The Botox Debate: Is it really Dangerous?

The debate over the safety of Botox injections is as old as the procedure itself—it’s a discussion that’s never really gone away, in part because it’s useful not only as a cosmetic procedure, but also as a medical one. There are some risks associated with the cosmetic use of Botox, but an experienced professional can minimize those risks.

Botox is a toxin, but it can still be used safely

One of the biggest arguments of anti-Botox advocates is the fact that Botox is a toxin. It’s true—Botox is derived from the bacterial toxin that causes the food-borne illness botulism, which can lead to fatal paralysis. However, there’s a huge difference between eating botulism-contaminated food and having Botox injected beneath the skin.

When contaminated food is eaten, death is a risk because the toxin can pass into the tissues and make its way to the lungs, where it has a paralyzing effect on the nerves that control breathing. When the toxin is administered beneath the skin, as in the use of cosmetic Botox injections, it typically does not move away from the location where it’s injected. The Botox dose used for cosmetic purposes is extremely small, which serves to reduce the risks even further.

Anti-Botox advocates also argue that Botox use is linked to fatalities. This is partly true, but again, it’s not the whole truth.

While there have been some deaths associated with the use of botulism toxin, the deaths are linked to medical use of the toxin, not cosmetic use. When Botox is used for cosmetic purposes according to FDA guidelines, the dose that’s administered is too small to cause fatal complications.

Botox has side effects and risks, but they can be minimized

As with any cosmetic procedure, there are side effects and risks involved in the use of Botox, but the common side effects are minor and last only a short time.

The truth is, most of the problems associated with the cosmetic use of Botox arise in cases where it’s been administered incorrectly, by someone who lacks the experience to do the job right. Incorrect placement of Botox can cause some side effects that last for several months, such as drooping eyelids, dry eyes, and crooked eyebrows or mouth. In very rare cases, serious symptoms such as difficulty speaking, swallowing, or breathing, or muscle weakness, may occur. These symptoms require prompt medical treatment, but it bears repeating that they’re extremely rare, and don’t occur when Botox is used correctly.

When Botox injections are administered by an experienced professional, there are some side effects that can be unpleasant—such as a small amount of bruising and swelling at the site of the injection—but these effects are minimal and temporary, and are not dangerous.

Still have questions about Botox?

Give Dr. Chasby Sacks a call at his Arizona surgery center today.