How to tell if Botox has gone wrong?

Author: Mrs. Alyce Wuckert MD  |  Last update: Sunday, June 22, 2025

After receiving Botox, it's important to monitor the results for signs of complications. Common indicators that Botox may have gone bad include drooping eyelids, uneven results, excessive bruising, or prolonged swelling beyond the expected recovery period.

What are the red flags after Botox?

Botox is a common procedure that's rarely accompanied by serious side effects. However, you should call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience: Vision problems, including blurred vision or drooping eyelids. Signs of urinary tract infection, such as blood in your urine (hematuria).

How long does it take to know if Botox has gone wrong?

How long does it take for Botox complications to appear? Complications from a bad botox session can appear within a few hours to a week after treatment. Monitor your results closely during this period.

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 is the 4-hour rule for Botox?

This one is a classic. But here's the deal: while you should avoid lying down for about four hours post-treatment to prevent pressure on treated areas, bending over briefly is generally fine. It's more about avoiding excessive physical activity immediately after your session. Myth #2: Botox Is Addictive.

The Dangers of Botox & Filler | Peaches Skin Care

What can mess up Botox?

Below are 7 common mistakes you should avoid in order to get the best results.
  • Choosing an Under-Qualified Provider. ...
  • Taking Blood Thinners. ...
  • Drinking Alcohol. ...
  • Using Retinol. ...
  • Exercising too Soon after Treatment. ...
  • Getting BOTOX® on an Empty Stomach. ...
  • Massaging Your Face.

What is the rule of 3s Botox?

We call this the rule of 3s: 3 days to take effect. 3 weeks for full effect. Effects last about 3 months.

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 stops Botox from working?

BOTOX resistance is a situation in which a patient either has built up antibodies against the botulinum toxin, or happens to metabolize the BOTOX drug exceptionally quickly. As a result, for these patients BOTOX injections provide underwhelming results, a very short-lived effect, or no effect at all.

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.

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.

What does a bad reaction to Botox look like?

Possible side effects and unwanted results include: Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site. Headache or flu-like symptoms. Droopy eyelids or crooked eyebrows.

What happens if Botox is injected wrong?

The majority of effective Botox treatments are administered from the cheekbones upward. Injecting outside these zones or into the wrong facial structures can result in a “frozen” look or, worse, impaired facial function.

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 biggest risk of Botox?

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

How to reverse bad Botox?

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. On a lighter note, you should know that even though you may have a bad Botox experience, it won't last forever, since the treatment is not permanent.

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.

Why are my 11 lines still there after Botox?

For instance, if your forehead furrows smoothed out, but your “11” lines are still visible, you may need a touch-up with more units of Botox. Or, we may recommend fillers to resolve the problem. Your two-week evaluation is part of your initial Botox treatment.

What makes Botox wear off faster?

High intensity workouts are designed to boost your metabolism in order to burn calories and build muscle more quickly. By raising your metabolic rate, you may be causing your body to metabolize the Botox more quickly so it breaks down sooner than expected.

Why no retinol after Botox?

Here's why: Botox Needs Time to Settle: The neurotoxin requires a few days to bind to targeted muscles. Rubbing or massaging the area (like during skincare application) could displace it. Retinol Can Be Harsh: Freshly injected skin may be sensitive.

How do you know if Botox hasn't worked?

A delayed response is normal which is why providers may advise clients to be more patient when it comes to waiting for the results of Botox treatments. If 2 weeks have passed since your treatment and you haven't seen anything change, it's time to visit your provider and get things checked.

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.

How many units of Botox is normal per session?

Number of units

You'll often hear phrases like “10 units for crow's feet” or “20 units for forehead lines.” In fact, one literature review has determined that, on average, 20 UNITS OF BOTOX is the ideal qua ntity for most cosmetic concerns.

What is the danger zone for Botox injections?

Key muscles/ anatomical locations to avoid (and associated presenta- tion) include the following: frontalis (mid brow ptosis), levator palpebrae (lid ptosis), levator labii superioris alae- que nasi (lip ptosis), zygomaticus (lip ptosis), orbicularis oculi (diplopia), depressor labii inferioris, mentalis, and depressor ...

How much does 64 units of Botox cost?

At 64 units, your price may range from $640 to $1,600. May: Touch up your regular areas and maybe even experiment with a lip flip (4 to 6 units), making your total $700 to $1,750.

Previous article
Is Rogaine just minoxidil?
Next article
Can Microneedling get rid of under eye wrinkles?