A patient can minimize his or her risks associated with Botox injections by consulting with a board certified surgeon with extensive experience in Botox injections. Botox is an amazing anti-wrinkle treatment when used by professionals, but it can be a dangerous substance in the hands of inexperienced physicians.
Botox requires black box labeling by the Food and Drug Administration. Black box labeling is the strongest warning the FDA can put on a product. This is to warn of a rare but potential life threatening side effect if the botulinum toxin spreads beyond the injection site.
However, none of these complications have ever been reported in patients receiving Botox injections for cosmetic reasons. The FDA does state that cosmetic uses of Botox appears to be safe. It is helpful to realize that all the severe side effects associated with Botox injections have been in patients receiving Botox for non-cosmetic reasons.
When considering Botox injections, you should be aware of some side effects that have been reported by patients treated with Botox. Talk with your doctor to fully understand any risks or side effects potentially associated with Botox.
Minimize your Risk
The best way to minimize your risks with Botox treatments is to be an empowered consumer. Know what Botox does, how it works, and what the possible risks are. There are several other things you can do to minimize risks and side effects.
If you smoke or take any medications, talk with your doctor to see if this will cause any potential drug interactions or side effects. Smoking can cause premature skin aging, so it is a good time to quite anyways.
It cannot be stated enough that the best way to avoid any potential complications associated with Botox is to be treated by a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. It will cost you more, but you will be receiving the highest quality of medical care available, and Botox is a medical procedure. Review your doctor’s credentials, investigate to see what type of Botox training he or she has had, what type of certifications he or she holds and the number of times the doctor has actually performed Botox injections.
Find out the appropriate dosage that you will need to achieve a good result for your particular condition. It is helpful to note here that the FDA has approved one syringe per patient, however, ask your doctor to change needles between injections. If your doctor is good, he or she will do this already. The reason for it is because each time a needle penetrates the skin, the needle becomes duller. Dull needles hurt more.
Ask to see before and after photos of other patients who have conditions similar to yours (i.e. forehead wrinkles or crow-s feet).
Follow pre-operative instructions faithfully, as well as post-operative instructions. These instructions may determine how successful your procedure will be.
Understanding FDA-Approved Botox Treatments
Botox is FDA-approved for cosmetic use in areas such as forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet. However, off-label uses are also common and may include treatment of jawline slimming, bunny lines, or excessive underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis).
Patients should always confirm that the Botox product being used is authentic, FDA-approved Botox and not a counterfeit or overseas alternative. Reputable clinics will always use sealed vials from trusted pharmaceutical manufacturers and will be transparent about the Botox injection process from start to finish.
How to Choose a Qualified Botox Provider
When selecting a provider for Botox cosmetic treatments, it’s essential to choose a licensed medical professional with specialized training in facial anatomy.
Many patients mistakenly believe that any clinic offering Botox is equally qualified, but that is far from true. Look for a provider who is a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with specific experience administering Botox injections.
Choosing the right Botox provider significantly increases your chances of a successful outcome and helps avoid common Botox injection risks such as asymmetry, drooping eyelids, or over-treatment.