Botox Reactions

Botox Cosmetic is a safe, simple and effective way to eliminate wrinkles. Botox is the ultimate non-surgical solution to frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead creases. In fact, it’s the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the United States. In 2018, The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported Botox as the #1 most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure, with 1,801,033 recorded injections.⁽¹⁾ And it’s no wonder. This injectable cosmetic is the ultimate minimally invasive solution to lines and wrinkles. 

Like any medical procedure, it’s crucial to be educated about this treatment, and to know exactly what to expect. Dr. Robert G. Bonillas MD is here to make sure that you begin your transformation fully informed, so that you’ll be able to celebrate your results. Let Scottsdale Plastics help you achieve the smooth, youthful face that you deserve. Schedule your appointment today to get started. Dr. Bonillas’ office is conveniently located to serve the Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, and Gilbert area.

Rapid Results

Patients love the safe and consistent results that Botox delivers. Because Botox is a temporary solution to lines, drooping, and wrinkling, many patients enjoy regularly scheduled injections. Dr. Bonillas and his staff pride themselves on meticulous artistry and stunning results, so you’ll find yourself looking forward to your next appointment too. Botox works fast, and can last up to 4 months. Within 24 to 48 hours of your Botox injections, you’ll notice visible smoothing and wrinkle reduction. This non-invasive cosmetic is not only for aesthetic concerns. Botox injections can also treat migraines and hyperhidrosis, or excess sweating. Another reason Botox remains such a popular procedure: an extremely low rate of adverse reactions and side effects.

Botox Sets Records

Doctors have been injecting Botox since 1989. Besides being the most commonly performed non-surgical cosmetic procedure, Botox is also the most widely studied and researched treatment of its kind. Botox has been discussed in over 528 articles of peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals, and has 16 years of published research proving its efficacy. 

In short, Botox lives up to the hype. That’s good news, because Dr. Bonillas’ patients love Botox. The FDA has approved Botox for safety, efficacy, and just as importantly, for patient satisfaction. Studies show that only a small percentage of adverse reactions are reported after Botox injections.⁽²⁾ 

Before Your Botox

Dr. Bonillas will make sure that you know exactly what to do before and after your Botox treatments so that you have the best possible experience. The team at Scottsdale Plastics works together to ensure that every patient has a smooth procedure and exceptional results. 

Before your injections:

Alcohol and certain medications can hamper your body’s healing process, and can result in excess bleeding at the site of your injections. It’s also very important to note that Botox is not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.  If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have dairy allergies, Dr. Bonillas can recommend safe alternatives that will still have you looking and feeling your best. When you commit to taking good care of yourself and using common sense, you’ll be able to enjoy the confidence-boosting results of your Botox injections immediately.

Potential Side Effects

Side effects from Botox injections are rare.  However, Botox side effects are typically mild, and don’t usually last longer than several days. Most over the counter medication can eliminate symptoms and discomfort. During your Botox procedure, a topical anesthetic is applied to numb the area, so you most likely won’t feel a thing. Botox is injected directly into the muscle. It works its wonders by targeting the muscles that contract to cause wrinkles. The introduction of this cosmetic can result in slight swelling, and facial muscles may feel a little sore.

Possible Side Effects from Injections include: 

Botox injections use an extremely small and delicate needle. Unfortunately, even the tiniest needle and the steadiest hand may damage a small blood vessel in your skin. This is what causes the mild bruising after an injection. If you normally experience bruising after an injection or blood draw, prepare yourself for some discoloration and sensitivity at the injection site. 

If you are experiencing mild bruising or swelling, here’s some ways you can keep these side effects to a minimum:

With the right precautions before your injections, and proper rest and self-care afterwards, you’ll soon be ready to pop that champagne you’ve been saving and celebrate your results. 

Other Side Effects and How to Treat Them

Botox eliminates laugh lines, crows feet, “bunny nose” and furrowed brows. Patients love how this cosmetic leaves smooth, youthful skin and a calm, professional expression. Botox works its magic in your muscles. It’s a neuromodulator, which means that it puts a temporary hold on how your brain communicates with your muscles. This is what keeps your nose from scrunching, or eyes from squinting when you’re stressed, or having other emotional reactions.  

Your Botox injection is strategically placed for the best possible results. However, there is the chance that it can creep to the surrounding muscles. This is usually what causes the low rate of unintended side effects. Ptosis, or sagging, occurs in about 5% of patients after their Botox injections. This usually occurs in the eyelids or brows, but is easily treatable with over the counter treatments like eyedrops or ice packs. 

The chances of experiencing an adverse reaction after Botox injections is very low. However, depending on where you’ve had injections can predict what kind of side effect you might experience after Botox treatment. 

Allergan, the pharmaceutical company that produces Botox, has compiled average rates of side effects based on the location of the cosmetic injection:

Glabellar lines, or “the elevens” between the eyebrows and above the nose

• Drooping of the upper eyelids, or ptosis: 3%
• Facial pain: 1%
• Muscle weakness: 1%
• partial or slight paralysis of the face: 1%

Forehead lines with glabellar lines 

• Headache: 9% 
• Brow ptosis, or drooping of the brows: 2%
• Eyelid ptosis, or drooping of the upper eyelids: 2%

Eyelid ptosis or edema is easily treated with soothing, over-the-counter eye drops. ⁽²⁾ For headaches and facial pain, over the counter painkillers like Tylenol can alleviate discomfort. In any case, be sure to drink plenty of water and get proper rest. You’ll notice marked improvement as the effects of the Botox wear off.

Other Rare Reactions

It’s unlikely that you’ll have reactions to your Botox injections, but Scottsdale Plastics is committed to preparing its patients so that they’ll have the best experience, and the best results.

Two unusual side effects that patients have reported include dry mouth and difficulty swallowing. These are unpleasant, to be sure, but are temporary and easily manageable reactions.

Dry Mouth

When Botox is injected in certain areas, it can affect the normal production of saliva.  This can lead to dry mouth. Patients with dry mouth notice a sticky-feeling mouth and a hoarse throat.

However, this side effect usually only lasts a few days.

If you’re experiencing dry mouth after your Botox injections: 

• Stay well-hydrated 
• Opt for sugar-free lozenges or gum to stimulate saliva production. 
• Use alcohol-free mouthwash, or a specialized mouthwash for dry mouth

Trouble Swallowing

Another seldom-reported side effect of Botox is dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. 

This also occurs as a result of Botox travelling from one muscle to another. This pesky side effect can occur 2-10 days after Botox injections. Again, this is a rare side effect, but like dry mouth, it typically resolves itself and can be easily managed until it departs.⁽³⁾

If you find that it’s becoming hard to swallow after your Botox injections, it’s important to make sure that you stay hydrated. Drinking through a straw can help, and choosing soft foods or soups can make mealtimes easier. Be sure to eat and drink carefully if you experience this temporary and rare side effect.

References

1. American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Cosmetic (Aesthetic) Surgery National Data Bank.; 2018. Accessed January 22, 2021. https://www.surgery.org/sites/default/files/ASAPS-Stats2018_0.pdf
2. Coté TR, Mohan AK, Polder JA, Walton MK, Braun MM. Botulinum toxin type A injections: adverse events reported to the US Food and Drug Administration in therapeutic and cosmetic cases. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005;53(3):407-415. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2005.06.011
3. British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. (2016). Botox: Botulinum Toxin Injections.Accessed January 20, 2021. https://patient.info/cosmetic-surgery/cosmetic-facial-injections/botox-botulinum-toxin-injections