Problems with Botox/Dysport/Xeomin and the natural look!

Dr. Irwin
March 10, 2014
Hello hello. I am so unhappy, I hope you can offer some advice. I had botox, for the first time, around 2 years ago. I opted for a natural look, no raised eye brows etc.. I just wanted to look fresh faced. The results were ok. Not amazing if I am honest. My eye brows were lifted but only slightly. Around 3 months later, my frown lines started to show, so I had some more. Very soon I had to go back (about 3 months) After this session, I had to return because my eyebrows were far to high. I went back around 3 months after this for my brow line,and the same thing happened.. I was happy initially, and then 3 or 4 months or so afterwards I went for more, and again, I had to return. My entire eyes changed shape, and I looked shocking. I went back and had them lowered.. and I felt I still looked out of the ordinary, but better than I did. The last time I went, which was horrific really. My face has changed shape, and I honestly feel as if I have been disfigured. My forehead looks like the contour has gone, it looks like I am constantly frowning. My eyes look odd, and I just do not look like me! Will I look like this forever? I am 39... Thank you so much.

I’m sad that this is happening to you.  The results are clearly not what you hoped for.   Just so you all know……….this type of thing can happen with all of the above products – not just Botox.  And, many other similar products are available in Europe and other parts of the world.  These 3 have the best track record.

The problem is one of two things.    First, the method and amount used to inject is just not suitable for your face.   It’s not clear to me if you’ve tried changing doctors – please consider going to a board certified dermatologist, their hopefully well-trained staff, or a plastic surgeon with well-trained staff.    Techniques, knowledge and aesthetic sense vary WIDELY among doctors and nurses injecting these products.   It’s possible that this is a technical problem that a different doctor could solve.  More on Botox and these products.

The second possibility is that your particular face is just not well suited for Botox.  This happens rarely, but occasionally the particular activity, anatomy and size of the forehead muscles makes it very difficult to get consistently good results.   Filler in this area are a non FDA approved option but should be done only by experts and blunt tipped cannulas are preferred for safety reasons over needles in this area.

Hope this helps,

Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

Ask me your skincare question!

Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

  • All our content is written and researched by myself.
  • My medical office in Seattle has treated thousands of patients for 15+ years.
  • This site is not affiliated or financially tied to any product, treatment or device.
Ask Me Something
SkinTour Skincare
One of the best investments in your skin is your daily skincare. Why? Because you can prevent many problems with blotchy skin color, lack of glow, texture, some types of acne, and fine lines with good skincare products. You can also correct some of these problems with effective skincare products. Great skincare is often more expensive because quality ingredients are expensive. Some companies spend on research/development which benefits all of us and adds to the cost. Are they worth it? In general - yes! I have handpicked some of what I consider to be the best skin care products, and offer them for sale on SkinTour's shop. This is based on my team and I's testing and research at our clinic. Many of the products are in my own regimen. What could be better than using skin care products a dermatologist uses?!
Browse Shop