Is Botox Poisonous? Here’s What You Need to Know

Is Botox safe?

虽然肉毒杆菌毒素是危及生命,从小型l doses — like those used in the application of Botox — are considered safe.

In fact, only 36 cases of adverse effects associated with cosmetic use were reported to the U. S. 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.

With that in mind, some researchers speculate that cosmetic applications may carry less risk than therapeutic Botox injections, as the doses are usually much smaller.

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 review of studies concluded that some people given Botox injections experienced:

• superficial reddening of the skin
• swelling
• drooping eyelid or brow
• pain in the injected area
• other skin discolorations

The majority of these side effects were mild and temporary. Botox is considered safe overall.

You should always go to a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for Botox injections. You’re more likely to experience adverse side effects if your injections aren’t prepared according to FDA standards or injected by an inexperienced doctor.

You should wait to receive Botox if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is Botox used?

Botox is typically known for its ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. For example, Botox injections can relax the muscles that cause:

• crow’s feet, or wrinkles that appear at the outer corner of the eyes
• 眉头紧锁的眉毛之间的界线
• forehead creases

It’s also used to treat underlying muscular conditions. This includes:

• lazy eye
• eye twitching
• chronic migraines
• neck spasms(cervical dystonia)
• overactive bladder
• excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• certain neurological conditions likecerebral palsy

What are the Botox side effects to watch for?

Although Botox injections are relatively safe, minor side effects are possible. These include:

• pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site
• headache
• fever
• chills

Some side effects are tied to the area of injection. For example, if you receive injections in the eye area, you may experience:

• drooping eyelids
• uneven eyebrows
• dry eyes
• excessive tearing

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

大部分的副作用are usually temporary and should fade within a few days.

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

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

• difficulty speaking
• difficulty swallowing
• difficulty breathing
• vision problems
• loss of bladder control
• general weakness

Are there long-term effects from Botox?

Since the effects of Botox injections are temporary, most people get repeated injections over time. But research on long-term efficacy and safety is limited.

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

They ultimately concluded that the risk of adverse effects didn’t increase over time. People who received repeated injections also had better treatment success in the long term.

But the results of a2015 reviewsuggest that adverse effects may appear after the tenth or eleventh injection.

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

• difficulty swallowing
• drooping eyelid
• neck weakness
• nausea
• vomiting
• blurred vision
• general or marked weakness
• difficulty chewing
• hoarseness
• edema
• difficulty speaking
• heart palpitations

More research is needed to understand the potential long-term effects.

Takeaway

If you’re considering Botox treatments, it’s important to work with a licensed medical professional.

Although it may be cheaper to work with someone who isn’t licensed, doing so can increase your risk for complications. Remember that the toxin lasts 3 to 6 months, and you’ll likely need to return for multiple treatments.

As with any procedure, side effects are possible. Talk with your doctor about what you can expect during the injection process and in the subsequent recovery period. They can answer any questions you may have and discuss your individual benefits and risks.