| Botulinum toxin has proven to be very safe when the Food and Drug Administration’s warnings and procedures are adhered to. Millions of people around the world have received these treatments with no or minimal side effects. |
| Appearance of wrinkles When used to lessen the appearance of wrinkles, the side effects of botulinum toxin treatments are typically quite minor, if they occur at all. Those side effects may include tenderness, swelling, redness, bruising and inflammation in the treatment area. In rare cases, injections on the forehead or near the eyes result in the temporary drooping of an eyelid (ptosis) and nausea. Underarm sweating For underarm sweating, the most common side effects include pain, bleeding and itching at the injection site and sometimes flu-like symptoms, including sore throat and fever. |
| Crossed eyes After botulinum toxin treatments for crossed eyes (strabismus), about 16 percent of patients experience a temporary drooping of the eyelid. That side effect also occurs in about 20 percent of patients receiving Botox for eyelid muscle spasms (blepharospasm). Cervical dystonia For cervical dystonia, the most common side effects of Botox treatments are difficulty with swallowing (19 percent), upper respiratory infection (12 percent), neck pain (11 percent), and headache (11 percent). As with all medical procedures, select a health care provider with experience and knowledge. He or she should be willing to sit down with you before the procedure to discuss all possible complications. If you should experience any severe side effects—particularly ones that indicate an allergic reaction, such as a rash or difficulty breathing—seek medical attention immediately. |