Overall, the side effects of Botox are very minor. When performed by an experienced doctor, the procedure can reduce facial wrinkles without a glitch. However, some risks may still manifest themselves in the form of the following: • Pain (generally, swelling or bruising where the Botox was injected) • Headache or migraine • Itching or occurrence of rashes • Flu-like symptoms (such as fever, cough, and colds)
Other possible minor side effects of Botox can also alter your facial features. In very rare cases, patients who’ve had Botox injected in their forehead or near the eyes exhibit Ptosis, known as drooping eyelid, where their upper eyelid sags lower than normal. Only about an estimated 5% of Botox surgery recipients experience this. Having cockeyed eyebrows (unevenly lifted eyebrows) and a crooked smile can also manifest in your face. Uncontrollable drooling and eye-tearing are also reported as side effects, but are, again, very rare in occurrence and can be resolved over time.
Concerns about botulinum toxin infection have also concerned people planning to have Botox surgery. This infection occurs when the botulinum component of Botox spreads further than the intended injection site and seeps into the central nervous system of the body. Though this is also an unlikely occurrence, it is important that Botox injection recipients watch out for the following side effects and inform a doctor about them immediately:
• Unusual to severe overall muscle weakness
• Blurry vision or light sensitivity
• Speech impediments
• Labored breathing
• Irregular bladder control
Though the side effects of Botox surgery are generally minor, it is still important to have an experienced doctor perform the procedure. To prevent unwanted effects, Botox must be injected in targeted and precise areas. Look for a doctor that specializes in Botox therapy and make sure that he/she thoroughly talks about both the benefits and risks of the procedure.