What does a bad reaction to Botox look like?

Author: Xzavier Friesen MD  |  Last update: Sunday, June 1, 2025

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.

How do you know if you have a bad reaction to 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 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 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.

How long would it take to have an allergic reaction to Botox?

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.

The Dangers of Botox & Filler | Peaches Skin Care

When will you know if Botox has gone wrong?

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.

How common is anaphylaxis from Botox?

Botox use was mostly associated with mild respiratory effects, falls, seizures, and unspecified pain. The usual complications of Botox injections included procedure-related like pain, ecchymosis, or idiosyncratic reactions. Only one other case of anaphylaxis due to Botox was found in the literature search.

What is the most common complication of Botox?

Risks
  • Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site.
  • Headache or flu-like symptoms.
  • Droopy eyelids or crooked eyebrows.
  • A crooked smile or drooling.
  • Watery or dry eyes.
  • Infection at the injection site.

What are the warning signs of botulism?

Symptoms of foodborne botulism include:
  • Trouble swallowing or speaking.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Facial weakness on both sides of the face.
  • Blurred or double vision.
  • Drooping eyelids.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps.
  • Paralysis.

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 the signs of too much Botox?

Signs of having too much Botox
  • Droopy eyelids. Ironic since this injection can treat this problem, sagging eyelids can result from the Botox injection targeting the wrong area of your eyelid.
  • Eyebrow problems. ...
  • Bulging facial muscles. ...
  • Lip malfunction. ...
  • Smiling problems.

What does botched Botox look like?

What are the common signs of botched Botox? Common signs of a bad botox session include uneven eyebrows, drooping eyelids, and asymmetrical facial expressions.

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].

What does an allergic reaction to fillers look like?

Common symptoms include swelling or redness at the injection site. Itchiness or a rash are also signs that a reaction may be occurring. In severe (and rare) cases, an allergic reaction may cause difficulty breathing or a drop in blood pressure, causing you to feel faint or dizzy.

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 common is botulism from Botox?

The incidence of botulism as a result of Botox injections is incredibly low. Licensed and skilled professionals are well-trained in administering precise doses, reducing the risk of complications. However, cases of botulism have been reported in connection with cosmetic Botox treatments.

What are the first signs of listeria?

If you develop a listeria infection, you might have:
  • Fever.
  • Chills.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Nausea.
  • Diarrhea.

What are the early stages of botulism?

Early symptoms include marked fatigue, weakness and vertigo, usually followed by blurred vision, dry mouth and difficulty in swallowing and speaking. Vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal swelling may also occur.

How common is it to have a bad reaction to Botox?

Your concerns are completely normal and are to be expected from anyone who is considering an elective procedure or surgery. However, an adverse or allergic reaction to Botox is very rare. Only 36 cases involving adverse effects were reported to the FDA between 1989-2003.

Why not get Botox on forehead?

The potential side effects of the Botox procedure in the forehead include pain in the injected area, bruising, swelling, and inflammation.

How long after Botox can you have an allergic reaction?

How long does it take to get a reaction from Botox? The onset of reaction from Botox treatment typically occurs within 24 to 48 hours, although the full effects may not be noticeable until 3 to 7 days post-injection. The duration of effects varies among individuals but generally lasts between 3 to 6 months.

What does a Botox allergy 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.

When does Botox flu start?

► FLS have been reported in between 1.7% and 20% of patients treated with BoNT type A. ► FLS have been reported in between 5% and 55% of patients treated with BoNT type B. ► FLS usually appear within the first two weeks of BoNT administration.

What are the chances of having anaphylaxis?

An AAFA study was printed in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI). It found that anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, is common in the U.S. It occurs in about one in 50 Americans. Many believe the rate is higher than that.

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