Dr Carol Mastropierro discusses botulinum toxin complications and strategies for managing common side effects
Botulinum toxin (BoNT-A) injections are the most widely performed non-surgical aesthetic procedure in the UK, with an estimated 900,000 treatments carried out annually.¹ Their popularity is founded on high patient satisfaction, minimal downtime and a well-established safety profile.² Nonetheless, despite being generally safe when performed by trained practitioners, complications can occur. A meta-analysis of facial BoNT-A injections found a total complication rate of around 16%.³ Although the majority of these events are mild and self-limiting, they may have significant implications for aesthetic outcome, patient confidence and clinician reputation. This article provides a practical overview of the most common complications associated with BoNT-A injections.
Upper face complications
There are several complications that can occur in the upper face, including asymmetry, ptosis and dry eyes.
Brow asymmetry
