5 Surprising Botox Side Effects You Didn’t Expect

Summary Box

Botox treatment is simply the ideal thing to do in order to soften out those lines and feel even better. However, like any aesthetic treatment, it is important to know what you can anticipate and the potential side effects. It is a temporary experience and most patients would have mild responses, however, some may notice undesired effects. But before you go, we have a handy explanation of the most common and more unusual Botox side effects that may occur thanks to the experts at Harley Street Skin Clinic. You will find advance advice to reduce risks and enable more likely safe outputs.

 

Introduction to Botox

Botox injections is one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments in the UK. Fast, powerful and it makes lines disappear in one session. But every medical procedure has a risk, and Botox is the same way.

Below are five surprising side effects of Botox and how you can reduce the risks and optimise your looks.

To view our full range of anti-wrinkle injections, click here.

 

What is Botox?

Botox is simply a purified protein of botulinum toxin type A, it paralyses the targeted muscle, which then causes the skin above to relax and reduces further contraction of unnecessary facial wrinkles.

Although cosmetic Botox is best known for its ability to improve frown lines or crow’s feet, it has been used medically that includes treatment of chronic migraines, neuromuscular disorders, overactive bladder, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), treat cervical dystonia (neck spasms), muscle spasms and limb spasticity.

Read our article: Botox for Crow’s Feet

 

Common Uses of Botox in Cosmetic Treatments

Botox is helpful in following:

• Frown lines between the eyebrows
• Forehead lines
• Fine lines and Crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes
• Bunny lines on the nose
• Gummy smiles
• Downturned corners of the mouth
• Neck bands (platysmal bands)

Botox, when done by a skilled injector, can look really natural, eliminating lines without making you look frozen. Read our articles Forehead Lines Botox, Botox for Gummy Smile for additional information.

 

Unexpected Side Effects of Botox

You probably already know about common Botox side effects such as temporary redness, bruising or mild swelling. But here are some of the possible side effects.

 

Side Effects of Botox on Forehead

You may notice:

• Heaviness: Few people may feel like a ‘drag down’ sensation when excessive muscle relaxation happens.
• Asymmetry: This can happen if the Botox is spread unevenly, resulting in one eyebrow appearing more raised than the other.
• Spocking: When the ends of your eyebrows are arched a bit too high you get spocking, like a little surprise look.

Most of these side effects are temporary and can usually be easily managed when you get to the office in your follow up.

 

Botox Neurological Side Effects

In the majority of cases, Botox does not travel far beyond where it is injected. But occasionally it can affect surrounding muscles or produce temporary neurological symptoms like:

• Headaches, which are often in the first couple of days post-therapy
• Dizziness or light headedness goes away after a day
• Temporary muscle stiffness in the injected area.
• Blurred vision, trouble swallowing, droopy eyelids (eyelid spasms) if the Botox spreads from the injection site to other areas of your face, very rare but possible.

Alert your injector if you are having any adverse or lasting side effects.

 

Allergic Reactions

This is unusual, but some people are allergic to Botox or to one of the ingredients in it. Red flags include rash or hives, itching, swelling of the facial muscles, breathing difficulty, and difficulty swallowing.

You must go to a hospital If you are facing any one of these side effects after the treatment.

 

Botox Side Effects Pictures

Photos can also help you identify the different severities of side effects; they could be as mild as some redness or swelling, or worse like swelling of the face and itching.

 

Side Effects with Botox in Different Areas

The side effects you may observe will vary according to where Botox is injected:

• Upper face: Eyebrow asymmetry, heavy brow or spocking
• Lower face: Temporary distortion of smile or mouth movement, as muscle functions become over-relaxed.
• Neck: This may cause neck pain and involuntary neck muscle contractions. Excessive toxin makes the neck weak and heavy.
• Off-label areas (jawline slimming, underarm sweating): Adverse reactions are uncommon but temporary weakness of muscles are possible

 

Verified Before & After

Verified Before & After

How to Minimise Risks

The easiest way to minimize this risk is by finding qualified Botox medical professionals. Only Harley Street Skin Clinic Botox treatments are administered by expert plastic surgeons and nurses, highly experienced in facial anatomy. It helps ensure accurate positioning and a minimal dose for maximum effect.

 

Pre-Treatment Tips

Before your appointment:

• For the next 24 hours minimise bruising by avoiding alcohol and blood-thinning medication (unless prescribed by your GP)
• Ensure that your injector has a complete list of all your health issues, allergies and medications.
• Ask about their solution to handle complications, a good injector will always be ready.

 

Post-Treatment Care to Reduce Risks

After your Botox session:

• Stay upright for at least 4 hours.
• No vigorous rubbing or massaging of the area.
• Give 24 hours rest between hard workouts.
• Follow up after-care instructions in your clinic.

Most minor side effects are gone within days, but remember to let your provider know if you are worried.

 

Conclusion

Given the fact that Botulinum Toxin injections are usually very safe when done by qualified professionals, you should have an understanding of the side effects good and bad which will help you make a decision to have treatment.

If you are considering Botox, or indeed have concerns regarding associated side effects, why not book at consultation here at Harley Street Skin Clinic. We are here to help you, our dedicated medical team is the best at what we do, contact us with any questions that you have in order to get one step closer to being your best self.

 

FAQs

• What are the common side effects of Botox?

Redness, swelling and bruising at the injection sites are the most common reactions from Botox.

• What are the long-term risks of Botox injection?

There is no concrete evidence about it but if you consider the best practices properly then benefits can be optimised.

• Can Botox cause severe side effects on the nervous system?

Rarely, it can cause headaches, dizziness and temporary muscle weakness.

• How long do side effects of Botox usually last?

Most severe reactions will go away after several days or a week.

• Is Botox safe for everyone?

This is not intended for those with neurological disorders, allergies or during pregnancy and nursing, always consult your healthcare provider.

• How can I reduce the risk of getting side effects?

Choose an experienced injector, follow the care guidelines and share any health information and conditions with your injector.

• When to call your doctor following your Botox?

If you develop severe swelling, difficulty breathing or weakness outside of the area treated, then it is important for you to go and seek medical attention.