.. the full picture. Health and happiness ultimately bring more beauty than vanity, insecurity and the pursuit of a quick fix to look better.

Patricia

2/6/2021 01:57:17 pm

Thank you Sandy K for writing this. It just somehow makes me feel a little better when I know I am not alone. It has been 8 months since my Botox injection under my eyes and the overal general puffiness has decreased but I am left with lumps on the side of one eye and on the bottom at my orbital rims of both eyes. I look tired and older and the bags are worse in the mornings but are definitely there all day. Every time I get out of work, I just want to get home, shower and hide away and cry feeling bad about my eyes and not knowing if the lumps will ever go away!

2/6/2021 02:26:25 pm

Patricia, it’s a horrible feeling... alone, a little scared and feeling like you won’t be the same again. Nothing is permanent, our bodies change and while you can’t answer what is happening right now, it will continue to evolve. What got me through was that thought, it will pass. And if it doesn’t, I don’t want to do more damage to myself by freaking out over it. Is there someone you can talk to? Often the simple act of sharing reminds you of the person you are underneath. Take care x

2/12/2021 11:55:59 am

Sandy,
I also had Dysport. Curious do you think it was worse than botox? The end of February will be the 5th month and I still have the bags-sometimes seems slightly better but still there.
I am wondering if it takes 6 months to finally resolve?
I am afraid that the edema is causing the skin to stretch and wrinkle. Anyone have experience with that?
I have read the Genius Infini Radio frequency microneedling device helps with malar bags/festoons.
Would love to hear updates from others.
Thanks all!

3/21/2021 08:12:51 am

Hi Sandy, I'm sorry that I just saw this. I did have Dysport and not actual "Botox" brand name when I did this, and it did take a solid six months for mine to resolve. My bags did get tight, but not fluid filled enough to wrinkle. The issue did go away, no lasting effect. As far as micro needling, while I have had that done, everything I have read has said not to chase this with correction. How are you doing now/

Joyce

2/16/2021 05:24:30 pm

I wish I read this a couple months earlier. Unfortunately, I am a member of this club. I have “the bags” too. I feel I look older with the bags than I did with the crows feet.

7/22/2021 03:12:58 pm

Same for me! My eyes look smaller and tired under the shadow of the malar bags and lumps on the sides. I wish I had never done this!!!!

2/16/2021 05:34:07 pm

Hello everyone. Can you all help me figure something out?
I’m on my 8th month post Botox under my eyes. Ever since the injections, one of my main concerns has been lumps along my orbital rim on both eyes with my left eye worse. I can see these lumps a lot more when I move my mouth down, as in the motion that we do when we apply mascara on our lashes. I know that these lumps can be residual volbella filler that I had injected at my tear trough seven months prior to the Botox. Can anybody who did not have filler under their eyes tell me if they also see these lumps along their orbital rims after botox, or is it just overall bags of edema and swelling that you see? Thank you in advance!

Shannon

2/16/2021 06:13:47 pm

Hi Janice -
I have not had filler and have a couple of tiny lumps and incredible puffiness and added lines under my left eye. Ive had under eye Botox (Xeomin) and nothing but problems. Also too much was injected in my forehead and I had the hooded eyes/droopyness
Happen which thankfully was corrected with an eye brow lift after I called just furious. My under eye issue seems to come and go but is mostly there all day every day, and has also been painful and upsetting to look at. I spent a lot of money and now feelI look way older and puffier. I’m praying it gets better in time.

Isa and others- did your under eye swelling, lines and lumps ever go away? How do you do lymphatic drainage under the eye?

Thank you all this has been so hard and such a trying journey. <3

7/22/2021 03:16:59 pm

Exactly the same for me! Only Botox, no fillers, and the malar bags and lumps are driving me crazy. I don't know when they will fade away. I can't wait to see my face normal again. I look at myself in the mirror and want to cry.

Margo

3/1/2021 03:58:29 pm

Dear Ladina,
Thanks for your response. My bags are getting better but I am concerned that because the skin was stretched with edema, it will be wrinkly so I have been looking into procedures that can tighten under eye. It was smooth before. I found some articles about the research by Dr Roy Geronemus at Laser Skin Surgery of New York on Infini Genius for removing malar bags/festoons. He had success and this was also written about on Realself by Dr Stephen Weiner.
I actually go to that practice in NYC and will look into this. I will let you know.
hope you will post about your progress.

