Botox Reactions

What Is Botox?

Botox is a neuromodulator that relaxes the muscles, creating a smoother, more youthful appearance. Everyone globally accepts it as a cosmetic enhancement tool.^[1]  Once feared as a serious toxin, it has since been rediscovered as a highly regarded anaesthetic agent.^[2] It works by targeting the nervous system and blocking the release of a chemical called acetylcholine, which is what our body uses to contract our muscles. Botox stops the muscles from contracting, reducing wrinkles’ appearance with more relaxed facial muscles.

If you are reading this, you have probably been considering getting Botox yourself. You are most likely curious about possible side effects. It’s normal to have concerns. It is a medical procedure, after all. However, Botox is safe and effective when administered in appropriate doses. Below, you will find out what to expect to have the best experience before and after your procedure. 

In the meantime, please feel free to explore our blog, where you can get familiar with the other procedures we provide at The Hamlet Clinic located in London, England.

Side Effects

Although Botox is approved for cosmetic use in the UK, there are still some potential risks (just as there are with any elective procedure). The body’s response to the injection can vary from person to person. One dose might not be enough for one patient, and in another, it could be too much. Most of these side effects are brief and usually resolve themselves. It is good to educate yourself to know what to expect so you can have the safest experience possible. You may encounter adverse side effects if your injections are not prepared to the highest standards. You should always consult with a certified specialist when opting for cosmetic procedures. Do not get Botox if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible Side Effects

• Dry eyes
  • Sometimes, Botox can accentuate dry eyes. Depending on the placement of the injection site, it can interfere with the blinking reflex. 
  • To alleviate this condition, use eye drops until symptoms fade.
• Mild pain, swelling, and bruising
  • Pain, swelling, and bruising are normal for Botox injections. Bruising occurs when the blood vessels are damaged and bleed into the neighbouring area.
    • Avoid blood thinners
    • Avoid alcohol the day before and after the injection.
    • Avoid strenuous activity for 2 to 3 days after treatment. 
    • Apply ice to the affected area continuously for 2 to 3 days following the procedure.
• Flu-like symptoms
  • These symptoms are usually mild and can occur within a month after injection.
  • To treat these symptoms, one should:
    • Drink lots of water
    • Hot baths
    • Use a humidifier
    • Plenty of rest
    • Take over-the-counter medications like Paracetamol
• Breathing or swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
  • It can happen when the toxin spreads to the muscles surrounding the injection site. 
  • This issue generally occurs within 2 to 10 days after the procedure and usually fixes itself.
  • Talk to your doctor immediately if you are experiencing symptoms to adjust your future doses accordingly.
  • What you can do about it:
    • Chew small mouthfuls of food.
      • Try to avoid anything crusty or hard.
    • Keep a water bottle nearby.
      • If drinking proves to be difficult, try sitting up and using a straw.
• Irregular heartbeat
  • Call your doctor right away if you have chest pain, pressure, or an irregular heartbeat following your procedure.
• Dry Mouth
  • Symptoms can include:
    • Trouble swallowing
    • Thick and stringy saliva
    • Sticky and dry mouth
    • Hoarse throat
  • These symptoms usually pass within a few days and can be treated by:
    • Drinking water
    • Avoiding breathing through the mouth
    • Alcohol-free mouthwash
    • Sugar-free gum
    • Sugarless candy
• Constipation and nausea
  • Symptoms can range from a couple of days to two weeks and are reported as being mild to moderate.
  • You can treat these symptoms through:
    • Light exercise
    • Low-fat foods
    • Fibre supplements
    • Fruits and vegetables
    • Warms baths
    • Ginger tea
• Numbness
  • Some patients report feeling numb or tingly around the injection site. Symptoms are generally mild and usually only last for a couple of days. 
• Temporary drooping of the eyelid
  • When people get their forehead treated, sometimes the Botox can bleed into the upper eyelid area, causing the muscles that support it to sag.
  • Symptoms fade away within 4 to 6 weeks.
  • To treat a drooping eyelid, you should:
    • Get additional Botox treatments to counterbalance the relaxed muscle.
    • Take apraclonidine eye drops.
• Headaches
  • To this day, it is still unclear as to what causes the headaches. Some of the theories are:
    • Accidentally bumping the forehead.
    • Impure Botox.
    • Over-contracting facial muscles.
  • If you are experiencing headaches after your treatment, simply take an over-the-counter pain medication.

Allergic Reactions?

Although uncommon, allergic reactions to Botox are possible. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Benefits

Botox eliminates facial creases, wrinkles, and fine lines by calming the muscles. It’s non-invasive, relatively quick, and can be done in your doctor’s office. It’s a great way to alleviate insecurities related to ageing and helps patients look good and feel good. 

Candidates

Talk to a medical professional first about whether you would be the right candidate for Botox treatments. An ideal candidate for the procedure would be somebody who:

Do not seek out Botox treatments if you:

Personal Consultation

Request a personal consultation with us as soon as possible if you think you would be an ideal candidate for Botox treatments.

Preparation

First, you want to make sure you are referred to an experienced physician who has specialized training in these types of injection treatments.

Avoid taking any blood-thinning medications for several days before your procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding and bruising.

Procedure

The procedure itself is relatively quick and usually takes place in the doctor’s office or med spa. First, your doctor will numb the area with a topical anaesthetic. They will then dilute the Botox powder in saline and inject it into the neuromuscular tissue. The process overall can take up to 30 minutes, depending on the number of injections received.

Recovery

For the next 24 hours after the injection, you must resist the urge to interfere with, rub, or massage the treatment area. Afterwards, you may resume your daily activities within reason. Don’t engage in intense physical activity for the next day or so. Botox results can take up to 24 to 72 hours to fully take effect and, depending on the treatment level, can last up to 3 to 5 months. Maintaining the results will require follow-up injections to be arranged.

FAQ

References

1. Ting, P. T., & Freiman, A. (2004). The story of Clostridium botulinum: from food poisoning to Botox. Clinical medicine (London, England), 4(3), 258–261. https://doi.org/10.7861/clinmedicine.4-3-258 
2. Carruthers, J., & Carruthers, A. (2007). The evolution of botulinum neurotoxin type A for cosmetic applications. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy,9(3), 186-192. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/14764170701411470