If you’re a consumer of social media, you may have heard the recent story about a woman who experienced some extreme side effects from her Botox injections. The woman was using Botox to treat her migraine headaches, and suddenly fell ill with a condition called dysphagia. While dysphagia can have many symptoms, the woman said she experienced droopy eyelids, dizziness, paralysis of her neck muscles, trouble speaking, and even blurry vision. She was subsequently hospitalized, put in a neck brace to lift her head, and required tube feeding due to the inability to swallow.
But is this a ‘buyer beware’ for Botox? Should you be concerned about developing dysphagia following your own Botox treatment- and is Botox even safe? Here’s what you need to know before you schedule your injections.
Is Botox Safe?
To understand what Botox does, you have to understand what it is. Botox is a strain of botulism that temporarily paralizes the muscles it is injected into. In some cases, this is done for reducing headaches, in other cases it can be used to help reduce excess sweating, and in most cases it is done to freeze lines and wrinkles on the face.
While it may seem alarming to be injecting botulism into your body, the botulism used in Botox is generally very safe. In fact, the most side effects most people experience with Botox injections are temporary bruises at the injection site, or mild headaches that will subside shortly after the initial injection. Rarely, other side effects (like dysphagia) will occur, but these side effects are extremely rare.
How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Side Effects From Botox?
While there’s no way to completely prevent side effects from Botox, nor is there really any way to tell who will or who won’t experience side effects or complications, there are still few things you can do to lower your risk. First, be aware that some people are simply not good candidates for Botox, such as those with certain muscular conditions, or those who are pregnant.
Next, be sure to review the aftercare instructions from Dr. Mitchell following your procedure. Don’t lie down for several hours after your injections, and try to limit physical activity for the rest of the day (so go to the gym before your Botox, not after!
Botox: The Bottom Line
Ultimately, when it comes to any medical procedure there are always risks involved. Thankfully, for most people, those risks are low and side effects are usually minor and well-tolerated. Be sure to discuss your full medical history with Dr. Mitchell before undergoing Botox injections to rule out any risk factors or conditions that may make Botox dangerous or ineffective for you.
To learn more about your Botox options, please contact Dr. Mitchell’s office today!