Let me start by saying: I’m not here to scare you. I’m here to educate you—because that’s what I’ve dedicated my life to. As a dermatologist and founder of Murad, Inc., I’ve spent decades helping people look and feel their best. Although I’ve never been one to recommend cosmetic procedures like Botox and dermal fillers, I recognize that they can be powerful tools in the aesthetic toolbox. And most of the time, patients are pleased with the results. However, administered incorrectly—or with the wrong intentions—they can leave people feeling less than themselves.

I’ve seen it all.

I’ve seen the subtle lift that brings someone’s confidence back. The softened lines that let someone’s natural radiance shine through. But I’ve also seen the opposite: frozen foreheads, overfilled cheeks, lips that no longer move naturally. And worse—emotional fallout from treatments that don’t go as planned.

So let’s talk about when Botox goes bad and fillers fail.

The allure of the “quick fix”

We live in a fast-paced world. People want instant results, and cosmetic treatments promise just that. A few injections, and you walk out of the office looking younger. But what’s often missing in that promise is the why. Why are you doing this? Who’s administering the treatment? What’s their experience? What are the long-term effects?

Botox and fillers are medical procedures. They require training, precision, and a deep understanding of facial anatomy. Unfortunately, the rising demand has led to a surge of underqualified practitioners offering these treatments—often at a discount, often with subpar results.

When Botox goes bad

Botox works by temporarily paralyzing muscles to smooth out wrinkles. But when it’s overdone or injected improperly, it can distort your natural expressions. A classic example: the “frozen face.” You might look smooth, but you don’t look alive. Your smile doesn’t reach your eyes. Your personality gets muffled.

Even worse, misplaced Botox can cause eyelid drooping, uneven eyebrows, or a perpetually surprised look. None of these are fun—and they can take months to wear off.

The problem with fillers

Fillers add volume. Used with finesse, they can enhance your features in a natural way. But too much filler—or filler in the wrong places—can quickly lead to a bloated or distorted appearance. We’ve all seen photos of people who don’t quite look like themselves anymore. That’s not rejuvenation; that’s a mask.

There are also risks of vascular occlusion (when filler accidentally enters a blood vessel), leading to tissue damage or even blindness if not treated immediately. Again, this underscores the importance of choosing an experienced medical professional.

It’s not just about looks—it’s about wellness

As you’ve heard me say many times, skincare is healthcare. Looking your best is important, but not at the expense of your emotional or physical wellbeing. Before any treatment, I encourage patients to ask themselves: Am I doing this because I love myself—or because I’m trying to fix something I don’t?

No cosmetic procedure will fix low self-esteem. No filler will repair a broken heart. These treatments should enhance your confidence, not create it. And unfortunately, the cosmetic treatment route can lead to a never-ending pursuit of a distorted idea of perfection. It’s similar to when you paint one wall or room of your house, and then are dismayed that the rest of the room—or the entire house—looks shabby by comparison. Pursuit of the “perfect nose,” or the “perfect brows,” or the “perfect lips,” can result in never feeling satisfied with what you’ve got. Unfortunately, that’s a recipe for perpetual disappointment.

My advice?

As I advised above:

1. Ask yourself why you want this treatment. Will it really give you what you’re hoping for?
2. Research your provider — credentials, experience, reviews. Ask questions.
3. Start conservatively — less is more.
4. Know the risks — no treatment is completely without them.
5. Choose wellness first — a healthy lifestyle, good skincare, and stress reduction do more for your skin than any syringe.

At the end of the day, beauty—like happiness—is an inside job. As I often say: “When you’re healthy, you’re beautiful,” and “Happiness is the best facelift.” The most radiant people I know glow because they feel good in their skin, not because of what they’ve had done. That’s the kind of beauty worth investing in.

That’s #ModernWellness!