5 most common Botox complications

Considering a Botox treatment? It is important to be well informed. Botox is widely used and considered safe when carried out by a qualified practitioner.

In this article, we explain which complications may occur and how you can minimise risks by making informed choices.

When is Botox safe?

Botox works by temporarily relaxing muscles, helping to soften the appearance of wrinkles. It is a well-established treatment, but the quality and safety of your results depend on four key factors:

1. Your practitioner has the appropriate qualifications – In the UK, this means being registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), or another recognised professional body.

2. Experience with your specific treatment – Choose a practitioner who regularly performs the procedure you are considering.

3. Use of approved, high-quality products – Only established and clinically approved products should be used.

4. Careful delivery of the treatment – A precise and professional approach supports natural-looking results and helps reduce risks.

The 5 most common complications

1. Drooping eyelids

What does it look like?Your eyelids droop, or your eyebrows sit lower than normal.

Why does this happen?

• If Botox is injected too high → the forehead muscle relaxes too much.

• If Botox is injected too low → the muscle that lifts the eyelids may become weakened.

2. Problems around the mouth

What might you notice?

• Occasional dribbling

• Difficulty drinking through a straw

• Trouble closing your mouth fully

When does this occur? It may happen after treating fine lines around the lips, as the muscles in this area can temporarily weaken.

3. The “Spock effect”

What is this? The eyebrows appear overly raised, especially at the outer edges.

Why does this happen? Botox has not been evenly distributed across the forehead, so some muscles remain more active than others.

4. Crooked smile

When does this happen? During treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism), when the jaw muscles are injected.

The issue:If the injection is not placed precisely, the muscle that lifts the corner of the mouth may also be affected, causing a temporary uneven smile.

5. Drooping upper lip

Which treatment? Correction of a “gummy smile” (where more gum is visible when smiling).

What can go wrong?If the dosage is not appropriate, the upper lip may droop instead, making it more difficult to smile comfortably.

Other possible side effects

In addition to the complications mentioned above, some milder side effects may occur:

• Bruising – Small bruises can appear at the injection site but usually fade within a few days.

• New fine lines – As certain muscles are relaxed, others may become more active, which can sometimes lead to new lines appearing in different areas.

• Headache – Some people experience a temporary headache following treatment.

• Tingling – Rare, but possible, and may be caused by slight nerve irritation.

How to recognise a good practitioner

Here’s what you should check:

• Registration – Is your practitioner officially registered as a healthcare professional with the General Medical Council (GMC), the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), or another recognised UK body?

• Experience – How many Botox treatments does this practitioner perform each year? Ask about their specific experience with the treatment you are considering.

• Transparency – A reputable practitioner will clearly explain potential risks, expected outcomes, and costs.

• Reviews – Read feedback from other patients. Pay particular attention to experiences involving complications and how they were managed.

Key questions to ask:

• “How many of these treatments do you perform each year?”

• “What are the specific risks in my case?”

• “What happens if something goes wrong?”

• “Can I see before-and-after photos of similar treatments?”

Find the right practitioner near you

On Injectablesbooking.co.uk you can easily compare:

• 1,200+ clinics with qualified, GMC- and NMC-registered professionals

• Genuine reviews from real patients

• Transparent pricing and treatment options

Next step: Book a no-obligation consultation to discuss your options. A qualified practitioner will take the time to carry out a thorough consultation and provide honest advice, including whether treatment is suitable for you.