The sustained popularity of Botox as an anti-aging injectable treatment for the face arises from the fact that it avoids almost all the risks and complications that are typically associated with a facial cosmetic surgery. However, it is still vital to be aware of the potential risks and side effects of Botox in order to make a well-considered decision.
The main component of Botox is botulinum toxin type A, which is one of the most potent biological agents. Botox uses this neurotoxin in extremely diluted quantities, but if it is administered wrongly or in wrong volumes, it can lead to significant side effects.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) provides Botox and various other aesthetic procedures to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and other cities and neighborhoods in this part of the country.
Potential Side Effects
Some of the side effects that may potentially occur in the treated areas following the injectable procedure will include inflammation, redness, swelling and bruising, bleeding, and infection. In rare cases, the patient may develop an allergic reaction to Botox. In case of rare events such as breathing difficulties or dizziness, the patient should quickly get in touch with the Botox treatment provider.
Additional side effects of this injectable treatment may include twitching, neck pain, headache, muscle spasms, dry mouth, fatigue, numbness and droopy eyelids. Muscle immobility in the treated areas may cause numbness in a few patients. If the Botox treatment was not effective, the patient may experience muscle spasms.
Although the risks are much lower than that of a plastic surgery procedure, Botox can still pose severe risks if the injections are administered wrongly or in wrong volumes. If the medication spreads beyond the affected site, it can have an adverse outcome on the surrounding tissue. For example, if it is injected around the upper lids or between the brows, it may cause temporary droopiness in the eyelids.
Other Complications
Botox may cause the following complications in rare situations:
- Cockeyed brows
- Crooked or drooling smile
- Flu like symptoms
- Excessive tearing
- Vision problems
- Muscular weakness
- Hindrance in swallowing or speaking
- Poor bladder control
Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Q receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and other communities and cities across the horizon for Botox injections.
Who should Avoid Botox?
People with one or more of the following characteristics should avoid Botox treatment:
- Known allergy to botulinum toxin
- Experienced side effects of Botox in the past
- Having an untreated infection in the affected site
- Suffering from ALS, myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome or another disease that affects muscles or nerves
- Chronic breathing or asthma problem
- Bleeding tendency
- Having undergone a facial surgery recently
- Weak forehead muscles
- Unable to avoid smoking or blood thinners for a few days
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
A responsible Botox treatment provider will carefully choose the candidates for Botox injections. The patient should avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area for 24 hours to achieve safe and desirable results with Botox.
To learn more about the plastic surgery treatments and procedures performed by Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) please contact us at 760-324-2660. To learn more about Dr. Q’s Medical Spa please visit drqmedicalspa.com
Schedule a Consultation: (760) 537.4579