Botox has been one of the best cosmetic choices for over two decades. It could be because it’s one of the minimally invasive cosmetic treatments for dynamic lines and ugly wrinkles. In 2018, almost 7.5 million Americans went for Botox to smooth out wrinkles. Whether you’re getting Botox for cosmetic reasons or medication, ensure the skilled practitioner. And always ensure to follow Botox aftercare as advised by your doctor. Doing this will lessen the severe side effects.
One of the reasons Botox has become pervasive, it’s because nothing beats its significant effects on crow feet or fine lines. This treatment works by relaxing the facial muscles that cause creasing. When you use an amateur or unskilled caregiver, this is where Botox can be disastrous—leading to severe side effects. And that’s why we can’t emphasize enough using a professional doctor.
What’s the Best Way to Administer Botox?
A healthcare provider injects the medicine into the muscle. And he should space the sessions for at least three months apart. Depending on the condition, the doctor can use the jabs on more than one area at a time.
Botox For The Eyes: Is It Safe?
Botox treatment for eyelid twitching (blepharospasm) and eye muscle problem (strabismus) got approved by the FDA, with eye safety in mind. Nevertheless, one must take necessary precautions, including Botox aftercare as advised by your doctor.
It’s crucial to take the necessary precautions so you can prevent some possible Botox eye side effects. And this can be droopy eyelids, blurred or double vision, eyelid swelling, and dry eyes. You must watch out for any of these and report immediately to your physician or care provider.
Botox Side Effects
Although it’s rare, there are known instances where botulinum toxin has spread to other body areas. (And these are regions not targeted for Botox treatment). It’s possible to have some occurrences of life-threatening side effects if you’re dealing with an inexperienced specialist.
Most Common Botox side effects include:
- Painful/difficult urination.
- Bruising, redness, bleeding, or swelling on the injected region.
- Headache, neck and back pain
- Cold symptoms.
- Flu symptoms like chills and fever.
- Sweating in other areas other than the underarms.
And if you experience any of the below symptoms for several hours or weeks after Botox treatment, call your doctor immediately. And if you have any sign of an allergic reaction such as hives, wheezing, itching, face, tongue, lips, or throat swelling, quickly seek emergency help. You’ll dial FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Severe muscle weakness (areas not target)
- Trouble swallowing
- Drooping eyebrows
- Severely dry or irritating eyes
- difficult bladder control
- Pain during urination
- Tightening of chest
- Swelling of eyelid
Who Shouldn’t Go for Botox Treatment
Anyone allergic to botulinum toxin should avoid the Botox procedure. And if
your target area has an infection.
If you currently have an overactive bladder or an infection. Or have a problem urinating or routinely use a catheter. Several Ways to Avoid Botox Side Effects
It’s rare to experience everything in the list of Botox side effects that we mentioned in this article. And please note that this does not include all the possible side effects; there are many more. We have five tips that you can use to minimize or even prevent the possible Botox side effects:
- Only visit an experienced practitioner, and don’t skimp for a cheaper care provider that is unskilled. Botox is the type of medication that requires skill and expertise. Most states do allow nurses to administer this treatment to patients, but a physician has to collaborate.
- Be candid with your practitioner about all your health history, including any problems you may have.
- Your caregiver should know if you’re taking any medicines that may include vitamins and herbs. Combining these medicines could result in serious side effects. That’s why it’s crucial to mention if you have an allergy, taking muscle relaxants or sleep medicines.
- It’s also prudent to follow your practitioner’s pre-care and Botox aftercare instructions.
- If you experience any life-threatening Botox side effects, don’t hesitate to call the doctor immediately.
Below are things you should let your doctor know.
One of the best and safest ways to ensure safe treatment is to talk to your doctor candidly. Let him know if you have the following medical problems:
- A Lambert-Eaton syndrome
- A breathing disorder like asthma
- Difficult swallowing
- If you had other toxin injections like Dysport or Myobloc
- If you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- If you plan to have any surgery soon
- If you have a bleeding problem
- If you previously had surgery (on your face)
- If you have any muscle weakness (weak forehead, droopy eyelids)
And if you’re taking other medicines that might affect the Botox treatment, please inform the doctor. These could be:
- Allergic medicines
- Any injectable antibiotics
- Muscle relaxers
- Blood thinners like Warfarin and Jantoven.
And any other prescription such as vitamin supplements. Also, share that you might find it necessary to tell your doctor if you have any other problems.
How much does Botox cost?
It’s not possible to give the actual price of the Botox treatment since many factors contribute to the Botox Cosmetic injections. So, these will vary from one practitioner to the other and one location to the other. And also, the area of the treatment matters.
So, you can find some advertisements offering specials at $6-$7 per unit, while others charge up to $10-$12 per unit.
Some of the doctor’s charge by “zone.” For instance, if a patient needs treatment on the frown lines, crow’s feet, and the forehead, each of these will have a separate zone.
And the prices per zone may start from $250 and $350. It all depends on the practitioner and region.
In Conclusion, it’s best to avoid using Botox medication more times than prescribed by your doctor. And please adhere to Botox aftercare for a longer-lasting result. Doing this will make the treatment more effective and even lessen any severe side effects.