3 Common Mistakes When Injecting Botulinum Toxin

3 Typical Mistakes When Administering Botulinum Toxin

Botox treatments have taken the Canadian medical aesthetics scene by storm, often dubbed the ‘lunchtime treatment’ due to their quick and straightforward nature. However, like all facial injectables, mistakes with Botox can lead to undesirable results. Hence, it’s imperative that only skilled professionals trained in the nuances of the procedure handle such treatments.

If you’ve pondered questions like, “What happens if a Botox injection misses the muscle?” or you’re interested in understanding Botox danger zones, Botox injection site diagrams, or outcomes like masseter Botox mishaps, this article sheds light on these areas.

Here Are Three Typical Mistakes to Be Wary of When Administering Botox:

Injecting the Botulinum Toxin to the Wrong Muscle

Given the close proximity of facial muscles, there’s a margin for error, especially in the hands of an inexperienced practitioner. The unique positioning of the frontalis muscle overlapping with the corrugator muscle can make targeted injections a challenge. Misinjections here can lead to the dreaded ‘Mephisto Effect,’ where the brow tails shoot up sharply. Moreover, confusing the orbicularis oris with the depressor septi could impair a patient’s upper lip movement.

Injecting Excessively Deep

Certain facial zones necessitate superficial Botox injections targeting the muscle below the skin. For instance, injecting too deep into the orbicularis oculi muscle (around the eyes) can yield an exaggerated brow lift, resulting in an unnatural appearance. A more surface-level approach reduces post-procedure bruising and achieves better results, especially with the orbicularis oris muscle. Deep injections here could hinder speech.

Administering Too Superficially

On the flip side, superficial injections are just as problematic. This is commonly seen when targeting the masseter muscle near the mouth. As the risorius muscle is situated above the masseter, shallow injections can affect the former, causing an asymmetrical smile. A superficial approach can create an unflattering ‘chipmunk’ appearance even if the masseter is reached. The ideal technique is to target the muscle-bone intersection, using a longer ½” needle.

PRO TIP: Recognizing Botox Danger Zones

In the Canadian aesthetic landscape, while Botox offers transformative effects, there are danger zones to be aware of:

• Glabella
• Temples
• Nose
• Perioral area
• Infraorbital region
• Nasolabial fold

Honing Your Technique

Here at Derma Institute Canada, we emphasize the importance of perfecting the proper technique, ensuring optimal results for your clients and elevating the stature of the Canadian facial injectable domain. Our training is facilitated by the crème de la crème of aesthetic professionals, ensuring you grasp all facets of botulinum toxin administration for the best patient outcomes. If you want to refine your skills, contact us and advance your aesthetic practice!