Botox and Dysport are fantastic options for smoothing fine lines and preventing deeper wrinkles, but they aren’t for everyone. While these treatments work wonders for many, there are certain situations where they might not be the best fit. Here’s a breakdown of when Botox or Dysport might not be the right choice for you—and what other options you can consider instead.
1. If You’re Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Botox and Dysport haven’t been tested on pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and while there’s no concrete evidence of harm, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Most reputable clinics, including Ivy Clinic, won’t treat clients who are expecting or nursing. If you’re looking for safe alternatives to keep your skin in top shape during this time, focus on:
- Hydrating facials
- Skin needling (minus topical anaesthetic)
- Pregnancy-safe skincare with antioxidants and peptides
- Regular LED light therapy to promote collagen production
2. If You Have Very Hooded or Heavy Eyes
If you have naturally hooded or heavy eyelids, forehead Botox could actually make your eyes look more closed, tired, ‘heavy’ by potentially causing your brows to drop. This happens because Botox relaxes the forehead muscles that help lift your brows up. If your forehead is already doing extra work to keep your eyes open, reducing its activity might not be ideal.
Alternatives:
- A more tailored Botox approach that lifts rather than over-relaxes
- Brow lift treatments using skin tightening devices
- Surgery – your injector can discuss these options with you
*We offer bespoke treatments to each individual client to try and avoid this instead of a ‘one size fits all’ approach - Speak To An Expert Now...
3. If You’re Too Young or Too Old
There’s no “perfect” age to start Botox or Dysport, but extremes on either end of the spectrum can be problematic.
- Too Young: If you’re in your late teens or early 20s and don’t have any static lines, Botox may not be necessary yet. Preventative Botox is a thing, but starting too soon might be overkill.
- Too Old: If deep wrinkles are already well-formed, Botox can help soften them, but it may not be enough for full correction. In these cases, combining Botox/Dysport with skin boosters, skin needling, or dermal fillers might be a better approach.
*Before & After - filler and botox was used around the eye and cheek region to restore volume and soften (but not erase) fine lines.
4. If You Want to Add Volume, Not Just Reduce Wrinkles
Botox and Dysport work by relaxing muscles to smooth wrinkles, but they don’t restore lost volume. If you’re noticing deeper folds, sunken cheeks, or thinning lips, you likely need dermal fillers rather than Botox.
How to Tell the Difference:
- Botox/Dysport = Best for dynamic wrinkles (forehead lines, crow’s feet, frown lines)
- Fillers = Best for volume loss (cheeks, lips, nasolabial folds)
If you’re unsure, our expert injectors at Ivy Clinic can help determine which treatment is best for your concerns.
*Before & After - filler was used to correct these deeper vertical creases above the top lip.
5. If You’re Too Concerned About Minimal Risks & Side Effects
While Botox and Dysport are incredibly safe when performed by experienced professionals, no medical treatment is entirely risk-free. Some clients are so anxious about minor risks—like slight bruising or temporary asymmetry—that they may find the experience stressful rather than enjoyable.
If you’re someone who overthinks or loses sleep over the smallest potential side effect, you might be better suited for non-injectable treatments like:
- Skin tightening treatments (IPL, skin needling with exosomes)
- Chemical peels for skin resurfacing
- High-quality skincare routines to improve fine lines gradually
*An asymmetry in the forehead muscles post botox treatment. This was easily addressed with 1 more unit of botox to the overactive side.
6. If You Show Signs of Body Dysmorphia or Are Doing This for Someone Else
Cosmetic treatments should always be about enhancing your own confidence, not meeting someone else’s expectations. If you find yourself obsessing over perceived flaws that others don’t notice, or if you’re considering injectables because a partner or friend suggested it, it might be time to pause and reflect.
At Ivy Clinic, we encourage all clients to have realistic expectations and a healthy mindset when considering aesthetic treatments. If you’re unsure, a consultation with our experts can help guide you in the right direction.
7. If You Aren’t Into Injectables but Want Anti-Ageing Results
Not everyone is comfortable with the idea of injectables, and that’s okay! There are plenty of non-invasive treatments that can still give you visible anti-ageing benefits:
- Skin needling with Exosomes – Boosts collagen and improves skin texture
- IPL Treatments – Reduce pigmentation, smooth fine lines, and improve skin tone
- Lactic Peels & A-Zyme Peels – Exfoliate and brighten the skin for a refreshed look
- LED Light Therapy – Stimulates collagen and promotes skin healing
*Before & After - a series of skin needling treatments, anti-ageing peels, and exceptional homecare resulted in these amazing age-reversing results.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Treatment for You
Botox and Dysport are incredible tools for anti-ageing, but they aren’t the answer for everyone. Whether it’s due to age, personal preference, or a specific concern, there are always alternative options available.
If you’re unsure whether Botox or Dysport is right for you, book a consultation at Ivy Clinic. Our team of experts will assess your goals and guide you toward the best treatment plan for your unique needs—whether that includes injectables or not!
