Ahead of the All-Around Gymnastics Final, Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles took to TikTok to share a get-ready-with-me video in which she opened up about her misadventure with Botox.
In the clip, the gymnast explained that she had gotten “baby Botox,” or a lower dose of Botox, for her 27th birthday but was unhappy with the results. That’s because after undergoing the procedure, every so often, she said one of her eyebrows would lift uncontrollably for about 20 seconds at a time.
According to med spa owner and physician Kate Dee, MD, this is referred to as “Spock eyebrow.”
“When the forehead is inadequately treated, the middle of the frontalis has been paralyzed, but one or both of the sides still is strong,” Dee tells Healthnews. “The lateral aspect of the muscle will pull the brow up while the middle remains relaxed. It looks like Mr. Spock from Star Trek.”
Dee says it can happen to anyone, but it’s more likely to happen when the injector is new or the patient has never had Botox before and their frontalis is especially strong.
New injectors are often taught not to place Botox lateral to the mid-pupillary line, she explains. This is to prevent getting a droopy brow, which can happen if you put too much in this area.
“But this doesn’t work if the frontalis has much strength laterally,” she says. “Then you get the opposite — a Spock.”
An increase in ‘botched’ Botox
At a time when plastic surgery is seeing an increase in popularity, it’s no wonder that many doctors, nurses, and dentists in other specialties have begun performing these cosmetic procedures.
But board-certified plastic surgeon Jerry Chidester, MD, who goes by Dr. Chiddy, says this has led to an increase in “botched” outcomes.
“[That’s] why I strongly emphasize the importance of doing your homework on your plastic surgeon or provider before undergoing any elective procedure or injection,” Chidester tells Healthnews. “There are many excellent non-plastic surgeon injectors out there, you just have to be informed.”
Injectors who want to avoid causing “spock eyebrow” or any other botched results should always review the specific anatomy and muscle function of their patient’s face, he says.
“Many times, patients can have stronger brow pull or even asymmetric activation, so these salient details are important to identify and treat accordingly,” he says. “There isn’t a cookie cutter dosing of botulinum toxin for everyone, so this has to be customized to every patient.”
He said injectors should always educate patients, especially if it’s their first time, that there may need to be touch up work done in the first two weeks as the toxin begins to work and set in. In other words, “Spock eyebrow” can be fixed.
Following up with patients and their results is paramount to having a natural result that doesn’t appear “botched,” he adds.
How to ensure your injector is an expert
While “Spock eyebrow” is always a possibility, Dee says it can be easily avoided or fixed with an experienced injector.
And finding a credible establishment isn’t just about an aesthetically pleasing result — it’s also about protecting your health.
“Going to a licensed expert injector is critical not just for great outcomes with treatments like Botox, but also for your health and safety,” she says. “Many places are operating illegally, resulting in cases of Botulism, infection, disfigurement, and even death.”
Indeed, instances of patients experiencing severe health effects from unregulated spas are on the rise.
That’s why Dee says you should always ask for the credentials of the person you’re going to see, and don’t forget to look them up online. Find out if they have a license to do what they do, and make sure you see a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant for your first visit.
You should always receive an assessment and clear treatment plan during your first visit, she says, and your treatment must be prescribed by someone who has the license to do so.
An RN cannot prescribe any treatment in every single state, she adds.
“Ask who is the medical director and look them up — every place must have one,” Dee says. “Ask to see the medical director and if they are never there, they are not overseeing the providers, which is legally required.”
She also suggests asking where they buy their product from, as Botox can only be purchased legally from the drug maker: Allergan. If they are using a third party importer or worse — ordering it off the internet — Dee says you’re risking not just your skin, but also your health.
“If you’ve done all of the above, and you go for a consultation with someone qualified to do that, and you learn about the aging process and tools to address your specific issues, make sure you feel comfortable and can trust that person to tell you what’s true,” she says. “When you choose to invest your time, money, and skin in a treatment plan, you want to know this person is knowledgeable, an expert, and has your best interests at heart. Take your time. Never feel pressured to make a decision. When you are ready to move forward, the right person will be there for you.”
