Botox injections contain botulinum toxin, which is produced by Clostridium botulinum - a Gram positive rod-shaped bacteria. This injection is used to stop muscle activity. It is used in the field of cosmetics and medicine as well. In cosmetics, it is used to eradicate wrinkles, while in the medical field, it is being used for a variety of cases, such as one eye smaller than the other, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), cervical dystonia (stiffness of the neck), chronic migraines, muscle contractures and bladder dysfunction. Botox contains several side effects; however, you need not worry as these side effects are not serious and are temporary. To prepare for the side effects you will experience immediately after the injection, start with Step 1 below.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing for side effects before the procedure
Step 1. Answer questions about your medical history honestly so your doctor can work to keep side effects to a minimum
Before taking the first Botox treatment, the doctor may ask for your complete medical history, along with any history of therapeutic drug use.
- It is very important that you answer the doctor's questions accurately and honestly, as some drugs should not be taken in conjunction with a Botox treatment.
- Even supplements such as vitamin pills and fish oils should be considered by your doctor as they can thin the blood and cause more bruising in the post-treatment phase.
Step 2. Talk to your doctor about stopping certain medications before applying Botox
The specific medications you should stop taking your Botox treatment with are:
- Analgesics (aspirin, ibuprofen).
- Some herbal remedies.
- Antibiotics.
- Medicines related to heart disease.
- Alzheimer's Remedies.
- Medicines against neurological diseases.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements.
Step 3. Plan to stop taking any medications such as aspirin at least four days before the procedure
Your doctor may advise you to stop taking any medications that contain aspirin for at least four days before the procedure.
- This is because aspirin causes bleeding, as it is an antiplatelet drug that prevents blood from clotting.
- Taking aspirin before a Botox treatment can cause excessive bleeding during and after the procedure.
Step 4. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for at least two days before using Botox
Having alcohol in your body can worsen bruises and cause bleeding during the application of Botox, so avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for at least two days before the treatment.
Part 2 of 3: Reducing Side Effects the Day of the Procedure
Step 1. Bring non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with you to fight pain, swelling and headaches
These medications will help control pain, headache and swelling during Botox treatment. NSAIDs inhibit the production of prostaglandin, the hormone responsible for pain and inflammation. You can take the following NSAIDs:
- acetaminophen. It is available in 200 to 400 mg tablets and you can take it every 4 to 6 hours or as needed to manage pain.
- Ibuprofen (Advil). It is available in 200 to 600 mg and you can take it every 4 to 6 hours.
Step 2. Take an ice pack with you to reduce bruising after the procedure
It's a good idea to bring an ice pack so you can apply it directly to the area after the procedure and avoid bruising.
- Remember to wrap the ice pack in a cloth or towel to avoid hurting your skin. Also, don't forget to place it on the area for a maximum of 15 minutes, also to avoid skin burns.
- The cold from the ice pack constricts the blood vessels under the skin, reducing the amount of bleeding. The ice pack will also temporarily relieve pain and inflammation caused by the injection.
Step 3. Ask someone to take you home
You should ask a friend or family member to take you home after the Botox procedure. Because Botox makes your eyelids relax and your facial muscles go static, it can be dangerous for you to drive or operate any type of machinery for at least 2 to 4 hours after the procedure.
Step 4. Avoid heavy exercise
Avoid vigorous exercise for at least 24 hours after the Botox procedure, as movement can cause the Botox toxin to spread to other parts of the body. It's good to move, just don't exert too much effort.
If Botox spreads to other parts of the body that it shouldn't, you may experience adverse side effects
Step 5. Be aware of the serious side effects of the procedure and tell your doctor if they occur
Symptoms such as mild pain, inflammation, bruising, bleeding and drooping eyelids are normal after a Botox procedure. However, there are other abnormal side effects that should not happen after Botox application. If any of the following symptoms occur, contact a doctor immediately:
- Difficulty breathing and swallowing.
- Eye swelling and abnormal eye secretions.
- Chest pain.
- Hoarse voice.
- Severe muscle weakness.
- Eyelids and eyebrows drooping.
- Presence of muscle weakness in areas that are far from the application site.
Part 3 of 3: Understanding Botox Side Effects
Step 1. Be aware of Botox side effects
Botox has several adverse side effects that are completely normal but can be quite unpleasant. They are:
- Swelling at the application site.
- Pain and tenderness at the application site.
- Bruises.
- Eyelids drooping.
- Muscle weakness.
- Nausea, vomiting and headaches.
- Excessive sweating in the armpits.
- Difficulty in swallowing.
- Flu symptoms.
Step 2. Understand why side effects can occur
The Botox procedure basically involves injecting a bacterial toxin into your skin. The body will recognize this toxin as a foreign substance and produce an immune response, which results in the symptoms described above.
- In some sensitive people, this immune response to the toxin can be severe (a reaction known clinically as hypersensitivity or anaphylaxis). However, this is rare and does not occur in most patients.
- Bruises usually occur in patients with pre-existing blood disorders, such as anemia, as the blood tends to thin, which results in a poor healing process and therefore more bruising.
Step 3. Be aware of the effects of "toxin spread" and know that they are not permanent
You may have come to this term while doing your own side-effect investigation. Basically, Botox is applied to a small spot, which means that the effects work on that particular spot and without affecting nearby spots - at least when everything goes normally. In some cases, this doesn't happen.
- However, if you exert excessive effort or in case of bruises, the toxin can spread to other places around the application site, which can lead to the spread of the toxin and can paralyze the muscles in unwanted areas, which causes effects like drooping eyes.
- This phenomenon is called "the spread of the toxin effect". It is one of the most common side effects of Botox treatment; however, it is temporary and usually goes away on its own within a few weeks.
Step 4. Know that while Botox is generally safe, some people shouldn't do it
Botox is generally safe and can be administered to the vast majority of people without any danger of harmful side effects. However, there are some people for whom Botox is not safe. Are they:
- Pregnant and nursing women should not take the treatment as it may prove harmful to the baby.
- People with a history of neuromuscular diseases are not suitable for treatment as it can actually make the disease worse since the whole principle behind Botox is paralysis of the muscles.
- Patients with heart disease or blood disorders are also advised not to take the treatment, as they are more prone to bruises.
- People with allergies to Botox. Unfortunately, there are no ways to determine whether a person is allergic to Botox or not. There are no skin tests or dosage testing procedures that can satisfactorily determine whether a person is allergic to the toxin.