Do wrinkle-reducing injections have any side effects?
Dec 05, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Xin
Introduction
1. Induction of toxic reactions, which commonly results from improper dosage administration by the operator—particularly when excessive doses are administered locally, leading to systemic toxicity;
2. Development of strabismus, especially when excessive doses are injected, thereby increasing its incidence;
3. Facial muscle paralysis.
Wrinkle-reduction injections—also known as anti-wrinkle injections—are a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that has gained widespread popularity in today’s aesthetic medicine industry. Their primary purpose is to reduce or eliminate facial wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. While these injections deliver effective results, they are not 100% risk-free. Improper administration may lead to certain side effects in patients. So, do anti-wrinkle injections have side effects? Below, we address this question.
Do Anti-Wrinkle Injections Have Side Effects?
1. Toxic Reactions
Some women experience toxic reactions following anti-wrinkle injections, primarily manifested as fever and generalized fatigue. These reactions typically result from inaccurate dosage control by the practitioner—especially when excessive amounts are injected locally, potentially triggering systemic toxicity. Therefore, precise dosing is critical, and patients should only receive treatment at reputable, licensed medical institutions.
2. Strabismus (Eye Misalignment)
Anti-wrinkle injections are frequently administered around the outer corners of the eyes. Due to proximity to ocular structures, improper injection may induce strabismus—particularly when excessive doses are used. The incidence increases with higher dosages; thus, practitioners must carefully control both injection volume and anatomical placement, while also avoiding overly frequent treatments.
3. Facial Muscle Paralysis
Some women report an expressionless, “mask-like” appearance post-treatment—resembling facial palsy. This occurs mainly when the injector lacks sufficient knowledge of facial neuroanatomy and muscle distribution, or administers excessively high doses of botulinum toxin. Such cases are relatively common among celebrities who frequently undergo repeated anti-wrinkle injections, often resulting in varying degrees of facial expression rigidity.
4. Involuntary Drooling
Involuntary drooling may occur as a post-injection side effect, stemming from disrupted facial muscle coordination—potentially reflecting weakness in the lower facial region due to incorrect injection depth. In addition to drooling, patients may also experience impaired lip closure (inability to fully seal the upper and lower lips).
The above outlines potential side effects associated with anti-wrinkle injections. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