3/21/2021 01:59:11 am

Ughh I am 2 weeks in of this! And feel so ugly it’s very traumatic .. I’m so glad I found you’re page and to know there’s light at the end of the tunnel .. but so many weeks to go :(((( I don’t even know how to explain this to people ... other than lie .. and not smile! I look absolutely horrendous if I smile... sorry to everyone else having to go through this.. ps I thought after I saw the needle marks why are they so close to my under eyes... I just pray it wears off quickly and leaves no permanent damage .. I am also going to try antihistamine and light therapy for inflammation .. Txs everyone

3/21/2021 08:16:27 am

Hi V. I'm sorry you're going through this, it sucks. :( I hope it resolves quickly for you. Definitely do the antihistamine (I did read that works for a lot of people), sleep with some elevation, and try cool compresses on your face in the morning. I just had Botox again a few weeks ago, ONLY did the forehead, explained what happened last time, and she made a note of it. The issue did not come back, so hopefully it happens the same for you as well. Keep us posted as to when the bags do go away, if you happen to remember to come back here.

Sandy

3/31/2021 07:43:13 pm

Ugh. Thank you---I am so happy I found this post. I am dealign with this now and it is horrible. I guess I just have to endure it until it goes away.

You said you feel like your filler is still present---I feel the same way. Does it ever go away??

4/1/2021 07:28:08 am

Hi Sandy. I don't believe my filler has gone away. It's not as noticeable now (I feel like I have less days where it's super visible), so perhaps it is going away, but very slowly. I think I've had it now for more than three years, and it's still there. Hopefully yours goes away faster than mine has. :)

4/1/2021 03:01:38 pm

Thank you Sheila---it's also been a few years. Am kicking myself because I had already sworn off botox but agreed to have it done after I did an IPL session---my doc said I likely had an inexperienced injector. Nope.

So bad. :( I got it Feb 4 and am counting the days---I wear glasses to help camouflage. I just hope it goes away fully and...never again.

It was so great to find your post and be heard.

kristen

4/1/2021 01:49:48 pm

Hi Sheila,

I'm currently having the same issue two weeks post-Botox and this blog has been such a comfort. I was wondering if any of the techniques you described were particularly helpful -- right now, icing seems to be a little useful, but the bags aren't responding to anything else. When you say two months before they went away almost fully, when did you see them begin to resolve? I'm so hopeful I'll be at least able to see signs of improvement early. Thank you so much.

4/1/2021 02:40:21 pm

Hi Kristen. I'm sorry you're dealing with this, it's very frustrating. The icing each morning did help, but the thing that helped the most was sleeping elevated. If you can get a wedge pillow (like this https://amzn.to/3dqg6yz) it'll help. Just having that fluid not build up at night worked wonders for how it looked during the day. If you don't want to buy a pillow, maybe stack a few so you're comfortable, but get as elevated as you can in the evenings. It's been about a year now since I had mine done and it's pretty much back to normal. If I have a glass of wine (I'm a rare drinker, less than once a month) it'll be puffy in the morning a bit, but that's about it. I really started to notice improvements after a couple of months, and it was basically unnoticeable by anyone other than me after maybe four months. I hope that helps!

Kristen

5/12/2021 01:06:29 pm

Hi Shelia,

I wanted to circle back with an update, since this board had been so helpful to me. I'm about 8 weeks out from the original procedure, and am just now starting to see noticeable improvement. I had one unit under each "jelly roll" and three units on each side of my crow's feet. After a lot of research, I do think I had/have pseudo-herniated fat pads, rather than blocked or slow lymph drainage. My best guess is my injector went too deep or too low on my crow's feet, causing the muscles that support those fat pads to relax. For me, icing and sleeping elevated provided minimal relief -- if anything they helped with general puffiness that I would have had with or without Botox. I think I would have seen more improvement had it been a lymph issue, as you mentioned. I also made a strong effort to work out harder than usual, as well as use an infrared sauna, to expedite the wear-off process. Finally, I limited myself to weekly progress pictures so I would be able to notice changes but also refrain from spiraling. Easier said than done! I'll update again when (hopefully!) everything is back to normal, but wanted to thank you again for creating this space.

