Are There Any Risks or Side Effects to Receiving Botox Treatments?

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects to Receiving Botox Treatments?

This may come as a surprise, but I’ve considered botox treatments. In fact I first first spoke with my primary doctor about it because I sweat excessively and wanted relief. She brought up Botox as a possible treatment. Yes, Botox can help control excessive perspiration and it isn’t just for the youthful glow that Hollywood stars are trying to obtain.

Frankly, there are several reasons to get Botox injections. Besides helping an individual to look and feel younger, by filling in deep lines and wrinkles, Botox can also help relieve migraine headaches. Before seeking Botox injections, you will need to find a certified and established Botox provider.

You will also want to know what risks and side effects are associated with getting Botox injections before you schedule your appointment. Keep in mind, not everyone will experience the same side effects as the next person. Everyone is different and their body, their chemical makeup is not the same. 

Botox Injections 

In addition to wrinkles and deep lines on the face, there are several medical issues that benefit from Botox injections. They include:

  • Some bladder issues
  • Eyelid spasms
  • Migraine and cluster headaches
  • Lip spasms
  • Cervical dystonia

There are a few “off-label” issues that the FDA has not approved Botox to be used for, yet has been proven to help. They include:

  • Psoriasis
  • Sialorrhea – a condition of producing too much saliva
  • Alopecia
  • Anismus – a dysfunction of the anal muscle
  • Raynaud’s Disease – a circulation illness
  • Dyshidrotic Eczema – a skin condition affecting the soles of the feet and palms of the hands
  • Continuous flushing or facial redness during menopause
  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa – a skin disease due to inflammation
  • Keloids or scars due to wound healing

Possible Side Effects

There are several mild to moderate risks associated with Botox injections, however, this is by no means a complete list. 

  • Redness
  • Headaches
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Pain at the injection site
  • Bruising at the injection site
  • Dry mouth 

A small percentage of individuals may experience the following side effects and should immediately call their physician. They include:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Trouble speaking – slurred speech
  • Loss of control of bladder
  • Vision problems
  • Overall muscle weakness

Possible Risks

There is a small percentage of people who have adverse reactions to Botox injections. This could cause permanent drooping around the injection, especially on the face. There could also be permanent paralysis in which the injection site will not move. There are very few other medical issues that have been reported but were not serious over the past 20 years of Botox injections. 

Is Botox Injections For Everyone?

There are times when the Botox injections will not work. They do not work on every wrinkle, and at times, the injections may not last more than a few weeks or months. Only you and your reputable surgeon can decide if the temporary side effects are going to be worth taking the chance. 

As stated before, everyone’s body and chemical makeup are different, therefore, Botox injections may not be for everyone. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have an autoimmune system condition, you should not get Botox injections. 

It is important to consult your medical physician as well as your dermatologist or certified plastic surgeon before getting Botox injections for any reason. You may need certain tests, such as blood work or stress tests, before getting your injections. Always listen to your doctor and take the recommended amount of time to rest and any other suggestions for healing to get the most from your injections. 

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