Important side effects of Botox injections you should be aware of

Just what are the side effects of having Botox?

It is a common question asked by many people in my aesthetics clinic in Tarporley, and actually a medico-legal requirement to discuss these before injections. So here is my guide to side effects of Botulinum Toxin injections you should be aware of.

1) Needle side effects

Although a tiny needle is used, there can be small lumps or swellings at the site of injection, redness, small bruises, bleeding. Oh and pain!

But rest assured, with a good quality needle, a gentle hand and an experienced technique, pain from Botox is minimal, most rate it at 2 or 3 out of 10 at most.

I have some regular patients that pop in for Botox on their lunch break, or after work. The down time really is very minimal for most.

2) Headache, or feeling slightly feverish.

Around 1 in 10 up to 1 in 100 people might get a headache and or feel slightly feverish after having Botox. It is mild, transient, and taking paracetamol if needed will usually settle it. At most it might last 2-3 days.

3) Asymmetry in results (“wonky eye brow”)

This can happen from incorrect injection into the forehead muscles, or just occasionally bad luck if one side takes to the Botox better than the other. Rest assured, however, a skilled practitioner can easily fix this with one or two further injections to even things out.

4) Rare ocular (eye) side effects

These are related to the effect that Botox can have on either the lacrimal gland, the eye muscles, forehead muscles or even the eyelid muscle. This can present as dry eye, blurred or double vision, or a droop to the eyelid. Stated risks of this are said to be 1 in 100 people, but from personal experience and skill level, I put my own risk at 1 in 5000.

Also remember that Botox does wear off so even if one of these rare and unfortunate side effects were to happen, the effects are temporary, lasting 3 months at most.

5) Heaviness / frozen forehead

The type of patient that I personally attract at Skinphinity actually worries about this side effect the most! It is the frozen, expressionless look that is feared by many, especially those really wanting to hide treatment from friends or family.

This effect would happen if a large dose of Botox was put in the frontalis (forehead) muscle meaning very little or no movement was left. This can be requested, as some people like to be smooth and completely line free, while others prefer to keep some movement and therefore just softening the lines rather than getting rid of them completely.

It is personal preference and should be discussed by your injector beforehand.

Final thoughts

It can be scary getting cosmetic proceedures for the first time but Botox is often a good place to start. Not only can it be done in small doses, what I call a sprinkle, or “baby botox”, but it only lasts around 3months, and is, despite the above risks I’ve covered, usually tolerated extremely well with little or no side effects.

Once you have gained trust in your injector, then they can hopefully give you an honest opinion of further treatments that may benefit you.

Remember you cannot have Botox if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have any neuromuscular conditions such as active multiple sclerosis or Bell’s Palsy, or have an known allergy to Botulinum Toxin.

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About Skinphinity

Skinphinity is a cosmetic practice in Tarporley, run by the cosmetic GP, Dr Adam Cheong. Dr Adam is a qualified GP and specialist in non-surgical facial aesthetics. He is passionate about natural-looking enhancements and works hard to give the industry a good name, built on ethical, qualified and honest practices. 

Skinphinity provides a range of non-surgical aesthetic treatments for patients in Tarporley, Chester, Northwich, Hartford, Hale, Manchester and across Cheshire.