Botox® injections can be used for both medical and cosmetic purposes, and while Botox has been used now for decades, some controversy still exists over its safety. There are some risks associated with the cosmetic use of Botox, but an experienced professional can minimize those risks and adherence to aftercare instructions can eliminate them.
Yes, Botox is a Toxin, but it can be Used Safely
The biggest opposition to Botox is the fact that it is a toxin. Botox comes from the bacterial toxin that causes botulism, a food-borne illness, which in the past was known to cause paralysis and even death. However, there’s a big difference between eating contaminated food and receiving Botox injections.
When food is tainted with botulism, consuming it allows the toxin to pass from the stomach into the tissues of the lungs, where it affects the nerves that control breathing. However, when the toxin is administered beneath the skin, as in the use of cosmetic Botox injections, it is localized to a targeted area. The Botox dose used for cosmetic purposes is extremely small, which reduces the already minor risks even further.
Anti-Botox advocates argue that Botox use has led to fatalities, but this is not the whole truth. While there have been some deaths associated with the use of botulism toxin, these deaths are linked to the medical use of Botox, not the cosmetic use. When used for cosmetic purposes, according to FDA guidelines, the botox dose that’s administered is far too small to cause serious complications.
The Reality of Risks Associated with Botox
As with any cosmetic procedure, the use of Botox includes some side effects and risks, but these are minor and last only a short time.
The most important factor in deciding if Botox is for you is the level of skill and experience of the provider. Most problems associated with the cosmetic use of Botox occur in cases where it’s been administered incorrectly, The incorrect placement of Botox can cause side effects that last for several months. Signs may include drooping eyelids, dry eyes, and a crooked mouth.
Only in very rare cases, do serious symptoms such as muscle weakness, and difficulty speaking, swallowing, or breathing occur. Reactions like these require prompt medical treatment, but it bears repeating that cases like this are extremely rare, and don’t occur when Botox is used correctly.
Common Side Effects of Botox
Even when Botox is administered by an experienced professional, there are some common but minor side effects to be aware of. These include bruising and swelling at the site of the injection and are temporary.
It is important to follow the specific aftercare instructions which may include not lying down for a period of time to keep the botox from traveling out of the intended treatment area.
Have More Questions about Receiving Botox in the Phoenix Area?
Give Dr. Chasby Sacks a call at Arizona surgery center today. Dr. Sacks and his team are highly skilled and experienced working with Botox to make cosmetic improvements for our Phoenix area patients.