What do you do when you look in the mirror after an aesthetic treatment and think, “I hate it”?

This week on Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP, talk about the difference between an aesthetic result you simply don’t love and a true complication that needs immediate attention.

From uneven-looking lips and post-filler swelling to heavy brows after neurotoxin treatments, many concerns that feel alarming at first can actually be part of the normal healing process. Chris and Jerry explain why they often give filler and Botox or Dysport about two weeks to settle before deciding whether an adjustment is needed — and why treating an apparent asymmetry too early can sometimes create a bigger problem.

They also cover the other side of the equation: symptoms that shouldn’t be watched and waited on. You’ll hear what can signal an urgent filler complication, why early evaluation matters, and how patient education before treatment can make these situations much easier to navigate.

For providers, Chris and Jerry share an equally important message: if you inject long enough, you’ll eventually encounter an outcome that isn’t exactly what you or the patient wanted. The goal isn’t pretending complications never happen. It’s knowing how to recognize them, manage them appropriately, listen to the patient without becoming defensive, and have a strong network of other aesthetic professionals you can turn to when needed.

They also share real experiences from their own practice involving filler, neurotoxins, and energy-based treatments — including situations that required patience, retreatment, and a willingness to learn.

If you’re a patient wondering what’s normal after an aesthetic procedure, or a provider wanting to become more confident in complication management, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what happens when the result doesn’t immediately go according to plan.

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