If a little BOTOX® or filler is good, more is even better, right? Not exactly. Getting too much BOTOX or fillers can backfire, giving you a fake or frozen look in the case of BOTOX and the dreaded “trout pout” or a lumpy, overfilled effect with fillers.
Before diving right into your first appointment, it’s crucial that you do your research to find a reputable provider and know how to spot a questionable practice to avoid getting too much filler or BOTOX in your face.
How Much Is Too Much?
Injectables are much easier to add to than to take away from if you don’t like your results. So start with the smallest amount possible.
In the case of injectable treatments, less is definitely more. A reputable provider will never try to “upsell” you more units or syringes just to make a quick buck. Instead, he or she should start with the smallest amount needed, then add more later if necessary to achieve the desired results.
The right amount of BOTOX or fillers will depend on a variety of factors, including your unique anatomy and your goals. So there is no one-size-fits-all answer to “How much BOTOX do I need?” But to give you a general idea of a typical amount, up to 30 units of BOTOX can be used to treat forehead lines.
Fillers are measured in syringes, and the average treatment of marionette lines generally requires 1 to 2 syringes for both sides of the face.
Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on your specific needs, but this can help you spot a potential red flag if a provider has recommended an astronomical amount of product.
When You Are Unhappy with Your Fillers
If you’ve ended up with less-than-ideal results after getting fillers or BOTOX, here are a few things you can do:
- Give it some time. It can take around 2 weeks to see your final results after getting BOTOX or fillers. So if you’re still within this window, sit tight and see if you’re happier with your appearance in a few days.
- Dissolve HA fillers. If you are unhappy with your results, hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with a special enzyme to return the treated area to its normal appearance. Unfortunately, other types of fillers and neuromodulators like BOTOX and Dysport® cannot be dissolved. In this case, you’ll need to wait it out until your body metabolizes the product.
- Consult another provider. In the meantime, you could consult another provider to see what can be done to help make the issue less noticeable until the product wears away over time.
How to Choose a Reputable Provider for Injectables
Always thoroughly vet your provider before letting any needles close to your face for fillers injection or BOTOX. Ideally, your injectable provider will work under a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. You should be able to find previous client reviews. If you don’t see any reviews or if the provider doesn’t have an online presence, this may be a red flag.
Waleed Ezzat, M.D., F.A.C.S. is double board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. He operates under the philosophy that natural beauty is the best kind of beauty. Dr. Ezzat addresses each aesthetic or reconstructive challenge by considering the whole facial anatomy rather than focusing on one isolated area. This comprehensive approach maintains a goal of fully functional and natural-looking results that fit perfectly within each individual’s unique genetic makeup.
