Is Botox Safe?

Used commonly to treat facial wrinkles and increasingly to treat a number of medical problems, as well, Botox can become quite ubiquitous. From the dermatologist’s chair to the doctor’s office, it is seemingly everywhere! Not just for celebrities these days, Botox is actually quite accessible for many everyday people; in cases of certain medical conditions, it is even covered by insurance. For some, though, concerns about safety still prevent them from using Botox in ways that could be beneficial.

Though it is derived from a deadly neurotoxin, Botox itself is quite safe if and when administered by a licensed, experienced, medical professional. Please take note, that it is not safe in the hands of anyone else, and you should never risk your health by allowing anyone other than someone who checks all three of these boxes to administer Botox to any part of your body. Used incorrectly, it can be extremely dangerous, so do your homework and choose an appropriate provider if you would like to enjoy the benefits of Botox.

How Botox Works

Botox us formulated with tiny amounts of Botulinum toxin, the same neurotoxin that causes botulism in those who consume foods contaminated with the bacteria C. botulinum. A bacteria that is widespread in many natural settings, from soil to streams, C. botulinum is not dangerous in and of itself; it is in fact a relatively harmless bacteria that can be safely consumed by many creatures. Allowed to grow and multiply unchecked, though, this previously benign bacteria can become quite harmful, causing a wide variety of systemic effects that can lead to death without timely treatment.

The danger posed by this noxious toxin is that it blocks nerves from sending the signals to muscles that allow them to work as they should. In a systemic application of this effect, that can lead to an inability to walk, move, and even breath.

In a targeted application that uses trace amounts of this substance, however, patients can enjoy meaningful benefits with very few risks.

Safe Use of Botox

The key to safe, effective use of Botox is application in small amounts to targeted areas by licensed, experienced, medical professionals.

The spreading of Botox throughout one’s system is extremely rare, and usually limited to cases in which it has been improperly administered. This can result in trouble walking, seeing, talking, swallowing, and even breathing and requires immediate medical attention. If you experience any of these symptoms in the days or weeks following an injection, seek medical help immediately.

Administered properly, Botox will not cause numbness in the area (it affects nerve signals but not sensation) and is likely to result in few if any side effects. These might include a small amount of pain, swelling, and bruising at the injection site, given that it is administered via injection; in some cases, it can have a less than perfectly symmetrical effect, leading to one eyebrow that remains somewhat higher than the other or a smile that is not exactly as it was before. This can often be avoided by simply not rubbing the treated areas for 24 hours following treatment, as this can cause the product to spread.

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