4/1/2021 02:35:18 pm

Did anyone notice fat pads under the eyes after Botox injection under the eye? What I mean by this is- when I pull my lower lid down with my hands as if pushing my cheeks down, I can see lumps under my eyes and I believe these are herniated fat pads. Did anyone notice this?

Debbie

4/4/2021 05:09:47 pm

SAME HERE :( got Botox for the FIRST time for crows feet & unfortunately didn’t do any research she injected under my eyes & my left eye she did closer to my temple since she did my right eye under my brow first & it instantly left a huge bruise so she decided to not do the same on my left & the puffiness of my left eye is crazy!!! It started happening exactly 5 weeks after Botox my left eye looks crazy the puffy lumps go from my outer corner down & just above my cheek bone like a V I’m on vacation & thank goodness we have to wear masks everywhere U G H!!!!! Can’t wait till the Botox wears off because never again! Plus I did 10 units on each eye & I still have crow feet I don’t even feel like it made a difference except now I have added weird lumps of puffiness added to the wrinkles. If I decide to do anything like this again I will definitely do my research & make sure this never happens again! I went to a very reputable medspa & the injector is always booked months out.

4/4/2021 08:18:13 pm

Hi Debbie will you keep us updated at 3 months, 6 months and so forth? Praying for you and everyone affected by this. I’m at 10 months and under some lighting it seems to be looking back to normal so I try and give myself hope and I tell myself it is getting better. I avoid looking in the mirror as often as I can. I keep hoping and praying...

Brianne

4/11/2021 07:58:57 pm

Thank You so much for sharing your experience. I went on 4/6/2021. I’ve had dysport and Botox and in the past as well as restalyn silk under my eyes which filled the bags I had been dealing with a lot of my life. I started getting them done in my mid 30s and never had an issue. I have never gotten Botox or dysport under my eyes until last week. I knew it was time to get the filler but I was so unhappy about the lines in my forehead that I wanted that done first. The new injector I went to convinced me to get one injection under each eye to release the wrinkle. I KNEW I NEVER SHOULD HAVE!!! Now I have a bulge under my left eye when I smile and my bags are so prominent. I can’t bare to look at myself in the mirror. I typically try to sleep elevated but will make sure I don’t turn on my sides now! I will try what all of you said, lots of water, eliminate as much salt as I can, decrease alcohol intake, antihistamine.... I plan to go back and show this doctor how wrong he was for doing this!! I am very hesitant to get fillers but the tear trough is sooo deep now. I am mortified. I cannot stand to look at myself I the mirror, let alone even smile. I am so disappointed!

4/12/2021 07:48:29 am

Hi Brianne. I'm so very sorry you're going through this, I can feel your frustration. I don't understand at all, with this being such a prominent issue, how injectors can continue to inject these sites without so much as a "by the way, there's a chance this might happen." Hopefully other ladies will read these comments and do their research before getting injections at the bunny lines. We put so much faith in our injectors, but I wonder how many women this has happened to that just never went back to that injector, so they genuinely have no idea it's an issue. We need to speak up, definitely let the injectors know what is going on. I'm glad you're going to be frank with your doctor. I hope the Botox settles down for you soon.

Brianne Kabil

4/12/2021 07:16:12 pm

Thank you again. I called them today and the doctor is out all week! I have a function to go to Saturday and now I just don’t want to even show my face. Sleeping elevated helped as well as preparationH. But the one side is still bad while the other looks like I was punched in the cheek 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ I am going to get some caffeine patches tmrw. Hoping it helps. I basically spent my be day in the bathroom bc I drank so much water hoping it will reduce the puffiness. I just want to cry!

Cristina

4/12/2021 10:59:09 pm

Is this coincidence or could there be an issue with the Botox?
I’ve had under eye injections before without any issues. It had been roughly 15 months since my last injection (covid, ya know), went to the surgeon I see for this and he must’ve overdone it. He did 20 units and most of it around my eyes (maybe 12 units, crows feet and under eyes - 3 pricks).
I’ve had bags under my eyes since the day after the treatment. Also feeling a sensation of heaviness / my skin pulling down around my eyes. I’m worried it could get worse since the effect of the Botox hasn’t peaked yet - that would really stink.
I feel so self conscious about it and.

