Injectables Correction

Consequences of improper Botox application

Botulinum toxin is a medication used in aesthetic medicine to prevent and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The negative effects of its application are usually related to incorrect dosage, injection in the wrong area, or improper technique that causes the product to spread to unintended regions. They may also occur when the treatment is repeated more frequently than recommended.

Since the action of botulinum toxin works by weakening the muscles where it is applied to prevent constant movement from creating or deepening wrinkles, the specialist performing the procedure must have an excellent understanding of facial anatomy to avoid injecting in the wrong area. “There are safety margins that must be respected to prevent affecting the functionality of nearby muscles. This is why it is essential for the physician to have a thorough knowledge of human anatomy and to conduct a detailed analysis of the patient’s needs and condition,” explains Dr. Karina Torres from Dr. Juan Carlos Lloreda’s Center for Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine.

The main risks of improper Botox application are:

• Facial asymmetry: the face appears uneven, resulting in an unnatural expression.
• Ptosis or eyelid drooping: occurs when the injection intended to lift the eyebrows is applied incorrectly, causing significant weakness in the surrounding muscle.
• Dysphagia: characterized by difficulty chewing or swallowing, which can occur if the injection reaches the salivary glands or the sternocleidomastoid muscle when Botox® is applied to the neck.
• Muscle weakness: occurs when the dosage is excessive and may be noticeable in the treated area, resulting in effects such as a crooked mouth or uneven eyebrows.
• Unnatural appearance: incorrect application can cause stiffness and limit the ability to express natural facial movements.
• Swelling and redness: may cause prolonged inflammation in the treated area and the appearance of mild bruising.
• Headache

Consequences of improper hyaluronic acid application

Hyaluronic acid is a hydrophilic molecule (it can absorb up to 200 times its weight in water), which is why it is used in aesthetic medicine for anti-aging treatments. Its ability to deeply hydrate the skin and restore volume to facial areas that lose fullness over time makes it a key ingredient in rejuvenation procedures.

However, if incorrect doses are applied, if the product is injected into the wrong areas, or if poor technique is used, side effects may occur. Fortunately, these are uncommon when patients are treated by qualified and experienced professionals.

• Edema or inflammation: may occur around the eyes or lips, sometimes accompanied by a dark or purplish discoloration.
• Temporary loss of vision: known as amaurosis, this occurs when hyaluronic acid is accidentally injected into the ophthalmic artery and migrates to that area.
• Unnatural appearance: occurs when too much product is applied, either due to the practitioner’s lack of experience or the patient’s expectations leading to an early reapplication or higher dose. It is most commonly noticeable in the cheeks or lips.
• Asymmetry: uneven proportions or irregular sizes in facial contours.
• Deep and dark under-eye circles: may occur due to excessive pressure in the area, which affects blood vessels and causes dark discoloration.