Botox is widely-considered to be one of the most well-known and trusted anti-aging treatments in the world.
In fact, since gaining FDA-approval in 2002, Botox has become a household name and lauded by celebrities, millennials, and aging adults as the safest and most effective way to combat wrinkles and smooth skin.
Despite these benefits, Botox is still a medical procedure and carries a certain degree of risk.
To this extent, it’s important that patients ask–what are Botox side effects?–before proceeding with injections.
To learn more about Botox advantages and side effects, read on.
What Is Botox Cosmetic?
Botox cosmetic is an FDA-approved neurotoxin designed to temporarily paralyze or weaken muscles and smooth moderate to severe wrinkles.
It is comprised of botulinum toxin type A and has been FDA-approved for wrinkle reduction since 2002.
Popular Botox treatment areas include horizontal forehead lines, crow’s feet, and glabellar lines (also known as frown lines).
How Does Botox Work?
When injected into targeted facial muscles, Botox blocks nerve impulses and prevents muscles from contracting.
This action is significant, as overactive facial muscles can cause skin to crease and form dynamic wrinkles.
By halting wrinkle-causing facial expressions, Botox relaxes lines and produces smoother skin for three-to-four months.
What Are Botox Side Effects?
While Botox can help women and men look like well-rested and more youthful versions of themselves, the injectable treatment is not risk-free. So, what are Botox side effects?
Most Botox side effects are temporary and mild in nature and may include pain, redness, swelling, inflammation, and bruising at the injection site.
It’s also possible for patients to have an allergic reaction to the neurotoxin and present with itching, wheezing, asthma, a rash, red welts, dizziness and faintness.
Numbness, droopy eyelids, muscle spasms or twitching, and product migration are more serious, yet rarer, Botox side effects to consider.
Fortunately, patients can limit their chance of undesirable outcomes and adverse events by insisting on a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who has exceptional credentials, injectable expertise, and extensive experience.
Want to Get Started with Botox?
If you’d like to get started with Botox injections or wish to learn more about Botox side effects, please call our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with one of our highly skilled and talented injectors.