4/12/2021 11:44:52 pm

Not to mention that my eyebrows are starting to look more and more like straight bars across my face. 😒😑

4/13/2021 07:04:26 am

Hi Cristina. I'm sorry you're going through this. :( I'm not a professional by any means, so I'd definitely talk to your injector. It does sound like what happened to me, especially with the effects happening so soon after treatment. As to your eyebrows, I have heard this can happen if the injections are done too close/too plentiful around the lower forehead, making things kind of look heavy (at least that's how my injector described it). I hope it resolves for your quickly.

4/30/2021 01:53:55 am

Hi everyone,

I have experienced the same. I had it now 16 days ago, but in my case the swelling is more inside (like I can feel pain and pressure on my eyes). I am freaking out and have felt sick for days. I am taking arnica now, I think it helps a bit.

I just hopes it will ever go away.. I feel so sick of it.

4/30/2021 08:19:54 am

Hi E. I'm sorry you're dealing with this. I have used Arnica for bruising before, so hopefully it does help with the swelling. Try sleeping elevated, stay hydrated, minimize salt and alcohol, and try cooling compresses on your eyes. All of those things helped me, though it did still take months for it to resolve. It did go away for me, and for many of the ladies who have posted here, so I have every faith it'll go away for you.

Lily

5/4/2021 04:51:01 am

I got micro boxtox done in between my eyebrows a few days before Valentine’s Day (special price)
And again in the jaw line masseter area (it looked like I had flatting gills when I clench my teeth.
1 week after the Botox I noticed my smile was weird one side was up and one side was down. It looked forced.
and now I have bags under my eyes and my smile is Uneven from certain muscle paralyses. I can’t smile properly with our without teeth. I use to love taking photos of my face (not to post but for myself) now I’m so insecure and hate seeing my face in photos. When I smile I look like I’m faking a smile or I’m saying CHEEEESE and it’s very forced and unnatural. I truly regret getting Botox. 2 years ago I got Botox above my eyebrows to lift my eyelids. OMG it was horrible, my eyelids were so heavy I could barely open my eyes. I felt like I was trying to wake up from a strong sleeping tablet. My eyes and forehead were so relaxed it couldn’t lift. I have 3 months before this bad smile and puffy under eyes might wear off. I pray this is not forever. I regret this so much. Advice to self don’t do Botox. Filler can be removed immediately.

5/4/2021 08:57:21 am

Hi Lily. I am so sorry you're dealing with this. I know I say that to everyone, but it's just so true. Having your face not look like your face, not being able to do anything about it, it's a sickening feeling in the pit of your stomach. I wish more ladies would do a lot of research before heading down the Botox path. It definitely has its benefits, but it's easy to get sucked into doing more and more, and then....we have to deal with things like this. Hopefully it wears off quickly.

Jagadamba

5/7/2021 02:41:53 pm

SAME...Botox three months ago, First I had eyelid droop 5 days after injection. So bad I looked like a monster. The Dr. denied that it had anything to do with the Botox. Told me it was my age. He then showed me my before picture and said I had eyelid drooping before. The picture CLEARLY showed no such thing. Now, I have the under eye swelling and bags so bad in the morning. My eyes used to be my prettiest feature, now they are sadly a different shape and I look 10 years older than I did before the Botox. I keep waiting for it to wear off but it just isn't. NEVER will I get injections again.

CAttaylor

8/3/2021 05:05:29 am

Hey, did you eye brow droop improve??

Katty

5/20/2021 08:34:20 am

Hi Sheila/Ty,

Thank you so much for this website. I find it really helpful. I just had my dysport treatment last Thursday (14 May 2021) under my eye. The next day, I started to have rashes under my eye and not only that, I also started to have another line/fold in the lower eyelid apart from the original fold when we smile. Because of that line, my skin have more lines/wrinkles. My left upper eyelid also droop when I smile.

I went to see the nurse to address my concern and she told me that I look swollen as if like there’s a fluid. She compared it with my “before” picture and clearly she admitted it was from dysport. Sometimes it just works strongly and it alters/works against other muscles something like this and that it will wear off in 2-3 months. Will I really believe this? I’m scared that the double lower eyelid fold will permanently be there and won’t go away.

I’m just on my first week and I cannot wait for it to vanish.

