Botox can temporarily soften expression lines, but it has risks as well as benefits. Bruising, tenderness or swelling can follow the injections. Unwanted muscle weakness can cause a drooping eyelid, a lower brow or an uneven result. Serious reactions are less common but need prompt action.
Special promotions
Current offers for treatments covered in this article.
At Evolution Clinic in Jumeira, our trained, licensed doctors assess your medical history and facial movement before recommending treatment. We explain the product, expected change, possible risks and total price before you consent. See our Botox treatment options in Dubai for the areas we assess and booking information.
Which Botox side effects can occur?
The needle and the medicine can cause different effects. Injection-site reactions include redness, tenderness, swelling and bruising. Headache can also occur. These often settle, but the severity and duration vary. Contact us if a symptom is increasing, persistent or worrying. AAD patient guidance describes these reactions.
The intended effect is reduced activity in selected muscles. If a nearby muscle also becomes weak, the result can include eyelid or brow droop, an uneven smile or another unwanted change. Risks differ by area; jaw or neck treatment needs a different discussion from forehead treatment. The BOTOX Cosmetic prescribing information sets out these product and area-specific risks.
A lower price or a smaller dose does not, by itself, establish that treatment is suitable. The product, placement, your anatomy and your health all matter.
Which symptoms need emergency help?
Get emergency medical help immediately if you have trouble breathing, swallowing or speaking after treatment. A severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the tongue or throat with breathing difficulty, also needs emergency care. Do not wait for a WhatsApp reply.
Botulinum toxin effects can sometimes spread beyond the treated area. Symptoms can develop hours to weeks after injection. New widespread muscle weakness, double vision or blurred vision also needs urgent medical assessment. Tell the medical team which product you received and when. The NHS botulism guidance explains why these symptoms need urgent action.
Who should not have treatment?
A known allergy to the proposed botulinum toxin or its ingredients, or an infection at the intended injection site, prevents treatment with that product. Other health factors may change whether treatment is suitable and how we plan it.
Tell our doctor about:
- Previous reactions to botulinum toxin or other injected medicines.
- Conditions that affect nerves or muscles, including myasthenia gravis.
- Swallowing or breathing problems, bleeding problems, or unusual muscle weakness.
- Previous facial surgery, eyelid droop or changes in facial movement.
- Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- All botulinum toxin treatment you have received, including treatment elsewhere on the body.
Pregnancy safety data are limited. Tell us before arranging cosmetic injections so we can discuss suitable timing. Breastfeeding also needs an individual discussion; it should not be treated as proof that a medicine is safe or harmful. These precautions come from official product information.
Do medicines or supplements affect the decision?
Bring a complete list, including medicines you buy without a prescription. Blood thinners and some pain medicines can affect bruising or bleeding. Certain antibiotics and muscle relaxants can affect the action of botulinum toxin. Vitamins and herbal products also belong on the list.
Do not stop a prescribed medicine to prepare for cosmetic treatment unless the clinician who manages it agrees. Our doctor can coordinate the decision with your prescriber. The AAD preparation guide explains why a full medicine and treatment history matters.
Does the brand change the risks?
Botox, Dysport and Xeomin are different preparations. Their units are not interchangeable, and their ingredients differ. For example, Dysport may contain traces of cow’s milk protein and is contraindicated in people with that allergy. Milk-protein allergy is different from lactose intolerance. Dysport prescribing information provides the details.
We explain the exact product and why it fits the proposed plan. Our guide to botulinum toxin brands explains the differences without ranking one product as best for everyone.
How we plan care at Evolution Clinic
Our clinic holds DHA Polyclinic License 6000514. Our doctors treat within their licensed scope and clinical privileges. We use authentic medicines authorized for use in the UAE, obtained through authorized suppliers and handled according to their instructions.
Before treatment, we assess your goals, health and the movement causing the concern. We explain alternatives and expected limits. You receive written aftercare and a clear route for follow-up. These safeguards support appropriate care; they do not remove every risk.
If an eyelid, brow or smile changes unexpectedly, contact us for assessment. Do not try to correct it with massage or arrange extra injections elsewhere. Keep your treatment details available. Our preparation and aftercare guide explains what to plan before and after the appointment.