If done correctly by a highly skilled professional, anti-wrinkle treatments can provide subtle and natural results, which can greatly improve self-esteem and build confidence. However, if the treatment isn’t administered in the right area or if it’s performed by someone who is not trained to a high standard, then complications can occur.
Here are the most common side effects and how you can avoid them.
Asymmetrical eyebrows
Asymmetrical eyebrows are typically when one eyebrow is wonky or uneven compared to the other. In other words, they don’t match. This can be caused by improper dosing or failure to look at the muscle before injecting it. If there was some asymmetry of the eyebrows prior to treatment, then this should be addressed first.
High brows
Another common eyebrow complaint is having eyebrows that are too high. This can give the impression that your eyebrows are permanently raised. This is an error which can often be caused by injecting too much Botox into the frontalis muscle. The frontalis muscle is responsible for the raising of the eyebrows and wrinkling of the forehead, but if too much Botox is applied, this can cause the forehead to relax. Over time, too much Botox can result in weaker muscles, and that’s how some people can be described as “expressionless”.
Puffy bags
The last thing you would expect from Botox is puffy bags, but this is a known complication. This puffiness often occurs when the muscles around the eyes become too relaxed and they’ve weakened. In most cases, you will have to wait 1 – 3 months for the Botox to fade to really see an improvement.
Droopy eyelid (Ptosis)
A droopy eyelid can occur when Botox has been injected between the eyebrows and migrated to the upper eyelid. When this happens, it can paralyse the muscle, creating the “droopy” look that you will be familiar with. To help with this side effect, you may be prescribed eye drops while you wait for the Botox to fade. Unfortunately, it can take a few weeks to see an improvement.
Frozen face
The “frozen face” is an example of Botox gone wrong. When too much Botox has been administered or it has been repeated too early, the muscles can freeze, creating an expressionless, stiff-looking expression. The most common and most noticeable area is the forehead, which can appear shiny and unmoving due to too much Botox. In most cases, you’ll have to wait 3 – 6 months for the effects to wear off and for your muscles to not be paralysed.
How to improve botched anti-wrinkle treatment
When complications occur, the only thing that you can do is to wait for the Botox to fade. But in the meantime, there are some ways that you can improve the appearance and correct minor issues.
Add more Botox
Adding more Botox may seem like the last thing you’ll want to do, but in some cases it can help. If asymmetry is your main issue, adding a bit more Botox to other areas of the face can help to even things out.
Consider copper
While there still needs to be more research into the effects of copper on Botox, there was a 2017 study that suggested that copper can inhibit the effects of Botox injections. So with that in mind, taking copper supplements or using skincare products containing copper could be an effective method to reversing the effects of Botox.
Use makeup
Makeup can be a useful and convenient way of covering up imperfections caused by botched Botox. If asymmetrical brows are your main concern, then you can correct this by using an eyebrow pencil or powder to level it out and make them both look even. Puffy bags can be covered up with concealer and powder, while droopy eyelids can be improved with a touch of eyeliner and eyeshadow. While this doesn’t offer a permanent solution, it can help greatly while you’re waiting for the Botox to fade.
How to avoid complications of anti-wrinkle treatment
Many of the complications of Botox are temporary, but they can still last for several months. This can be a distressing experience for many patients, and it could work out costly if you need to spend more money on correcting the mistakes. Here’s what you can do to avoid unnecessary complications.
Do your research
When getting anti-wrinkle treatment, you shouldn’t cut any corners. It’s crucial that you find a professional who is highly skilled in the treatment(s) that you’re looking for. If they are offering very low prices, this can be a bad sign, since good Botox should never be cheap. Make sure their credentials are legit and read their reviews.
Start small
To avoid the frozen face look and other complications, it’s better to start off with a smaller amount of Botox. If you have never had Botox before and you have unclear expectations, it’s preferable to test the waters first, as you can always add more later down the line. Botox should look natural and subtle, so in most cases, less is more. A good cosmetic nurse will never convince you to get more Botox than necessary, and they will always discuss the benefits and the risks before the procedure.
Don’t overuse the treatments
For some people, the effects of Botox can be addictive. Perhaps they enjoy how “fresh” their face feels immediately after or they love how they feel in the moment. Whatever the reason, becoming addicted to Botox is a very bad sign. Botox is meant to help improve self-esteem, but if you are always seeking more, this can have a detrimental effect. To avoid stiff, unmoving features and weakened muscles, most professionals agree that you should wait at least 3 to 4 months between treatments. If your practitioner is encouraging you to get more Botox or not explaining the potential risks, then you should switch to someone with more knowledge and experience.
