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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffBotox injections are relatively safe when performed by an experienced doctor. But side effects and complications can occur.
Side effects that you should mention to your doctor if they're bothersome or don't go away include:
- Pain and bruising at the injection site
- Redness
- Itching
- Headache
- Nausea
- Temporary muscle weakness
- Increased body sweat
Although very unlikely, there is a possibility that the effect of botulinum toxin may spread to other parts of the body and cause botulism-like signs and symptoms.
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these effects hours to weeks after receiving Botox:
- Muscle weakness all over the body
- Vision problems
- Trouble speaking or swallowing
- Trouble breathing
- Loss of bladder control
Other serious but very uncommon side effects to watch out for include:
- Allergic reaction (itching, hives, swelling, chest tightness, trouble breathing)
- Eye pain, bleeding or bruising around your eye
- Blistering, peeling of your skin or severe rash
- Chest pain, shortness of breath or uneven heart rate
- Flu-like symptoms
- Face or neck pain
- Seizures
Doctors generally recommend against using Botox when you're pregnant or breast-feeding, since the effects on the baby aren't known. The benefits of the treatment should exceed the risks.
Select your doctor carefully
Botox must be used only under a doctor's care. It can be dangerous if it's administered incorrectly. Ask for a referral from your primary care doctor or look for a doctor who specializes in your condition and who has experience in administering Botox treatments. A skilled and properly certified doctor can advise you on the procedure and can help determine if it best suits your needs and health.
- Botox medication guide. Food and Drug Administration. www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM176360.pdf. Accessed May 3, 2010.
- OnabotulinumtoxinA: Drugdex evaluations. Micromedex Healthcare Series 2.0. http://www.micromedex.com. Accessed May 3, 2010.
- Botox (medical). The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.eyecareamerica.org/eyecare/treatment/botox/. Accessed May 2, 2010.
- Carruthers J, et al. Consensus recommendations on the use of botulinum toxin type A in facial aesthetics. Plastic Reconstructive Surgery. 2004;114(suppl.):1S.
- Flynn TC. Update on botulinum toxin. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 2006;25:115.
- Botulinum toxin. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/cosmetic_botulinum.html. Accessed May 2, 2010.
- FDA approves Botox to treat chronic migraine. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm229782.htm. Accessed Oct. 23, 2010.
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