People love to talk about Botox—like how long it takes before it wears off, whether they should get their crow’s feet treated next time, and who is the best injector around. But when a celebrity shares their experience, it inevitably catches everyone’s attention. Most recently, Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles’ TikTok video made a number of people wonder, “Will Botox make my eyebrows twitch?”
The short answer is that eyebrow muscle twitching after Botox is extremely rare when the treatment is done correctly. However, it’s a good idea to understand why this is a potential side effect. Let’s unpack it.
How Botox Works
Botox is a purified protein that temporarily relaxes muscles by blocking nerve signals. This action smooths out wrinkles caused by repeated muscle contractions, i.e. in the forehead and ‘crow’s feet,’ and can also treat medical conditions like migraines and excessive sweating. When administered properly, Botox targets just the right muscles to achieve the desired muscle relaxation without causing unintended movements or twitching. Over 9 million injections are performed each year, yet side effects are quite rare.
Botox relaxes muscles rather than stimulates them. However, if Botox spreads to nearby muscles or if the injection sites and dosing aren’t quite right, you might experience minor side effects, and possibly temporary twitching. All effects wear off over the course of about 3-4 months.
Simone Biles’ Experience with ‘Baby Botox’
On TikTok this fall, Simone Biles posted a “get ready with me” video in which she opened up about experiencing involuntary eyebrow movement after receiving “Baby Botox.” Baby Botox is a term for a small amount of Botox, usually recommended for younger patients (like Simone) who do not have visible wrinkles but simply want to prevent dynamic wrinkles from becoming etched into the skin.
One of the most critical factors in avoiding side effects like muscle twitching is proper dosing and injection sites. Too much Botox can spread to unintended areas, while too little may not give you the results you want. And doses should be injected into multiple areas of the muscles to balance out your muscles’ natural movements. It is of the utmost importance to go to a professional with extensive training, who understands how to administer Botox with minimal risk of side effects.
Eyebrow muscle twitching after Botox is extremely rare when the treatment is done correctly by a qualified injector.
Further, everyone’s facial anatomy is unique, so a skilled injector tailors the treatment to your specific needs. This is why we will ask you to squint, frown, or smile before treatment so that we can observe how your muscles move.
While we have no way of knowing what caused Simone Biles’ eyebrow to move involuntarily, it seems most likely related to the injection technique.
Side Effects from Botox are Typically Mild
While muscle twitching is rare, there are some common side effects you might experience after a Botox treatment:
- Mild Bruising or Swelling: Swelling tends to be short-lived; while not every patient bruises, if you do see a small bruise at the injection site, this usually subsides within a few days.
- Headache: Some patients report a temporary headache, which is considered normal.
- Minor Discomfort at Injection Site: Discomfort is typically mild, brief, and manageable.
- Temporary Bumps on the Skin: Many patients will have very tiny, short-lived bumps on the skin where the injections were placed. These typically resolve in a matter of minutes after injection.
Serious side effects from Botox are uncommon, especially when the procedure is performed by a qualified professional. Botox has been used for decades and has a strong safety profile. Still, always discuss your medical history and any concerns with your injector to minimize risks, and choose a trusted, qualified injector.
At Mountain Radiance, we’re committed to providing safe, personalized treatments! If you have any questions or concerns about Botox or potential side effects like muscle twitching, we’re here to talk you through them and help you decide on the best treatment for your needs—whether or not that’s Botox. Call our Asheville med spa (828) 627-2711 to start the conversation!
