Yes its becoz of minoxidil, the scientific reason behind is that minoxidil basically a vasodilator previously used to treat high pressure via oral doses has all the side effects associated with with the oral dose as well as other blood thinners . Facial bloating and swelling is due to water retention caused by minoxidil and generally happens when minoxidil is applied too much on scalp/ minoxidil is getting absorbed too much or you are overally sensitive to minoxidil or its preparation
Solution. following steps helps in 99% of cases (follow all these)
1) Discontinue minoxidil for a week
2) On resuming minoxidil,
instead of 1% daily twice a day cut back to exact or a little less 1 % once a day ( growth rate wont suffer)
2.5)
Spread and Rub minoxidil on scalp and just donot let it sit as droplets on scalp. (very imp)
3) Apply on
dry and non hydrated scalp i.e. not directly after the shower or on wet scalp.
4) Switch over to
cream/gel based or non proplyene glycol based formulations (not necessary unless propylene glycol itself is the cause..which as such doesnt cause bloating by itself)
5)Ask your doctor or a pharmacist for a
low dose diuretic and have it once a day or as per your doctor advise or for a natural route go for sauna/spa/steam twice a day - good for your skin too -
important also supplement some of these if possible
*Green tea is a natural diuretic food that has been in use for centuries in China.
* Cranberry juice can aid in removal of excess fluid retention.
*Apple cider vinegar exhibits natural diuretic properties and in addition maintains the potassium levels. It can be added to the salad dressing.
*Dandelion is often used as a natural diuretic.
*Nettle has natural diuretic properties that facilitate good cleansing.
*Dandelion leaf tea aids in detoxification and has a beneficial effect on those suffering from cystitis and urinary tract infections.
*Fennel has carminative and diuretic properties and is frequently used in seasoning food.
This should bring down side effects substantially with every one and in majority of the population . face will be 100 % back to normal.
Incase if you still feel bloating reduction is marginal (happens only in 0.01 % cases ) switch over to 2 % and follow the above steps too
Other reported side effects of oral / topical minoxidil
Common side effects of minoxidil include burning or irritation of the eye; itching; redness or irritation at the treated area; unwanted hair growth elsewhere on the body. Users should seek medical attention right away if they experience the severe side effects: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dizziness; fainting; fast heartbeat; sudden, unexplained weight gain; swollen hands or feet.[7]
Alcohol present in topical preparations may dry the scalp, resulting in dandruff.[8] Side effects of oral minoxidil may include swelling of the face and extremities, rapid and irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, cardiac lesions, and focal necrosis of the papillary muscle and subendocardial areas of the left ventricle.[9] There have been cases of allergic reactions to minoxidil or the non-active ingredient propylene glycol, which is found in some forms of topical Rogaine.
Pseudoacromegaly is an extremely rarely reported side effect of large doses of oral minoxidil.
source - wikipedia
p.s. - I used to work as a drug tester with Schering - Plough, products containing propylene glycol were part of my testing