Possible Complications with Botox

It is possible to become allergic to the Botox serum as it is with any substance, though it is rare. The glabella region carries the risk of causing your eyelid to droop. This effect usually lasts no longer than 2 weeks, occasionally up to 4 weeks. The crow’s feet area does not have a problem of lid drooping. Bruising is possible but uncommon with the prior application of an ice pack. Other rare complications are weaknesses of other nearby muscles, redness or bruising at injection site and headache or flu-like symptoms. Some patients may fail to achieve desired results, where patients may not respond fully or at all to the injections. Botox injections are not safe for pregnant or nursing mothers.

Preparing for Botox Treatment

1.  To avoid bruising it is better to avoid aspirin, ibuprofen or Naprosyn for 10 days prior to your procedure.
2.  Do not drink alcohol for 48 hours prior to treatment
3.  Arrive for your appointment with a clean face. (No foundation make-up)

Post Treatment Instructions

1.  Plan on staying upright for 1 to 2 hours after treatment. Do not bend down or lie down.
2.  No straining, heavy lifting, vigorous exercise for 6 hours following treatment. It is now known that it takes the toxin approximately two hours to find itself to the nerve to start its work. Because we do not want to increase circulation to that area to wash away the Botox from where it was injected, this waiting period continues to be recommended by most practitioners.
3.  Do not massage the injection area. Avoid manipulation of area for 3 to 4 hours following treatment.  (For the same reasons listed prior.) This includes not doing a facial, peel, or micro-dermabrasion after treatment with Botox.
4.  Facial exercises in the injected area is recommended for 1 hour following treatment, to stimulate the binding of the toxin to this localized area only.
5.  The Botox may take up to two full weeks to see results. It is recommended that the patient contact office no later than 2 weeks after treatment if desired effect was not achieved and no sooner to give toxin time to work. Touch up injections will require an additional fee.
Makeup may be applied before leaving the office. Some practitioners recommend avoiding Retin-A, Glycolic acid, Vitamin C, and Kinerase for 24 hours to the treated areas.