4 min readNew DelhiDec 2, 2024 08:00 AM IST
First published on: Dec 2, 2024 at 08:00 AM IST
Chhavi Hussein recently shared her experience with botox, highlighting the risks that come with the procedure.
In a conversation with venereologist Dr Agni Kumar Bose on her podcast, she revealed, “This was the first time I ever got a needle done to the face… I’m not scared of pain, I’m not scared of needles. My pain threshold, I believe, is very high. But it was something I was not anticipating.”
She revealed that a slight movement during the procedure caused the botox to be injected in the wrong spot. “Main thodi hili, aur unka haath thoda hila (So I moved a little, and their hand moved a little)… and the Botox went in the wrong place. And I had a paralysed face for over a year. As an actor, it was a very, very tough phase for me,” she said.
Botox, often seen as a quick fix for wrinkles and fine lines, is generally considered safe when performed by trained professionals. However, as Mittal’s experience shows, even small mistakes can have lasting consequences.
Dr Gunasekar Vuppalapati, senior aesthetic, reconstructive, plastic surgeon at GVG Invivo Hospital, tells indianexpress.com, “Botox (botulinum toxin type A) is a neurotoxin that temporarily blocks nerve signals to the muscles where it is injected. By inhibiting the release of acetylcholine, it prevents muscle contractions, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Botox is also used therapeutically for conditions like migraines, hyperhidrosis, and muscle spasms.”
Why movement during injection can cause issues, according to the plastic surgeon
Misplacement of Botox: Movement during the procedure can cause the needle to target the wrong muscle or allow the Botox to spread to unintended areas. For instance, if Botox, meant for the forehead muscles, migrates to the eyelid muscles, it can cause ptosis (droopy eyelid).
Inaccurate Dosing: Slight movements can lead to uneven distribution of the toxin, resulting in asymmetry or incomplete results.
Increased Risk of Migration: Movement immediately after the procedure can displace the toxin, potentially affecting nearby muscles and causing complications like facial paralysis.
If Botox is not injected evenly or in the correct muscles, it can result in uneven facial expressions (Source: Freepik)
But, what are the risks?
Dr Vuppalapati lists the common side effects and risks of getting Botox:
Bruising and Swelling: Minor bruising or swelling at the injection site is the most common side effect and usually resolves within a few days.
Asymmetry: If Botox is not injected evenly or in the correct muscles, it can result in uneven facial expressions, such as a droopy eyelid or a lopsided smile.
Facial Paralysis: In rare cases, Botox can spread to unintended muscles, causing temporary paralysis, as seen in Chhavi’s case.
Headaches or Flu-like Symptoms: Some individuals experience mild headaches or flu-like symptoms after the procedure.
Allergic Reactions: Though rare, Botox can cause itching, rashes, or other allergic reactions.
Difficulty Swallowing or Speaking: When Botox migrates near the throat or vocal cords, it can temporarily interfere with these functions.
How to avoid these risks
Dr Vuppalapati shares the following tips:
Choose a Qualified Practitioner: Ensure the injector is a certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with extensive experience in facial anatomy.
Communicate Clearly: Discuss your medical history, allergies, and expectations with your practitioner.
Stay Still During the Procedure: Movement during injection can lead to misplacement of the Botox.
Follow Aftercare Instructions: To prevent Botox migration, avoid rubbing the treated area, lying down for several hours, or engaging in strenuous activities immediately after the procedure.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Chhavi Hussein on her botox procedure (Source: Instagram/Chhavi Mittal) 
If Botox is not injected evenly or in the correct muscles, it can result in uneven facial expressions (Source: Freepik)
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