The most common side effects of Botox are small bumps at injection points, mild bruising, tenderness and occasional headache, which usually settle within hours to days. Less common effects include eyelid or brow drooping, asymmetry and flu-like symptoms. Serious reactions are rare. At Re:berry Hongdae, a doctor reviews your history to reduce risks. Results vary by individual.
Re:berry Clinic Hongdae · Information reviewed for accuracy · Results vary by individual.
What are the common side effects?
- Bumps and redness: small raised marks at injection sites, usually gone within 30–60 minutes.
- Bruising: more likely if you take blood thinners or certain supplements; usually fades within 1–2 weeks.
- Tenderness or mild swelling for a day or two.
- Headache: some people experience a mild headache after forehead or frown-line treatment.
What are the less common side effects?
Eyelid or brow drooping
If the toxin affects nearby muscles, the eyelid or brow can feel heavy or droop. This is temporary, typically improving over several weeks as the effect wears off. Following aftercare and correct injection technique reduce the risk.
Asymmetry
Slight differences between the two sides are common in the first two weeks. If they remain, a small adjustment can sometimes help.
Area-specific effects
- Jaw Botox: chewing fatigue, rarely an uneven smile or cheek hollowing.
- Crow's feet: rarely, changes in smile or dry eyes.
- Neck: rarely, difficulty swallowing with high doses.
What are the rare but serious risks?
Allergic reactions, widespread muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing are rare, particularly at cosmetic doses. Seek urgent medical help if these occur. Botox is generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in people with certain neuromuscular conditions such as myasthenia gravis.
How can you reduce the risk of side effects?
- Share your full medical history, medications and supplements.
- Avoid alcohol and, if your doctor agrees, blood-thinning supplements for a few days before treatment.
- Do not rub, massage or press the area for the first day.
- Avoid strenuous exercise and saunas for about 24 hours; see exercise after Botox.
- Choose a licensed clinic and genuine products; see do Korean clinics use genuine products?
When should I contact the clinic?
Contact the clinic if you notice drooping, significant asymmetry, persistent headache or anything that worries you. For visitors, keep the clinic's contact details and plan your review before leaving Seoul.
At a glance
- Very common: Small bumps, redness, mild tenderness
- Common: Bruising, headache
- Less common: Eyelid or brow heaviness, asymmetry, uneven smile
- Rare: Allergic reaction, difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Duration: Most effects settle within days; drooping usually resolves within weeks
Related questions
How long do Botox side effects last?
Most side effects, such as bumps, redness and tenderness, settle within hours to a few days. Bruises usually fade within one to two weeks. Less common effects such as eyelid heaviness are temporary and typically improve over several weeks as the toxin wears off.
Is it normal to get a headache after Botox?
A mild headache can occur after Botox, especially after forehead or frown-line injections, and usually resolves within a day or two. If a headache is severe, persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, contact the clinic or seek medical advice. Staying hydrated may help.
Can Botox cause a frozen look?
A stiff or frozen look usually comes from a dose or placement that does not suit your face. Many clinics now favor natural movement with tailored doses. Discuss the look you prefer at consultation; a conservative first session can help you find the right balance.
Before you book
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Suitability, dose, number of sessions and expected results are decided by a doctor at consultation, and results vary by individual. Possible side effects include redness, swelling and bruising. Pricing is confirmed in writing before any treatment. See our medical disclaimer.
Still have a question?
A doctor at Re:berry Clinic Hongdae can answer it for your skin specifically. Multilingual consultation support is available.