Botox mishap leaves woman with drooping eyelid; TikTok details spark caution

A migraine patient says a recent round of Botox left her left eyelid stuck shut for days and could keep it closed for up to three months, depending on her doctor. The episode has circulated on TikTok, where Lydia August, known online as @lydiaaugust, described the scare in a series of videos about the experience.

In the viral clip, August jokes about the moment, asking viewers, "Are you having a bad day? I bet you mine’s worse." She explained that her left eyelid has been unable to open and that the doctor estimated the effect could last as long as three months.

The injections were administered by her regular neurologist. The condition she describes is ptosis, a drooping eyelid that is a known but rare side effect when Botox is used for migraines. Ptosis occurs when the medication weakens the muscles that lift the eyelid, resulting in a partial or complete closure of the eye. In most cases, ptosis is temporary and resolves within two to six weeks as the Botox wears off. Doctors often recommend eye drops to tighten the affected muscle and may suggest gentle eyelid massage in some cases, though such maneuvers should be undertaken under professional supervision.

Botox injections for migraines are typically given around the forehead, temples, and back of the head. If the injected material spreads to the wrong muscle or is misplaced, it can weaken muscles near the eye and lead to drooping. While most cases of ptosis are mild, patients are urged to consult with a clinician if they notice any drooping.

Online reaction to August’s video was swift. Viewers offered a range of suggestions about how to speed the Botox’s wear, including cardio to reduce the duration of the effect and even unconventional remedies. One commenter advised, "Do TONS of cardio, it makes Botox last way less." Another suggested applying castor oil to dissolve Botox more quickly, though medical professionals have not confirmed these tactics. The Post notes that it has not independently verified whether such fixes are recommended by doctors.

While ptosis from Botox is typically temporary, botched procedures have had serious consequences in rare cases. A Texas woman claimed she nearly died after Botox injections left her partially paralyzed and choking on her own saliva, underscoring the potential risks involved with cosmetic injections when not performed with precision.

Medical guidance remains clear: if drooping eyelids occur after Botox, patients should seek prompt medical evaluation. In the meantime, clinicians emphasize that Botox treatments for chronic migraines require careful dosing and placement to minimize spread to adjacent facial muscles. Patients should discuss risks, signs of adverse effects, and expected timelines for relief with their neurologist or dermatologist before, during, and after treatment.