What are side effects of Botox?

Botox is the most sought-after non-surgical treatment to improve the appearance of facial signs of aging in the world. This FDA-approved treatment helps address mild to moderate fine lines in specific areas of the face.

It can help restore a noticeably younger facial appearance almost immediately. In the hands of an experienced and qualified Botox provider, patients can expect safe and effective results.

Oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Hui provides Botox injections for eye rejuvenation to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Coachella Valley, Riverside, Redlands, Yucaipa, Loma Linda, and surrounding locations.

Botox has a high safety profile, but patients should still understand all the potential side effects and risks associated with Botox to make a judicious choice. The primary component in Botox is botulinum toxin type A, which is a powerful biological agent that can lead to significant side effects if administered incorrectly.

The potential side effects of Botox are as follows:

• Rash
• Allergic responses
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Muscle stiffness
• Headache
• Itching
• Back or neck pain
• Shortness of breath
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite

Reactions at the injection site may include:

• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Infection
• Inflammation

• Burning/painful urination
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Cold symptoms
• Respiratory infections
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Runny nose
• Flu symptoms
• Difficulty urinating
• Anxiety
• Urinary tract infections
• Tired feeling
• Dry mouth
• Ringing in the ears
• Increased sweating in areas other than the underarms

When used for the treatment of blepharospasm, Botox side effects may include:

• Ptosis or drooping of the eyelid
• Inflammation of the cornea (keratitis)
• Eye dryness
• Itchy eyes
• Double vision
• Eye irritation
• Tearing
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Eyelid inflammation or bruising
• Reduced blinking

If Botox is administered incorrectly or in inaccurate dosage, the following side effects may occur:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Crooked or twisted smile
• Vision problems
• Unexplained tearing
• Problems in swallowing or speaking
• Muscle weakness in sites of the injections
• Cockeyed eyebrows
• Weak bladder control

Determining the candidacy of an individual is crucial for Botox injections to be safe and create desirable outcomes. The treatment provider may ask individuals with the following conditions to avoid Botox use:

• Existing allergy to an ingredient in Botox
• Suffered complications from Botox or a variant from a previous treatment
• The presence of untreated skin infection in the injection area
• Suffering from a condition that affects muscles or nerves such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome
• Suffering from chronic breathing conditions or asthma
• Bleeding problems
• Received facial surgery recently
• Planning to undergo surgery on the face
• Weak forehead muscles
• Inability to stop the use of NSAIDs and blood thinners for a short period before the injectable procedure

Allergen, the manufacturer of Botox, also asks pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid receiving Botox injections.

Upon understanding more about the Botox injectable treatment, the patient should identify an advanced and fully equipped aesthetic practice that specializes in administering Botox injections in a safe and effective manner.

If the practice operates under the guidance and leadership of an experienced eye doctor, they will make sure that the Botox treatment provider follows top-notch quality standards, best practices, and the latest safety protocols.