Botox has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Although it is a quick, easy procedure, you can get bad results when Botox is not injected properly. What does bad Botox look like? Can it be fixed? What can be done to avoid it?

Frozen Face

Attention Hollywood… there is a thing called too much Botox! Some people over-inject their patients, which causes a frozen, robotic look. The goal is to erase wrinkles and create a natural, well-rested look (even if we aren’t well rested!) My philosophy is that less is more. You can always add more Botox, but you can’t take it away.

Heavy Forehead and Droopy Eyebrows

Injecting a large amount of Botox into your forehead can cause those muscles to relax too much, which causes a heavy sensation in the forehead. It can also cause your eyebrows to droop, causing excess eyelid skin. There is no quick fix to this problem. The Botox just has to wear off.

Spock Eyebrows

Do you remember Spock from Star Trek? Although he was famous in the popular TV show, that is not the look we want after Botox. One or both eyebrows pulling up too much and giving you that surprised look is not a normal Botox result. It can also create little wrinkles over your lateral brow. A good injector can usually prevent this, but talk to your injector if it happens. It can be corrected and is an easy fix.

Ptosis

Ptosis occurs when the muscles that control your eyelid are Botoxed, causing your eyelid to droop. When this happens, you are unable to open one eyelid as much as the other. True eyelid ptosis is rare, but can occur. Unfortunately, this tends to happen more with an injector who has not been properly trained. Some prescription eye drops can help elevate the eyelid temporarily, but the ptosis is not corrected until the Botox has worn off.

Do your research and make sure that your injector has been properly trained. Ask how long they have been injecting. Although most Botox mistakes are temporary and go away when the product wears off, three months is a long time to live with poor results. It is extremely important that whoever you go to has a board-certified plastic surgeon in the office. If a medical problem should arise from your injections, the physician can step in to provide guidance and advice.