Cosmetic procedures have been prominent for both women and men for years. While the popularity of certain procedures tends to decrease and incline in waves, temporary facial “improvements” like Botox injections have become and remain one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. The popularity is thanks to its noninvasiveness, and less important influences like social media app filters that give you a visual perception of how different you can look by “just getting a little work done…”
Botox is also used at times to maintain eye alignment and treat uncontrolled eyelid twitching.
The decision is ultimately yours. While we do not oppose personal decisions within this realm, our team is here to help answer questions about anything that can pertain to the health of your eyes.
So, let’s talk about it.
THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS
To start, you may be wondering why we are focusing more on Botox than dermal fillers. Dermal fillers are different substances and most often used to increase volume in areas farther away from the eyes, like the lips. Botox is most often used to hinder wrinkles in the forehead and around the eyes.
While Botox injections for cosmetic reasons are often self-decided most prevalently among women older than 30, both men and women in their 20’s have started to take this facial aging preventative measure into consideration too.
As the Botox user rate increases along with other possible threats to eye health and the common problems that increase by age, one of the most proper precautions to protect your eyes is to schedule a check-up with your Optometrist first.
This precautionary action is especially important if your plan is to receive injections between the eyebrows and above the nose. This area, referred to as the glabella, is one of the riskiest areas where injections can result in vascular blindness.
THE CERTIFIED PRACTITIONER PURSUIT
Taking a risk is always based on looking for a reward. Don’t take two risks in the pursuit of one reward!
The doctor or practitioner of your choice must be able to:
- Recognize any complications immediately
- Have the ability to treat them appropriately
Here are a few things to take into consideration when making the practitioner decision:
- Do you feel comfortable in the facility?
- Have the procedure risks been mentioned and fully discussed prior to your consent?
- Have you seen before and after photos or been able to reach out to a current patient to discuss their experience?
THE POSSIBLE PERILS
Botox injected by an untrained hand can permeate the wrong muscles causing a droop of the eyelid, which will ultimately settle but can be very bothersome.
The first visual disturbance case from a cosmetic facial filler was listed in 1988. The report showcased a reaction of retinal artery occlusion.
After speaking with a few users of the botulinum toxin, we received a story of one experience worth notating from a consumer in her late 20’s:
“I had Botox under my eyes once! It basically relaxed my eye muscles so much that my eyes wouldn’t shut all the way when I slept at night. It was a frustrating 3 months. It was supposed to help with the bags under my eyes but the result wasn’t as I expected. I also was extremely sensitive to light during that period of time. Other than that … my “vision” was fine.” – Julie
As facial fillers with high negative results have surely declined over the years, droopy eyelids are one of the most reported side effects that can last up to 6 months.
Other possible perils include:
- Allergic reactions as a rejection from the body which can be detrimental to vision and eye health
- Irritations noticeable by bloodshot eyes and temporarily blurred vision
- Vascular occlusion, otherwise referred to as a decline of blood flow
One tip: do not rub the area of injection! Rubbing a sore area is one of the most common reactions to reduce discomfort. But, after an injection, rubbing can cause Botox to spread into other areas and lead to unwanted effects.
An immediate, emergency visit to your trusted Optometrist is suggested for reactions such as loss of vision and reactions that are highly painful or prolonged.