What happens if Botox is injected incorrectly?

Author: Adrienne Reichert  |  Last update: Thursday, November 20, 2025

Potential Risks: Inadequate Botox treatments can result in unsatisfactory results at best—think uneven facial expressions or asymmetry. More seriously, improper administration can lead to severe complications, including nerve damage or infection.

How do you know if Botox was injected wrong?

Look out for uneven spots, droopy eyes or brows, swelling, bruises, redness, or unexpectedly weak muscles. These signs might mean the Botox was misplaced or poorly done. If you're having serious issues like difficulty swallowing or breathing after Botox, seek immediate medical help.

What happens if Botox is injected improperly?

However, when it is not performed properly, Botox can result in a "frozen" or fake look. The most common causes of botched Botox are: Improper injection techniques. Many unskilled injectors make the mistake of injecting Botox too deeply or too superficially into the skin.

What happens if you inject Botox in the wrong place?

Careful placement is needed to avoid affecting nearby nerves or causing asymmetry, which can lead to unwanted side effects like difficulty chewing or an uneven appearance.

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.

Here’s what happens if you inject the Masseters incorrectly 😱 #medicalaesthetics #botox #botoxnatura

What happens if you inject too deep with Botox?

“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.

How do you know if you hit a nerve while injecting?

Unlike some veins, nerves are not visible from outside the body, although you will definitely know if you've hit one while injecting because you'll experience extreme pain and no blood will enter the syringe when you pull back to register. You may feel an electric “burn” along your limb.

Can you fix Botox if it goes wrong?

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.

What is the danger zone for Botox?

The key danger zones of botox include the areas around the eyes and mouth, specifically involving the orbicularis oculi muscle, the facial artery, and the temporal artery. Think of these zones like a “no-go zone” on a map—trespassing can lead to hazardous results.

What happens if you press on Botox injection site?

Botox binds within 72 hours, and it cannot be squeezed from the area once injected. Trying to squeeze Botox from an injection site can lead to bruising or possibly a change in the Botox efficacy.

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 happens if you hit a vein while injecting Botox?

Bruising is common after Botox, but sometimes a hematoma can develop. This happens when a blood vessel is injured during the injection, leading to swelling, tenderness, and discoloration. Most hematomas are mild and go away on their own, but proper care can help speed up healing and reduce discomfort.

Can you sue if Botox goes wrong?

People suffering from injuries because of a problem with a treatment or surgery can file a medical malpractice case against the treating medical professional. To win a malpractice lawsuit, plaintiffs need to prove that the medical professional violated the standard of care for their field.

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 common is botched Botox?

In experienced hands, using approved preparations, botulinum toxin type A injection is considered safe. However, one study showed that only 10 percent of patients correctly report the material allegedly injected.

Where is the danger zone for Botox ptosis?

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 ...

What is the 4 hour rule for Botox?

We normally recommend you wait four hours before you lie down. This is to ensure the Botox doesn't migrate or encourage bruising.

Can Botox go wrong in the forehead?

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.

Where should you never inject Botox?

Let's dive in below on some of the areas that are considered danger zones for getting Botox injections.
  • Chin or Around the Mouth: Precision is Key. ...
  • Orbicularis Oculi Muscle: Avoid The Wrong Spots.
  • Frontalis Muscle: Correct Placement is Vital. ...
  • Upper Skin Layer: A Pointless Place for Injections.

What do you do when Botox gets botched?

If you suspect botched Botox work:
  1. Contact your cosmetic surgeon: Reach out immediately to discuss concerns and potential solutions.
  2. Seek professional advice: Consider getting a second opinion from another licensed professional experienced with Botox treatments.

What does a bad Botox job look like?

There are two signs you've had a bad Botox injection: Unusual results such as facial asymmetry (one side doesn't match the other), overarching eyebrows, a drooping eyelid, or not being able to move the forehead at all. You are unhappy with the results.

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.

What happens if an injection is given in the wrong place?

Severe pain at the injection site – While mild discomfort is normal, intense or prolonged pain may indicate nerve damage or improper placement. Swelling, redness, or warmth – These symptoms could suggest localized infections, tissue damage, or an adverse reaction.

When should I worry about injection site reaction?

The injection site may be infected if you notice redness, warmth, or tenderness or swelling in the area that keeps getting worse or lasts more than 1 to 2 days.

What to do if an injection goes wrong?

Symptoms often include skin redness and discoloration, swelling, and itching at the injection site. Cold compresses and antihistamines may help reduce these symptoms. People should contact a doctor if symptoms do not resolve or get worse. If anaphylaxis develops, a person should call 911 immediately.

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