The cosmetic treatment known as Botox Injection has, over the last few years, has become one of the most popular anti-aging treatments available. This non-invasive cosmetic procedure has grown so popular because of its quick results and the low instance of Botox risks. As with any medicine, there are some possible side effects to Botox, the physician-administered injection used to treat fine lines and wrinkles. Fortunately, not everyone who takes Botox Injections will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either requires no treatment or is easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
The effects of Botox are noticeable one to two days after the procedure and can last up to six months. Since Botox only stays in the body for a maximum of six months, any side effects associated with the medication will diminish after that time period. People who continue to receive treatments may continue to experience side effects. The common side effects of Botox include nausea, flu syndrome, respiratory infection, forehead and eyelid drooping, and headache. Less common Botox risks include symptoms that are generally associated with the injection. These include redness, pain, swelling, numbness, bruising, muscle weakness and bleeding. Normally, these symptoms generally subside within a week after injection.
Cosmetic Side Effects of Botox Injections
After the Botox injections, some usual side effects are noticed including droopy eyelids, facial pain, heartburn, tooth problem, indigestion, injection site swelling or pain, weak muscle, flu like symptoms, and nausea,
Other Medical Conditions When Side Effects Are Noticed
When Botox was studied for medical conditions and not for cosmetic issues then a few usual Botox and side effects were noticed. Problems like difficulty in swallowing and eyelids drooping are some of the complications that have been noticed as side effects. In some cases, visual problems like eyes vertical misalignment have been reported. Side effects like headache, neck pain and upper respiratory infections have also been reported.
Allergic Reactions
Similar to any medication, it is possible that a patient suffers allergic reaction after the Botox injection. During consultation with the doctor, it is important to inform about any earlier allergic condition. Such allergic reactions can be identified when there are unexpected allergic reactions like rashes, itching, hives, difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and throat or mouth swelling.
Spreading Signs of Toxin Effect
In a few rare instances, Botox has been noticed to show side effects on other parts of the body and not on the injection site. To inform about this possibility to the physicians and patients, in April 2009, FDA decided to ask Botox manufacturers to print warnings in bold. If the toxin spreads then some serious complications are noticed. These issues include difficulty in swallowing and breathing, lost bladder control, speech problems, voice changes, blurred vision, double vision, and muscle weakness in many parts of the body. Immediate medical consultation is needed if any of these medical conditions are noticed after the Botox injections.
Botox Injection procedures are considered medical techniques that should be carried out in a controlled medical environment and administered by a qualified and experience medical professional. They should check through your medical history to determine that you are appropriate candidates before taking Botox treatment. If a patient has been taking other drugs, then the Botox may interact and show unintended problems. This makes it important to inform the doctor about any other medication that the patient is already taking. There are some specific medications that can prove dangerous when taken along with the Botox. Such medications include antibiotics administered during infection treatments, such as medications like lincomycin, clindamycin, tobramycin, gentamicin, as well as quinidine that are used in heart arrhythmias, and drugs used in other health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, Lambert-Eaton Syndrome, ALS, or myasthenia gravis.
Before and after the Botox procedure, alcohol consumption must be avoided strictly. Alcohol affects the body’s blood flow circulation. This can pose certain problem after the treatment. Therefore, ‘Botox Parties’ where people meet socially to have the treatment without proper medical setting should be avoided as liberal amounts of alcohol is dangerous as it causes an increase in bruising.
Presently, the only supplier of Botox to doctors in the United States is Botox (Allergan). It is important to be able to identify the actual Botox product. Any spurious product similar to Botox can pose a serious problem to a person’s health. It is very dangerous to take any other product than the right Botulism toxin that is a purified derivative
It is important to know that Botox is considered a very powerful substance. Under no circumstances, the procedure should be duplicated at home. Botox and side effects may be the unintended result even when the tampering involves only a miniscule amount.
You may experience some or none of the Botox side effects discussed above. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to tell if any particular side effect such as headache is caused by Botox or by other factors. Of course all cosmetic procedures involve some amount of risk. Any procedure that goes contrary to what is natural is risky including Botox Injections. If you think it is all worth it, go ahead. However, you must let your healthcare providers know if you feel something that just does not seem right after taking Botox Injections. They will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.