Does BOTOX® Have any Side Effects I Should Know About?

How Does BOTOX Work?

Botox works by blocking the chemical that regulates muscle contraction. The active ingredient is a protein extracted from the Clostridium botulinum (C.botulinum) toxin. This is the same substance that causes botulism poison, but in small amounts of it’s purified form, it’s beneficial for treating several medical and beauty concerns.

The original purpose of Botox was for treating muscle spasms in the eye that cause twitching under the eyes and in the eyelid. Since the accidental discovery that this procedure also caused a reduction in the appearance of crow’s feet, Botox has been FDA approved as an anti-wrinkle treatment in a clinical setting. It’s also used to treat deep facial lines on the forehead and around the mouth, migraines, and other medical conditions.

To discover how this works, try frowning in the mirror and then relaxing your face again. The frown lines will normally soften as little as your face relaxes. As you age, these lines become deeper and more prominent. Botox simply makes the muscle relaxation affects long-term features. Treatments can last anywhere from three months to a year, depending on the quality and number of treatments.

What is the Procedure for Getting BOTOX?

You’ll have to make an appointment and set aside about an hour. The treatment itself only takes about 20 – 30 minutes, but some clinicians will make you wait for about 10 minutes after to make sure there are no unexpected effects, especially if it’s your first treatment.

The doctor or aesthetician will inject small amounts of the reconstituted protein into the muscles surrounding the affected area. It’s a fairly quick and painless procedure, and you’ll see results within an hour after your treatment. The full effect will be apparent within 24 – 48 hours.

On average, the results will still look good for several months, but you’ll need a touch-up three to four times per year. The good news is that Botox doesn’t cause any lasting damage as long as it’s used as indicated. If you miss a refill, your face will simply return to its original state once the substance works its way out of your system.

Side Effects of Getting Cosmetic BOTOX

Introducing any substance under the skin is going to cause a reaction, however mild. Botox is injected straight into the muscles under the skin, blocking the mechanism that causes them to contract. This could lead to mild swelling and redness that disappears soon after treatment.

Other side effects depend on the amount of Botox used, the strength of the formulation, and the type of treatment. For example, Botox used to address medical issues is stronger and causes different side effects than an injection that’s meant to reduce wrinkles in your forehead.

Common Side Effects

When Botox is used as a medical treatment, the patient might experience mild, flu-like symptoms and muscle weakness. If this problem lasts for longer than a day, you should consult your physician.

Cosmetic Botox injections usually cause very mild, localized symptoms which may include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Bruising

These symptoms can usually be treated with ice or an over-the-counter pain reliever and will disappear within hours.

There can be other symptoms that are more serious, but less common. These will rarely require medical attention unless they last for longer than 24 hours.

Be on the lookout for:

• Headache
• Difficulty talking or swallowing
• Dizziness
• Double vision
• Drooping of swelling on the eyelid
• Dry eye or excessive tearing

On very rare occasions, Botox could migrate beyond the treatment area. The main cause of this problem is due to rubbing your eyes or otherwise aggravating the injection site. rub, massage, or otherwise aggravate the injection site. Being kind to your skin is always good advice, but it’s especially important after a facial treatment.

Serious Side Effects

For some people, Botox side effects can be severe. This is rare and usually related to an allergic reaction, too much Botox, or excessive treatments within a short time frame. When it comes to Botox, more is not necessarily better.

You should seek medical help immediately if you experience symptoms:

• Swollen lips, throat, or tongue
• Itching, especially at the injection site or in the throat
• Hives or a rash
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Respiratory distress

Don’t ignore these symptoms or try to wait them out, especially if they intensify. Fortunately, most of these issues can be treated in the same manner as other allergic reactions. You’ll usually be fine in no time.

Is Botox Right for Everyone?

Botox has become the go-to anti-wrinkle treatment. The effects work on even the most severe cases, it’s quick and easy, and it’s relatively affordable on almost any budget. Mild formulations can be as little as $11 per injection, and you only need a touchup every few months.

But, Botox isn’t a miracle cure or replacement for a good daily skincare regimen. It won’t prevent wrinkles and creases in someone who doesn’t already have signs of premature aging. The treatments simply reduce the appearance of lines that are already there. That makes it ineffective as a proactive treatment.

You might also experience a problem if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients or equipment/accessories used to apply Botox. For example, your technician will wear latex gloves, so those who are sensitive to latex may experience a reaction.

You should also avoid Botox if:

• You have a neuromuscular condition like ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
• You’re pregnant or breastfeeding
• You’re allergic to the protein in cow’s milk
• You’ve had a reaction to Botox or any of its ingredients in the past

Certain medications could also be affected by Botox injections. Beware if you’re taking drugs to treat myasthenia gravis or Alzheimer’s, certain antibiotics, or anticoagulants like warfarin.

If you’re taking medications for maintenance or a chronic condition, consult with your doctor or pharmacist before scheduling Botox treatment.

Younger, Rejuvenated Skin is Just a Phone Call Away

When used as directed, Botox is a perfectly safe and effective treatment that will leave you looking younger and more rested. However, it’s important that you find a MedSpa in Denver that’s staffed with certified aestheticians who are licensed to dispense medical-grade products.

When you’re ready, call Vesper Gray MedSpa at (720) 682-2269 or visit our website to book an appointment today.