Botox

What are the Risks of the Treatment?

• A treatment with Botox® is very safe.
  
• The most common side affect is a transient headache. Some patients can get flu-like symptoms for a few days.
  
• The most common noticeable side affect is called ptosis, or drooping of the eyelid when injected between the brows. We think this is from rubbing the area injected in the first 24 hours.
  
• All complications are rare complications, especially any issues with the eyelids.
  
• The FDA requires what is called a Black Box warning for all types of botulinum toxin injections, Botox®, Dysport® and Xeomin®. If you have a neuromuscular condition with weakness of the muscles or difficulty swallowing, you are not be a candidate for these treatments.
  
• Allergic reactions are very rare.
  
• We do not treat pregnant or nursing women; these products are not cleared for them.
  
• Botulinum toxin can inhibit swallowing or breathing when injected in doses far beyond above the dose used for cosmetic treatments. Overdoses should be unheard of in the doses used on the face in adults.
  
• Some patients can develop an immunity to Botox®. If this happens, Dysport® or Xeomin® may work.
  

If you take aspirin, ibuprofen, warfairn or any other blood thinners on a daily basis, you should stop this type of medication 10 days before the injections, if it is safe for you to do so. If it is not safe for you to stop such medications, your risk of bruising, while small, will be higher with the treatment.

The Procedure

Injections are usually performed without topical anesthesia, but we have it available if you want it. We can also apply ice before the injection to numb the area. The discomfort is minimal, and most patients require no topical anesthetic or ice. A small sting is felt with each injection. The effects of the treatment are not permanent and should be repeated every 3-4 months to maintain the correction.