How do you know if you have bad Botox?

Author: Abner Abshire PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Common indicators that Botox may have gone bad include drooping eyelids, uneven results, excessive bruising, or prolonged swelling beyond the expected recovery period. Difficulty swallowing or breathing could also signal that the toxin has spread to unintended areas.

What are the symptoms of Botox toxicity?

Among all 22 people, symptoms began a median of 3 days after exposure (range 0 to 20 days) and included symptoms near the injection site (e.g., blurred vision and ptosis after facial injection), dry mouth, slurred speech, shortness of breath, fatigue, and generalized weakness.

What are the red flags after Botox?

Call your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms hours or weeks after your procedure: Muscle weakness. Vision problems. Trouble talking or swallowing.

How do you know if your body is rejecting Botox?

If, after four weeks, you notice little to no change in your ability to move the treated muscles, there is a possibility you have developed Botox resistance. The first thing you should do in this instance is give your Botox provider a call and let them know what's going on.

What are examples of bad Botox?

3 Botox Danger Zones
  • Brow Droop. If a Botox provider injects too much above the brow, they can paralyze the frontalis muscle. ...
  • Eyelid Droop. Another danger-zone problem gained attention in 2021 when a lifestyle blogger and influencer from Chicago shared her story of Botox gone wrong. ...
  • Raised Brow.

5 Botox Side Effects You NEED To KNOW | Anti-aging Tips by The Budget Derm

What are the signs of bad Botox?

Common indicators that Botox may have gone bad include drooping eyelids, uneven results, excessive bruising, or prolonged swelling beyond the expected recovery period. Difficulty swallowing or breathing could also signal that the toxin has spread to unintended areas.

What can ruin Botox?

7 Things Not to Do After Botox
  • Rubbing Your Face. ...
  • Sun and Heat Exposure. ...
  • Intense Exercise. ...
  • Taking Blood Thinners. ...
  • Alcohol Consumption. ...
  • Washing Your Face With Soap. ...
  • Applying Topical Products.

What does a bad reaction to Botox look like?

Symptoms of an allergic reaction following Botox treatment may be mild or severe and can include: Itching. Rash. Swelling in the lips, eyelids, hands, or feet.

What is not normal after Botox?

You may have minor side effects after Botox, including headaches, neck pain, or flu-like symptoms. You may have redness, swelling, or bruising at an injection site. You may also get indigestion. If you notice eye drooping, call your doctor right away.

When Botox doesn't look good?

The body may try to form resistance to the ingredients over time in some patients, and they may eventually not see results at all—or the results may be significantly diminished. If you have tried BOTOX® and it doesn't seem to be working for you the way you want, you should talk to your injector.

What are the tell tale signs of Botox?

4 Giveaway Signs You Have Had Botox and How to Avoid Them
  • Overarched Eyebrows. Brows that have a permanently surprised or angry expression will be a dead giveaway to others that you have had Botox®. ...
  • Facial Immobility. ...
  • Bunny Nose. ...
  • Swelling and Heavy Bruising.

What is the best alternative to Botox?

Below are 10 alternatives to BOTOX® that might help if you're seeking smoother or firmer skin on your face.
  • Cosmetic Acupuncture. ...
  • Microneedling. ...
  • Chemical Peels. ...
  • Laser Therapy. ...
  • Cryotherapy. ...
  • Facial Creams. ...
  • Neuropeptides. ...
  • Face Patches.

What if I am not happy with Botox results?

What to do when BOTOX doesn't work as well anymore. First, get in touch with your provider. A reputable injector will want to know when you are not fully satisfied with your treatment, and should work with you to ensure that you are satisfied with your results.

What are the worst side effects of Botox?

Serious adverse effects after cosmetic use of botulinum toxin include dysphagia, muscle weakness, and allergic reactions [22, 23]. Dysphagia and muscle weakness are common symptoms of botulism.

How long does Botox fatigue last?

These symptoms typically appear shortly after receiving Botox injections and may last for a few days to a week in some cases. The signs and symptoms of Botox fatigue can vary but commonly include: Feeling generally tired or lacking energy. Some individuals may experience a mild headache following treatment.

What are the symptoms of Botox spreading?

Developing botulism, an uncommon but serious health condition, is also possible. Depending on where Botox travels in your body, the toxin can spread and cause symptoms such as muscle weakness or breathing troubles. These effects can vary in severity and appear hours to weeks after the injections are administered.

What is the biggest risk of Botox?

Although generally safe, botulinum toxin side effects and complications can include:
  • Bruising and pain at the injection site.
  • Flu-like symptoms.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea.
  • Redness.
  • Temporary facial weakness or drooping.

What happens if Botox hits a nerve?

Botox is injected directly into the muscles and does not typically come into contact with the nerves. However, in rare cases, the needle used to inject the Botox can cause nerve damage. This type of nerve damage is called peripheral nerve damage and can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.

What happens if Botox is injected too deep?

“In the frontalis, a deep treatment is likely to cause pain if you manage to hit the periosteum. However it's unlikely to affect the aesthetic result”, she continues. When treating the orbicularis oculi area, Dr Lindsay notes that “a deep injection could diffuse to the zygomatic muscles causing smile asymmetry.

What are signs of bad Botox?

When To Call the Doctor
  • Vision problems, including blurred vision or drooping eyelids.
  • Signs of urinary tract infection, such as blood in your urine (hematuria).
  • Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
  • Trouble swallowing.
  • Slurred speech.
  • Numbness or paralysis in an untreated area.
  • Severe stomach upset.

What are the don'ts after Botox?

Still, that can make a difference in the way it settles, so don't massage or rub your face for 12 hours after Botox. Avoid certain substances. It's best to skip happy hour on your Botox day, and avoid NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. They can raise your blood pressure, which may promote bruising.

How soon after Botox would you have a bad reaction?

How Soon After Botox Would You Have an Allergic Reaction? An allergic reaction to Botox typically occurs within the first few hours or days following the injection. This is because the body's immune system reacts quickly to the perceived threat.

What cancels out Botox?

This is probably the first question an unhappy patient will ask. Unfortunately, there is no reversal treatment for Botox. Unlike dermal fillers that can be reversed by injecting hyaluronidase, there is no procedure to “undo” Botox.

What stops Botox from working?

The effectiveness of the injections can vary for a number of reasons including how long you've been having them for, how large a dose you are given, how long it was since you last had injections and how severe your dystonia is.

Does retinol break down Botox?

For a minimum of 3 days post-treatment, avoid using anything perceived as 'active' skincare. This includes products which contain Retinol, Vitamin C, Hydroxy Acids or Beta Hydroxy Acid. For 24 hours, avoid sunbathing, intentional direct sunlight and tanning beds. Stay away from swimming for 24 hours post-treatment.

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