What are the risks of using Botox?

Botox has become the popular solution to help eliminate or reduce facial wrinkles. However, it is important to understand that just like any other medical treatment, the use of Botox has risks. An ethical and responsible doctor will take to his or her patients, about these risks, before starting any course of injections with Botox. The most important thing that any patient who is considering using Botox can do, is to find a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to perform the treatment. In addition, it is important to understand that this procedure does not come without a price. You should be ready to pay several hundred dollars for Botox injections. If you find that someone is advertising Botox for considerably less, you should proceed with caution. Often times when the price is severely reduced this means that the Botox is counterfeit, or is not being administered by a qualified doctor. Each of these situations is a red flag with potential problems that could be highly dangerous.

Every patient who is considering using Botox should understand exactly what it is. Botox is developed from Botulinum bacteria and because of this is considered a toxin. This bacteria can cause (when given in large doses) botulism, which is a very critical medical problems. However, when Botox is used in a small does, it only weakens muscles, which is how it can resolve wrinkles on the face and neck. The Botox simply weakens the muscle enough, so that it cannot wrinkle. It is also used in other ways as well. Botox has successfully treated headaches and spasms in the vocal chords.

However, every patient should be well aware of the risks that could be present when using Botox. Some common side effects can include:

• Headaches


• Nausea


• Flu-like symptoms


• Respiratory infections


• Drooping eyelids

It should be noted however, that these symptoms usually resolve relatively quickly, with the exception of a drooping eyelid which can persist for several weeks. It is also important that potential users understand that they can have pain around the injection site, for several hours after the injection. Because of the potential volatile nature of the injections is advised that you see a qualified doctor, if you do experience them. An experienced doctor should be able to help you deal with any allergic reactions fast and safely.

There are also certain people who should not use Botox for any reason. Botox is not recommended if you are pregnant or nursing. In addition, anyone with a nervous system condition, should be cautioned against using Botox. It should also be noted that in rare instances, certain people have a resistance or immunity to Botox, and will find that they do not experiencethe results they are seeking.It is also important to understand that certain medications can conflict with Botox. It is crucial that you disclose to your doctor any medications that you are currently taking,and any medical conditions, so that the health care professional can clearly determine if using Botox is safe for you. It should also be noted that Botox should never be injected into any skin that appears broken or infected.

Finally, patients should be aware that the largest risk of using Botox is when you have received injections that are improperly administered or have used counterfeit Botox. Many times unscrupulous and unethical individuals, who do not have the medical qualifications, have given injections that do not have the right dosage or without the right technique, with serious results. In addition, these same people may choose to use counterfeit Botox or other unknown substances in their injections, rather then using medical grade Botox. It is crucial to determine that the doctor you have chosen is a plastic surgeon who is fully licensed to practice in his or her state of residence. This information can easily be found and make the difference between serious problems when using Botox and a successful result.