Botox is one of the safest non-surgical cosmetic treatments, but it still has a few side effects and risks that patients considering treatment should be aware of. It is important to know that the side effects of Botox can vary depending on the site of the injection.

Botox is most commonly used to treat wrinkles. When injected around the eyes and the mouth, the possible side effects include pain at the injection site, headaches, bruising, swelling, and bleeding. These are common and usually subside within a few hours. The drooping of the muscles of the face is a slightly more serious side effect, but also goes away within a few days.

If the side effects do not disappear within a day or two or if you feel like you have an adverse reaction to the injection, contact your physician immediately. He or she will evaluate your situation and advise you on the best way to deal with the problem.

Minimizing Potential Complications

There are a few things you can do to reduce the likelihood of Botox side effects. First, make sure your provider is a trained, trusted and reliable practitioner. Plastic surgeons usually receive the best training and are the most specialized doctors for injecting Botox. Avoid “Botox parties” where no health professional is present. Also make sure to discuss your health history with your doctor freely and openly, as some medications can counteract or react negatively with Botox.

Be aware that the toxin involved in a Botox treatment builds up antibodies in your system. The more treatments you have, the less effective they may be. There are also no studies about the neurological and physical long-term effects of Botox injections, but some neurologists have expressed concern about its effects on the brain, muscles and nervous system over time.

Millions of women the world over have been successfully treated with Botox. To learn if Botox is right for you, contact facial plastic surgeon Dr. Rami Batniji of Batniji Facial Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, California, at 949-650-8882.