Botox treatment complications

This article covers the downsides, risks and possible complications of a Botox (botulinum toxin) treatment.

The 5 Biggest Downsides of Botox

1. Too little Botox is used, so the result isn’t optimal. This often happens the first time you’re treated by a doctor.

2. Too much Botox is used, which can reduce facial expression. This is uncommon and temporary.

3. A drooping eyelid can occur if the injection is placed incorrectly. Recovery usually takes only a few weeks. (Chance is less than 1%.)

4. Skin may become thinner after many years of frequent Botox use. This is more likely in people over 50.

5. You’re so happy with the results that you want to have the treatment again as soon as it wears off. This is perhaps the biggest “risk.”

Contraindications for Botox

Qualified doctors work according to professional guidelines and always in sterile conditions. To avoid complications, they first take into account the generally accepted contraindications. People with a contraindication will not be treated.

Contraindications for a botulinum toxin treatment include:

• An existing infection at the intended injection site

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• An allergy to any of the ingredients in botulinum toxin

• Neuromuscular disorders that cause muscle weakness

• Being under 18 years of age

Side Effects and Complications After Botox

After treatment, both side effects and complications may occur. Possible side effects include pain, swelling or bruising at the botox injection site.

The most common wrinkle treatments with botulinum toxin are for frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet. The aim is to temporarily relax the small muscle that causes the wrinkle. If the wrong muscle is treated, this can sometimes result in an unnaturally raised eyebrow or a drooping eyelid. A drooping eyelid can happen if the injection was placed too low or if the botulinum toxin has migrated. In most cases, these complications resolve naturally within a few weeks.

Another possible complication from a cosmetic botulinum toxin treatment is infection. Although this is rare, it is a potential risk with any medical procedure.

Can Botox Cause Headaches?

Many people actually have Botox to help with headaches, as the treatment relaxes excessive muscle tension. However, some people may experience a headache on the day of their Botox treatment.

Is Botox safe?

In general, when administered by a qualified professional, Botox is considered very safe. In the UK, hundreds of thousands of wrinkle treatments are performed each year using Botox. Botulinum toxin was approved for medical use by the FDA in 1989, and since then, hundreds of millions of treatments have been carried out worldwide.

Botox and Vistabel are brand names for botulinum toxin produced by Allergan. Other common brands include Azzalure/Dysport and Bocouture/Xeomin. Botulinum toxin has been used in medicine for over 40 years. It is also widely used to treat spasms, strabismus, and various urological and neurological conditions. More than 100 million treatments with botulinum toxin have been performed globally. This article provides information about possible complications after cosmetic treatments with botulinum toxin.

Can Botox reach your brain?

Many people wonder whether Botox can reach the brain. This is not possible, as botulinum toxin does not have a systemic effect and only works locally around the injection site.

Botox Forehead – Possible Downsides

A Botox treatment for the forehead can sometimes cause a slightly fuzzy or heavy feeling in the first few days. Some people describe having difficulty focusing or even mild headaches after their first Botox treatment. These effects usually disappear on their own.

Another downside is if too little Botox has been used. In that case, forehead lines may still be visible, which can sometimes lead to disappointment. That said, most people are very happy with the results and choose to repeat the treatment once it has worn off. These same downsides can also occur with Botox treatment for frown lines.

Allergy to Botox

Cosmetic treatments with botulinum toxin are considered very safe. Between 1989 and 2003, only 36 complications were reported to the FDA — a very small number compared with the millions of treatments performed. The majority of these cases were linked to poor technique by the practitioner rather than the product itself.

If someone does happen to be allergic to botulinum toxin (which is extremely rare at the low doses used in cosmetic treatments), possible symptoms may include:

• Headache or flu-like symptoms

• Dry eyes or excessive tearing

• Blurred vision

• Asthma-like symptoms

These reactions are almost exclusively associated with higher doses of botulinum toxin, such as those used in medical treatments. The doses used for cosmetic purposes are much lower. If any of these symptoms should occur after a treatment, it is recommended to contact your treating doctor straight away.

What Are the Risks of Botox?

The main risks of a Botox treatment are minor bruising or redness at the injection site. Allergic reactions are very rare.

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Safe Botox

To make sure your treatment is carried out safely, it’s important to keep the following points in mind when choosing a practitioner:

• Ensure you are treated with one of the three recognised brands: Azzalure/Dysport, Bocouture/Xeomin or Botox/Vistabel.

• Choose a doctor or prescribing nurse with experience in botulinum toxin treatments at a reputable clinic.

• Consider whether it’s important to you to be treated by a medically qualified aesthetics professional.

Cosmetic treatments with botulinum toxin have a very strong safety profile. And you’re certainly not alone — every year, hundreds of thousands of people in the UK have Botox wrinkle treatments. That may be one of the reasons so many people look refreshed and confident!

Compare clinics near you on Injectablesbooking.co.uk.

Read more:
Concerns in cosmetic care
Tear trough filler complications
Lip filler complications

This article is for general information only. It does not replace medical advice, a personal consultation or informed consent from your doctor.

FAQ About the Safety of Botox