You choose a botox treatment to soften wrinkles or make your appearance fresher. But after the treatment you notice that your eyebrows seem slightly uneven, or that one eye moves a little differently from the other. You wonder: is this normal? And more importantly: will this even out?
In this blog we explain what asymmetry after botox exactly is, what can cause it and what you can expect in the period after the treatment.
What do we mean by asymmetry?
Asymmetry means that the halves of the face are not completely symmetrical. With botox treatments it usually concerns small differences in muscle tension or movement between left and right. For example:
- One eyebrow that sits slightly higher than the other
- A frown line that relaxes less on one side
- A slight unevenness when raising the eyebrows
- Uneven smile or eye opening
In most cases these are subtle differences that are temporary. Still, especially immediately after the treatment, it can take a little getting used to the change in your face.
How does asymmetry arise after botox?
There are various reasons why asymmetry can occur after botox. Firstly, no face is completely symmetrical by itself. Muscles on one side of the face can naturally be more active or stronger than on the other side. You often only see this clearly when certain muscles are (temporarily) weakened with botox.
In addition, it may be that the botox distributes itself slightly differently or works a little more strongly on one side of the face. The injection site and depth also play a role, as does how the body reacts to the treatment.
In some cases asymmetry becomes visible because the muscle on one side reacts faster or more strongly than the other. Botox needs time to take full effect. That is why the difference can stand out in the first few days after the treatment, while it comes back into balance later.
Is asymmetry after botox normal?
To a mild degree, asymmetry after botox is quite normal, especially in the first week. Botox needs about three to seven days to begin working and reaches its maximum effect after about two weeks. During that time, temporary differences in muscle tension or facial expression can arise.
For example: if the muscles on the right side of the forehead react a little faster than on the left, the left side may still keep moving actively while the right half is already more relaxed. This usually evens out on its own once the effect of the botox has fully set in.
If the asymmetry is still visible after two weeks, it can be worthwhile to schedule a check-up appointment. In some cases a small correction with extra botox on one side is enough to balance the effect.
What can you expect after a treatment?
After a botox treatment it is important to be patient. The effect builds up, and during that time slight imbalances can become visible. This is part of the normal course of the effect.
When evaluating the result, it is good to:
- Wait at least 14 days before you assess the final result
- Be aware of natural asymmetry in your face that was already present before the treatment
- Avoid massaging or pressing on the treated area yourself in the first hours to days
- If in doubt, discuss your observations during a follow-up check
In many cases a small correction is possible if the final result is not completely symmetrical. An experienced practitioner will always look at the overall picture and assess whether and where adjustment is needed.
Finally
Asymmetry after botox can be a bit of a fright at first, but in most cases it is a temporary phenomenon that disappears on its own. It is important to know that no face is completely symmetrical, and that a natural result always involves some variation.
Do you have questions or are you worried about the effect of a treatment? Then always discuss it with your practitioner. They can explain what you can expect, and assess whether a possible correction is needed.
