The Side Effects of BOTOX Injections

Sep 20, 2017 @ 04:45 PM — by Mesna Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center

BOTOX® injections are a non-surgical alternative to facial plastic surgery. Rather than going under the knife, patients can rely on the careful use of sterile syringes to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and look years and years younger. Plenty of patients throughout the greater Minneapolis area have benefited from BOTOX® cosmetic therapy at our practice.

While BOTOX® injections are non-invasive, they do have some side effects to consider. Let's take a moment to consider some of the common side effects from BOTOX® injections and what patients can do to manage them.

How Serious Are BOTOX® Injection Side Effects?

The side effects from BOTOX® injections are very minor. They are simply the body reacting to the solution as it enters the system and helps with wrinkle reduction. Patients won't need to take time off from work after getting a BOTOX® injection. In fact, they can return to work right after the injection procedure is completed.

Common BOTOX® Injection Side Effects

The most common side effects from BOTOX® injections include the following:

Discomfort in the injection site
Mild swelling
Redness around the injection site
Tenderness around the injection site
Flu-like symptoms

How Long Will These Side Effects Last?

BOTOX® injection side effects will typically only last a few hours, with some residual side effects lasting for a few days. Most patients tolerate these symptoms just fine and go about their day without any major hassles or disruptions.

If these side effects get worse or do not seem to improve after a few days, it's important to contact the practice so the issue can be addressed in a timely fashion. Additionally, any problems with breathing, excessive swelling or discoloration, or other matters that are of serious concern should similarly be brought to our attention as soon as possible.

Tips for Managing BOTOX® Injection Side Effects

When it comes to managing the side effects of BOTOX® injections, there are a few things patients can do early on.

First and foremost, patients should avoid touching the injection site or rubbing the injection site. This can cause the BOTOX® cosmetic solution to spread and disperse from that area, diluting the results of treatment. This should be adhered to for roughly a full day.
Patients are also advised to stay out of the sun for at least 24 hours after BOTOX® injection treatment. The sun can lead to more irritation and reddening of the skin. Staying out of direct contact with the sun will help the side effects run their course faster.
Finally, patients may want to avoid strenuous physical activities for at least 24 hours, such as vigorous exercise or heavy lifting. Again, this can help the side effects of treatment pass sooner, allowing patients to resume normal activities the next day.

Additional tips and recommendations following BOTOX® injection treatment can be provided during the consultation process.

Learn More About BOTOX® Injections

For more information about BOTOX® injections and how they can help you look younger and more refreshed, be sure to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery center today. We look forward to your visit and discussing these matters in much greater detail.