Botox injections may seem like a straightforward treatment, but behind every procedure is years of extensive training to master the technique and a solid understanding of facial anatomy. When inexperienced injectors perform Botox procedures, mistakes can lead to undesirable results.

Below, we have highlighted four common Botox mistakes and how they can be corrected.

Balance Botched Botox with Dermal Fillers

If too much Botox was injected, or it was injected incorrectly, one muscle may have more movement than the other, resulting in asymmetry. Other side effects include:

• Heavy eyebrows after Botox
• Developing uneven facial areas
• Lumpy sections
• Drooping to one side of the mouth

A skilled dermatologist may be able to correct bad Botox with dermal fillers to create a more symmetrical appearance. It’s a balancing act –Botox smooths out facial lines and wrinkles, while a filler’s plumping effect sculpts the face and enhances facial contours to produce a more natural-looking appearance.

Facial balancing with fillers requires a skilled hand and an artistic eye. The right filler must be used and administered in just the right amount to produce the most well-balanced look.

Fix Under-Treatment with Top-Up Injections

You’ll know you’ve had under-treatment when you notice wrinkles are still present and you still have significant movement in the injected area. This is a common mistake since each person’s anatomy is unique, and some may need higher doses of Botox to get their desired results.

Under-treatment can be corrected through top-up injections done a few weeks after your first procedure. You may consult with your provider around ten days after your initial treatment should you need more injections to address the remaining wrinkles.

Treat Droopy Eyelids with Prescription Eye Drops

Droopy eyelids, or ptosis, occurs when the muscles that control the eyelids are injected with Botox, or if Botox migrates to nearby areas. When Botox travels into the upper eyelid and paralyzes the muscle responsible for holding the upper eyelid up, it may cause it to droop. In addition, Botox may cause the brow to descend and crowd the upper eyelids, making them appear to be drooping.

To correct droopy eyelids, eye drops (iopidine 0.5%) may be prescribed to temporarily lift the eyelid. It works by signaling muscle receptors to contract and raises the eyelid by 1-2mm.

Address Asymmetrical Eyebrows with Well-Placed Injections

If Botox injections were administered incorrectly on the forehead or in the areas between the eyebrows, certain muscles may become more relaxed than others. With other muscles still active, you may have an unbalanced upper face where the brow can be elevated.

Also known as a peak eyebrow or “Spock look,” asymmetry in the eyebrows can be corrected with a few more strategically placed Botox injections targeting the muscle that is pulling the brow up too high.

Avoid Botched Botox by Visiting a Board-Certified Dermatologist in NYC

While minimally invasive procedures are generally safe and have a low incidence of reported adverse events, prevention is still better than cure. The only way to avoid Botox fails is to only trust experienced providers to perform the procedure.

The safety and efficacy of Botox have been widely studied, with many of its clinical trials performed at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York’s research department. Our board-certified physicians are all highly trained in injectable procedures and perform 100% of the treatments themselves. When you come to us for your Botox procedures, you can rest assured you can achieve the best possible outcome.

To learn more about Botox and our other anti-aging treatments, contact Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York’s Manhattan and Southampton, New York offices to schedule an appointment.