Kelly

6/2/2021 12:37:38 pm

I am so pleased to have found this website. Knowing that there are others suffering doesn’t make me feel so alone. I have been getting Botox going on ten years and have never had a problem, until now. Just got Botox 2 weeks ago and almost immediately (couple of days after procedure) noticed horrific “pockets” of what appears to be fluid under both eyes/tops of cheeks. I can actually see the swelling if I look down. It’s so bad that I can’t look in the mirror without crying. My eyes also look distorted and tiny. I had the Botox in my crows feet and bunny lines. I’m just praying that over time this will get better. I’m so embarrassed to be in a social setting. I was so pretty before and now, in my opinion, I look like a monster and I’m so mad at myself because in a way this is self inflicted. I caught my husband staring at me and he asked me if I was ok because my face looked “really weird”.

7/23/2021 09:33:50 am

Hi Kelly! I'm sorry you're dealing with this, it sucks. :( My husband said the same about me, "What's going on under your eyes?" or something. Thankfully it came up so fast after Botox that I knew it had to be related, and since Botox does fade I had high hopes this would fade as well. It did, it's completely gone now (just about a year later, but it's been gone for months and months) so hopefully yours will fade sooner rather than later. :)

Lietta

6/8/2021 12:35:14 pm

Hi! I’m italian and i have the same problem…..
I wanted to know if others have solved it and how….
I'm So desperate and i don’t know what ti do anymore…

jaime

6/17/2021 09:38:57 am

I also had botox done 2 weeks ago and had it under eyes by providers suggestion. Next day woke up very swollen under my eyes. I now have weird hollow looking eyes and wrinkles under my eyes I never had before. When I smile they are so bad! How long did most of you wait for this to resolve?

6/18/2021 03:12:52 pm

Hi Jaime. I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. It took about six months for mine to fully resolve, but it looked way better in a month or two. If you can sleep elevated that really helped me.

6/27/2021 11:39:59 am

Hi Jamie!!! Have you solved???

7/21/2021 12:05:15 pm

Had Botox injected in the crows feet area (10 units each side) it was my first time. The swelling/puffiness formed under the eyes/top of cheek bone a few weeks after the injections. It has now been just over a year since it was done and there has been no improvement. One side is actually worse than the other, I have tried sleeping elevated, drinking lots of water, limiting salt intake and alcohol. It has not helped. Has anyone seen results with microneedling or other noninvasive procedures? Not willing to do under eye surgery, and will definitely never do Botox again!

Cat

8/3/2021 05:08:43 am

So glad to have found this website!! Guys I have a droopy eye lid and I’m around 5 months in. It doesn’t seem to get any better- it’s on the left side snd makes me have hooden eye lids. Has anyone experienced this and does it finally get better?? Xxx thanks! Xxx

PUFFY BAGS UNDER EYES AFTER BOTOX - MY EXPERIENCE

MALAR BAGS FROM BOTOX
A VIDEO

PUFFY UNDER EYES AFTER BOTOX
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?

PUFFY UNDER EYES AFTER BOTOX
HOW TO FIX IT

BOTOX CAUSED UNDER EYE BAGS
HOW LONG WILL THEY LAST?

PUFFINESS UNDER EYES AFTER BOTOX
FINAL THOUGHTS

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PUFFY BAGS UNDER EYES AFTER BOTOX - MY EXPERIENCE

MALAR BAGS FROM BOTOX A VIDEO

PUFFY UNDER EYES AFTER BOTOX WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?

PUFFY UNDER EYES AFTER BOTOX ​HOW TO FIX IT

BOTOX CAUSED UNDER EYE BAGS HOW LONG WILL THEY LAST?

PUFFINESS UNDER EYES AFTER BOTOX ​FINAL THOUGHTS

Leave a Reply.

SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE

FIND ME ON

ABOUT THE​AUTHOR

TY WRITES KIDS BOOKS

RECENT POSTS

HAVE FUN IN AZEROTH!

OUR FAVORITE SNACK BOX

MALAR BAGS FROM BOTOX
A VIDEO

PUFFY UNDER EYES AFTER BOTOX
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?

PUFFY UNDER EYES AFTER BOTOX
HOW TO FIX IT

BOTOX CAUSED UNDER EYE BAGS
HOW LONG WILL THEY LAST?

PUFFINESS UNDER EYES AFTER BOTOX
FINAL THOUGHTS

ABOUT THE
AUTHOR