Rare Botox-Juvederm Complication, or Unqualified Injectionist? (photo)

I had my very first experience with Juvederm and Botox. It did not go well. I ended up with Major Bruising under my eyes that lasted more than 2.5 weeks, an infected pustule under one eye and a large elongated bag under the other that needed Vitrace to dissolve. And then to top it off I ended up with Ptosis in both brows and eyelids and a facial droop in both cheeks that made my lips wrinkle and look puckered. The ptosis lasted almost 3.5 months far. What went wrong? Am I not a good candidate?

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11 Doctor Answers | Asked by KCKitty

Doctor Answers (11)
Community Comments (0)

Good injections are possible in the hands of good injectors only

This is technique dependent issue. Im not sure who did the injections for you but from the pics it seems like that was your problem. I would do my homework and inquire around in the area where u wish to get the procedure done and only go to Board certified dermatologist or a plastic surgeon for your injections. u might have to pay a little bit higher but at least u will have a better experience.

Misbah Khan, MD

5 reviews

New York Dermatologic Surgeon

Good injections require Good Injectors!

I would not be able to comment on your candidacy for injections basd on photos alone, but it would seem you would be. Typically, medical conditions, medicines that thin your blood and pregnancy make injections inappropriate. I am very sorry tht you have had a bad experience thus far, but I can say is that I recommend you not give up on injections and find a qualified board certified physician to inject you. I also suggest you discuss in detail your most recent injection. Good... more

Bad injector

Please understand that these are not commodity services. If they were, it just would not matter who you went to. However who you go to makes an amazing difference. Look around in your community and only go to ethical practitioners with good reputations who know what they are doing.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

8 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Your injector matters

I cannot make an assessment on your particular case but it is extremely important that you go to a physician to have them administer your injections. Your facial anatomy is complicated. Don't trust your skin to estheticians injecting. Only providers who have had anatomy courses and learned on cadavers can really know and understand the anatomy of the face.

Botox and fillers around the eyes should be done by experienced doctors

Swelling of the lower eyelids can occur if the pump action of the lower eyelid muscle is compromised by Botox injections and the patient has a history of swelling, such as in the morning upon arising. Fillers can be placed below or above the lower eyelid muscle. Below the muscle creates less swelling and bruising but above the muscle can create lumps and bruising and more swelling. Regardless, both treatments are off label and you need to find an experienced physician to do such... more

Injector specific

I ams orry that you have had so many issues. Most patients are extremely pleased with the results of fillers and botox, but it is has to be performed by a good injector.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Injector skill is critical

Without knowing medical history, pre-injection appearance, injection technique (sites, volume of filler, units of Botox), etc.... it is not possible to accurately make any statements about your particular result. Photos are only so helpful. What I can say is that getting good results from a Botox or filler treatment is highly dependent on the skill of the injector. This is not a time to look for the best bargain. Make some inquiries and go to an experienced... more

How to choose your physician injector

Because this is an art as much as it is a science, it is especially important to remember that the experience and technique of the physician who injects you is the most critical part to your achieving a beautiful, natural result. Always ask about the experience of the injecting physician and make sure they have all of the "tools" to use, such as all of the various facial fillers (Sculptra, Radiesse, Perlane, Restylane, and Juvederm) that are approved for use in the United... more

Rare side effects

I am so sorry that your first experience was not a good one but hope that you understand that you still can have a great experience with these products. The key is to have someone do this slowly and carefully, make sure that they know what you want and that they HAVE LOTS OF EXPERIENCE with this. This is not the time to shop for a bargain.

Complications vs bad injectors

I would agree with the others posting on this site. It's hard to declare that you are or aren't a candidate based on photos alone and without knowing your medication history or anything going on with you that may complicate matters, but with all that being said, the most important thing with injections is to find a good, qualified injector. And that's not usually based on price! Shopping around for the cheapest deal, most often, gets you the least experienced injectors with... more

Negative outcomes with injectables

It is difficult to say with certainty that you are a good candidate with photos alone, but it would appear that you are. It is possible that your outcome was due to technique. It is always useful if patients follow up after injections to compare before and after photos and discuss any concerns. I encourage you to do so if you have not already. If you do not feel comfortable following up with your last injector, certainly consult with a respected injector in your area.... more