While reading the drug facts page for Botox Cosmetic, you may have run across this ominous sentence:
“Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It’s the same toxin that causes a life-threatening type of food poisoning called botulism….”
Did you just read the word “botulism?” Did you just wonder how anyone could inject themselves with that? We understand your initial shock and fear, so read further to get the answer to this question, “Is Botox Safe?”
Botox was the first FDA approved product for improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in 2002. It was previously approved by the FDA for treating several neurological disorders, including crossed eyes, uncontrollable blinking, and other movement disorders. Botox was clinically tested many times before being approved for treating facial lines and wrinkles. In fact, in all the studies done by the FDA between 1989 and 2005, only 23 cases reported any adverse effects with cosmetic applications. These adverse effects included nausea, headache, and flu-like symptoms.
After 14 years of various clinical testing and follow-up with trial participants, the FDA researchers concluded that Botox is safe for cosmetic use. The overall risk is minimal because the neurotoxin is injected in very minimal amounts.
The key precaution that the consumer needs to take is to only get Botox Cosmetic injections from a licensed professional so that you are certain the injections are prepared according to FDA standards and injected by an experienced technician. Patients are also cautioned not to receive Botox injections while they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Once you have decided that you want to try Botox to help rid your face of fine lines and wrinkles, you will schedule a consultation with the medical professionals at Skinatomy Laser Clinic where they will create a treatment plan based on your individual needs. When your treatment begins, very fine needles are used to deliver tiny injections into specific muscles between the eyebrows, near the eyes for crow’s feet, and into the forehead for reducing forehead lines. Results normally appear in 4 to 7 days with full effects appearing in 2-3 weeks. These results last anywhere from 3 to 4 months at which time patients can elect to have additional injections to maintain their younger, more refreshed look! While there is no downtime with Botox, it is recommended that patients do not do strenuous exercise for 12-24 hours and that they avoid massaging the area where the injections were given.
