Botox is an injectable drug made from botulinum toxin type A. This toxin is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

Although this is the same toxin that causes botulism (a life threatening form of food poisoning), its effects vary according to the amount and type of exposure. For example, Botox is only injected in small, targeted doses.

When injected, Botox blocks signals from your nerves to your muscles. This prevents the targeted muscles from contracting, which can ease certain muscular conditions and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

You can learn more about the safety of the drug, as well as the side effects to look for.

Small amounts of botulinum toxin are considered safe, even though it is life threatening.

In fact, only 36 cases of adverse effects associated with cosmetic use were reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 1989 and 2003. Thirteen of these cases may have had more to do with an underlying condition than with the drug itself.

Some researchers think that the smaller the dose, the less risk there is compared to therapeutic Botox injections.

One well-cited 2005 study found that adverse effects were more likely to be reported with therapeutic use. This may be related to the underlying condition, or it may be because higher doses are needed to treat the condition.

A 2021 research review concluded that some people given Botox injections experienced:

  • The skin is reddening.
  • swelling
  • The eyelid or brow is not straight.
  • There is pain in the injected area.
  • Other skin issues.

Mild and temporary side effects were the majority. The drug is considered safe.

“You should always go to a board certified plastic surgeon for the injections. If your injections aren’t prepared according to FDA standards, you’re more likely to experience adverse side effects.”

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should wait to get the anti-wrinkle drug.

The use of botulinum toxin is known for its ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkling. The muscles that cause can be relaxed with the help of Botox.

  • crow’s feet, or wrinkles that appear at the outer corner of the eyes
  • There are frown lines between eyebrows.
  • forehead

The underlying muscular conditions that are treated with the use of theotulinumtoxinA are:

Minor side effects are possible withotulinumtoxinA injections. These include:

There are some side effects of injection. If you get injections in the eye area, you may experience some side effects.

Injections around the mouth may result in a “crooked” smile or drooling.

Most side effects should fade within a few days.

But Lowering the eyelids., drooling, and asymmetry are all caused by the unintentional effects of the toxin on muscles surrounding the target areas of the drug. These side effects may take several weeks to improve as the toxin wears off.

In rare cases, you may develop botulism-like symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention if you begin experiencing:

  • Difficult speaking
  • Difficult swallowing
  • Difficult breathing
  • Vision problems.
  • Bladder control is lost.
  • The general weakness.

Most people get repeated injections of theotulinumtoxinA since the effects are temporary. There is limited research on long-term effectiveness.

One 2015 study assessed the effects in participants who received Botox injections every 6 months to help treat bladder conditions. Researchers capped the observation window at 2 years.

“They concluded that the risk of adverse effects didn’t increase over time. People who received repeated injections had better treatment success.”

But the results of a 2015 research review suggest that adverse effects may appear after the 10 or 11th injection.

For example, researchers in the 2005 study mentioned above observed 45 participants over the course of 12 years. Participants regularly received Botox injections. During this time, 20 cases of adverse side effects were reported. These included:

  • Difficult swallowing
  • The eyelid is drooped.
  • The neck is weak.
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • blurred vision
  • The weakness is general or marked.
  • Difficult chewing
  • hoarseness
  • It is edema.
  • Difficult speaking
  • The heart is racing.

There is more research that needs to be done to understand the long-term effects of Botox.

It is important to work with a licensed and experienced healthcare professional if you are considering aotulinumtoxinA treatment.

It is more convenient to work with someone who is not licensed, but it can increase your risk of problems. You will need to return for multiple treatments after 3 to 6 months of the toxin.

Side effects are possible with any procedure. Talk to your doctor about what you can expect during the injection process and the recovery period. They can answer any questions you have.