Understanding How to Get Rid of Ptosis After Botox?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to dermatological reports, eyelid ptosis is a rare side effect of Botox, occurring in less than 5% of cases when administered by a skilled professional. While temporary and typically not a cause for long-term concern, knowing how to get rid of ptosis after Botox involves several strategies, from targeted medications to simply waiting for the effects to resolve.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the causes, management, and prevention of eyelid ptosis following Botox injections. It details clinical treatments, including prescription eye drops and corrective injections, alongside at-home care and expert recommendations for speeding up recovery.

Key Points

Ptosis is Temporary: Eyelid drooping after Botox is not permanent and typically resolves within a few weeks to months as the neurotoxin's effects wear off.
Contact Your Provider First: The initial and most important step is to notify the practitioner who administered the Botox for a proper assessment and plan.
Prescription Eye Drops Can Help: Medications like apraclonidine or Upneeq can temporarily lift the eyelid by stimulating a specific muscle.
Prevention is Key: The most effective strategy is choosing a highly experienced and certified injector to minimize the risk of complications from the start.
Follow Aftercare Instructions: Strictly adhering to post-treatment care, such as avoiding rubbing the injection site and strenuous activity, is vital to prevent toxin migration.
Strategic Corrections are Possible: In some instances, an expert may use additional, targeted Botox injections to rebalance the muscles around the eye.

What is Ptosis After Botox?

Eyelid ptosis, or the drooping of the upper eyelid, is a temporary complication that can occur after a botulinum toxin injection, such as Botox. This happens when the neurotoxin migrates from the intended injection site and affects the levator palpebrae superioris, the muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid. The migration can be caused by improper injection technique, incorrect administration of the product, or post-injection activities like rubbing the area. Symptoms typically appear days after the injection and resolve as the Botox wears off, which usually takes between three and four months. While the condition is harmless, it can be a frustrating and anxiety-inducing aesthetic issue for patients.

Immediate Steps to Take for Post-Botox Ptosis

If you notice your eyelid beginning to droop after a Botox treatment, the first and most crucial step is to contact your treating practitioner. Do not panic, as the condition is temporary and well-documented. Your provider needs to be made aware of the side effect so they can accurately assess the situation and recommend the appropriate course of action. It is essential to avoid massaging or rubbing the treated area, as this can worsen the spread of the toxin.

Clinical and Pharmacological Treatments

Various clinical and pharmacological options are available to help manage and improve the appearance of ptosis while you wait for the Botox to wear off. A doctor's consultation is necessary to determine the best approach for your specific situation.

Prescription Eye Drops: Alpha-adrenergic eye drops, such as apraclonidine ($Iopidine®$) or oxymetazoline ($Upneeq®$ in the US), are often prescribed. These drops stimulate the Müller's muscle, a secondary eyelid lifter, which can provide a temporary lift of 1 to 2 mm. The effect of these drops is not permanent and typically lasts for several hours, requiring multiple applications throughout the day. Your doctor will provide instructions on how to use these eye drops.
Additional Botox Injections: In certain cases, an experienced injector may strategically inject a small amount of Botox into an opposing muscle. This can help balance the muscle action around the eye and alleviate the droop. This advanced technique should only be performed by a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional.

At-Home Remedies and Supportive Care

In addition to professional medical intervention, there are several at-home strategies that can provide supportive care and help speed up the resolution of ptosis.

Muscle Stimulation: Some practitioners suggest gently stimulating the affected eyelid muscle. A common method is to use the back of an electric toothbrush over the area for a few minutes each day. The vibrations may help 'wake up' the muscle and lessen the duration of the ptosis. Always consult your practitioner before attempting this, and avoid the treatment area for at least 24 hours post-injection.
Head Elevation: Keeping your head elevated, especially when sleeping, can help prevent the further migration of the toxin.
Eye Exercises: Gentle eye exercises, under professional guidance, may help strengthen the eyelid muscle.

Treatment Comparison for Post-Botox Ptosis


Treatment Method	Speed of Results	Duration of Effect	Method	Best For
Wait for Natural Resolution	Slow (weeks to months)	Permanent (as Botox wears off)	Passive	Mild cases, patient patience
Prescription Eye Drops	Fast (within hours)	Temporary (4-8 hours)	Non-invasive pharmacological	Quick, temporary relief for social events
Additional Botox	Delayed (days to weeks)	Long-lasting (as long as Botox effect)	Minimally invasive medical procedure	Experienced injectors, specific cases of muscle imbalance
Gentle Muscle Stimulation	Variable	Variable	At-home, requires caution	Mild cases, adjunct therapy

Prevention is the Best Cure

The best way to manage ptosis is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Choosing a qualified and experienced injector, such as a board-certified dermatologist, is the single most important factor. A skilled professional understands the precise facial anatomy and correct injection depths to avoid affecting unintended muscles. During your consultation, be transparent about your full medical history, including any previous surgeries or conditions like Bell's palsy, which could increase your risk. Following all aftercare instructions, such as avoiding vigorous exercise, facial massages, or lying down for several hours after treatment, is critical to minimizing the risk of toxin migration.

Conclusion

While a droopy eyelid after Botox can be an unsettling side effect, it is important to remember that it is temporary. Most cases of ptosis resolve naturally as the effect of the neurotoxin fades over several weeks to a few months. For those seeking relief in the interim, prescription eye drops offer a quick, temporary solution, while strategic additional Botox injections can be considered for more persistent issues under the guidance of an expert. Most importantly, proper prevention through careful selection of a qualified provider and diligent aftercare remains the most effective way to avoid this complication entirely. For further information, consider consulting resources like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ptosis after Botox typically lasts for four to six weeks, though full resolution may take up to three or four months as the effects of the neurotoxin naturally diminish.

Prescription eye drops containing apraclonidine or oxymetazoline can offer temporary relief by stimulating a small muscle in the eyelid. While they do not cure the underlying cause, they can temporarily lift the eyelid for a few hours.

For mild cases, waiting for the toxin to wear off is often sufficient. For more immediate relief, prescription eye drops are the most common solution. In certain circumstances, an expert injector might consider corrective Botox injections.

No, you should never rub or massage the area after Botox treatment, especially if you have ptosis. This can cause the toxin to spread further and potentially worsen the condition.

In some specialized cases, a highly experienced practitioner can perform additional, strategic injections to an opposing muscle to help counteract the droop. This is not a standard treatment and requires expert evaluation.

If your ptosis persists beyond the expected few weeks or affects your vision, you should consult an ophthalmologist. It is important to rule out other medical or neurological conditions that might cause eyelid drooping.

Some practitioners suggest that using an electric toothbrush on the eyelid can stimulate the dormant muscle and potentially reduce the duration of ptosis. This should only be done with professional guidance and after the initial 24-hour post-injection period.