If Botox dripped pretty freely right onto the eyeball itself during
cosmetic injections, I would think there could be some temporary
problem. At least in someone with sensitive eyes/eye area. After all,
if it is strong enough to immobilize a muscle for 3 to 6 months,
surely several drops right in the eyeball could lead to some passing
issues. (I am not worried that this was dangerous, I'm sure I
would have been treated if it was.)

I have always been prone to puffy and congested eyes from any of
several garden-variety factors (salt, humidity, lotions, alcohol, too
much reading, too little sleep, etc.). The Botox dribble happened five
days ago, and since the next morning my whole eye area has been puffy
and swollen looking, and I have general head congestion and a vague
headache. I *have* read that some claim to feel fatigued after Botox
injections period. But I thought maybe the dribble made my case worse,
such as the puffiness.

Questions:

-- Have my symptoms or others been noted from such dribbles? If so,
how long can this last?

-- Whether or not this specific data is found, I would also appreciate
any info you see that mentions puffiness or "sagginess" as a result of
Botox period, as the next thing I'd wonder about is if it's just the
loosened skin causing my swollen appearance (meaning it's gonna last
for months for sure). I just saw a reference to Botox being a good
option "*if* you have good muscle tone," and that scares me.

Thank you!

After an extensive search, I have not seen any references to a
situation in which Botox has dripped directly into the eye itself.
However, botulinum toxin is often injected into the muscles of the eye
in treating problems such as strabismus (squint) and blepharospasm (a
condition in which the eyelid closes involuntarily). Sometimes the
drug migrates from the injection site, which is generally not
considered a cause for alarm, since the amounts are small, and the
effects are transitory.

I once had botulinum toxin injected into the muscles of my left eye.
This was done to treat a virally-induced muscle spasm that was causing
me to have double vision. For several weeks after the treatment, I had
a noticeably puffy "bag" under that eye that made me look as if
someone had punched me. The swelling gradually subsided, and I had no
long-term ill effects.

I've found quite a bit of material that mentions the symptoms you
describe. Headache, ptosis (eyelid drooping) and puffiness are all
mentioned as possible side-effects of Botox when the drug is used in
the eye area:

"Some people have a slight headache after treatment for several hours;
it is safe to take paracetamol to relieve this. Very long lasting
headaches have rarely been reported. A bruise at the site of injection
is possible. The most common significant complication, which is rare,
is 'ptosis'. This is a drooping of the eyelid caused by the botulinum
toxin tracking into the eyelid muscle. It generally lasts just a few
days, but more prolonged weakness is possible. Let your doctor know if
this bothers you; iopidine or aproclonidine eye drops can be
prescribed to lessen this effect."

Dermnet
http://www.dermnetnz.org/index.html

"Short-term side effects include droopy eyebrows or puffy eyelids, in
1 to 2% of patients."

The Naked Scientists
http://www.thenakedscientists.com/index.htm?HTML/Shows/2002.06.16.htm~mainFrame

"When injected near the eye; puffiness, rash and sometimes decreased
blinking can occur."

International Center for the Control of Pain in Children and Adults
http://pedspain.nursing.uiowa.edu/Adjuvants/Botoxnt.htm 

"Minor side effects can occur.  When we are injecting the forehead if
the Botox spreads beyond our injection, a small droop in the eyebrow
and puffiness of the upper eyelid can occur.  When the crow's feet are
being injected and the needle is placed close to certain lower eyelid
muscles or if spread occurs, you can get a small droop of the lower
eyelid.  There is no specific treatment for this, and you must wait
for the Botox to wear off."

Today's Face
http://www.todaysface.com/newsletter/   

"The most frequently reported adverse events associated with BOTOX®
include ptosis (20.8%), superficial punctate keratitis (6.3%), and eye
dryness (6.3%)... Other events reported in prior clinical studies, in
decreasing order of incidence, include irritation, tearing,
lagophthalmos, photophobia, entropion, keratitis, diplopia, diffuse
skin rash, and local swelling of the eyelid skin lasting for several
days following eyelid injection."

Botox.com
http://www.botox.com/site/professionals/approved_uses/blepharospasm.asp

To translate that last excerpt: 
Ptosis is a condition in which the eyelid droops. Superficial punctate
keratis is a condition in which cells on the surface of the cornea die
(not as serious as it sounds - almost everyone recovers from this).
Lagophthalmos is the inability to completely close the eye.
Photophobia is abnormal sensitivity to light. Entropion is a condition
where the eyelid rolls inward. Keratitis is inflammation of the
cornea. Diplopia is double vision.

Here you will find the "package insert" for Botox:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration
http://www.fda.gov/cber/label/botaller101702LB.pdf

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration file linked above is in .pdf
format. You'll need to have Adobe Acrobat reader software installed on
your computer in order to view .pdf files. If you do not already have
this software, a free download is available here:
 
Adobe
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html 

Google search strategy:

Google Web Search: "botulinum toxin" + "drooping"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22botulinum+toxin%22+drooping

Google Web Search: "botulinum toxin" + "sagging"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22botulinum+toxin%22+sagging

Google Web Search: "botulinum toxin" + "swelling"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22botulinum+toxin%22+swelling

Google Web Search: "botulinum toxin" + "side effects"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22botulinum+toxin%22+%22side+effects

I hope this is helpful. Please keep in mind that your best source of
medical assistance is your physician; this answer is intended only as
a source of information, and should not be regarded as a diagnosis or
a substitute for the services of a qualified medical professional.

If anything is unclear, or if a link does not function, please request
clarification. I'll be glad to offer whatever help I can, and will
respond as quickly as I am able.

Best wishes,
pinkfreud

Stellar! Exactly what I wanted and more. I did talk to my doc
yesterday, but somewhat understandably he recited only that known
possible side effect of ptosis and said anything else I was
seeing/feeling was probably just coincidental. I do think in his
experience it's possible he hasn't seen my condition or that most
people don't bother to call. I also know cosmetic docs can't help but
bristle a bit right out of the gate, as typically things are just
never "QUITE good enough." BUT! I just knew more was out there,
especially for one with eyes as sensitive as mine. Thanks for putting
my mind at ease that I am not imagining things or a hypochondriac. I
certainly was not anticipating that any of this could happen -- had
never heard any such thing. Anyway, it's a bit better today, and while
I haven't followed all the links yet I see through your blurbs that
there is hope that at least some aspects of my condition may not last
the whole 3 to 6 months. Thanks Pink!

Thank you very much for the five-star rating and the nice tip! I do
hope your problem subsides soon. Having endured something similar, I
know how frustrating this can be. The fact that your condition was
caused by a physician's blunder must add an extra layer of
frustration.

~Pink