Worried about BOTOX side effects? At Elevate at Alaska, we not only provide BOTOX injections but also educate you on BOTOX aftercare and guide you through the process. Here are some of the top side effects people experience after BOTOX injections and a short guide on how you can manage them effectively.
Need a professional team to provide BOTOX and guide you through aftercare? Schedule a consultation and ask our medical aestheticians at Elevate at Alaska!
Dealing with 10 Common BOTOX Side Effects
BOTOX can make you look more beautiful and increase your self-confidence dramatically. These days, BOTOX is for men and women alike, giving both a more youthful appearance. While the side effects are usually mild, you’ll want to know how to address them and have the best possible experience with your procedure. Here are the top 10 side effects to watch for and how to manage them.
1. Facial Bruising and Pain
You might notice some bruising and pain at the injection sites. This is usually mild and resolves within a few days. If you want to take a pain reliever, be sure to use a non-aspirin type, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Cold compresses are also helpful. The reason you must avoid aspirin is that it can increase bruising.
2. Mild Headaches
One of the most common side effects of BOTOX is mild headaches. You may notice these for a few days, and you can take non-aspirin pain relievers. Remember, if your headaches continue beyond a few days or get worse, you should contact your BOTOX provider and your primary doctor.
3. Facial Redness
Some people have facial redness after the injections. You can expect the redness to go away within two days. Many people have injection-site redness for a day or two. Cold compresses can help reduce the red appearance, but if it doesn’t go away after a few days, it’s best to ask your medical aesthetician if all is well.
4. Swelling
Swelling is another common reaction to BOTOX injections. Again, cold compresses can provide relief. The swelling should go down quickly within a few days.
5. Dry Eyes or Eye Irritation
Your eyes may seem drier than usual after your injections. Or they might feel irritated. In either case, you can use eye moisturizing drops. However, if you have eye problems that affect your vision, it’s critical that you contact your injector and doctor right away.
6. Flu-Like Symptoms
In some cases, BOTOX side effects can include flu-like symptoms. For example, you might have symptoms that mimic an upper respiratory tract infection, such as fever and fatigue. If this happens, it’s usually within one month of treatment. Researchers who studied this phenomenon suggested pain- and fever-reducing medications.
To relieve your respiratory system, you can take a steamy bath, use a humidifier, and drink lots of water. As with other side effects, be sure you don’t take aspirin or medications that contain aspirin. If you have flu-like symptoms, report them to your BOTOX provider, who can advise you on any other steps to take.
7. Neck Pain
It’s not uncommon to feel neck pain after BOTOX injections. Cold packs are your friend. It’s best not to massage your neck or face in the first few days after the injections. Pain relievers can help here, too, but stay away from aspirin.
8. Upset Stomach
If you have an upset stomach after BOTOX treatment, you can treat it by eating bland foods without much fat, eating more fruits and vegetables, taking a warm bath, or drinking ginger tea. Once you get past the first few days, you can do light exercise three to five days a week and take a fiber supplement to avoid or relieve constipation.
9. Drooping Eyelids
If you have BOTOX near your eyes, you may have droopy eyelids for a while. This condition usually goes away within a month to six weeks. You can deal with the symptoms using Apraclonidine eye drops, which help relieve drooping eyelids. Also, your medical aesthetician can inject BOTOX to relieve eyelid drooping. Ask your injector about the BOTOX Eyebrow Lift for help with drooping and sagging around your eyebrows.
10. Dry Mouth
If you have a dry mouth as a side effect of BOTOX, it should be better within a few days. In the meantime, you can take small sips of water frequently, suck on hard candies, and avoid mouth-breathing.
When to Call the Doctor for Rare BOTOX Side Effects
You may have heard or read that “Results May Vary” when you get BOTOX injections. A part of what varies from individual to individual is the side effects. Some people will have different side effects than others, and some will have no side effects at all. Very few will have severe side effects.
Serious BOTOX side effects are rare, but you should be alert to recognize them if they happen. Pay attention to the following symptoms. If you experience any of them, contact a doctor immediately.
- Vision problems
- Difficulty speaking
- Labored breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Muscle weakness
- Heart problems
Can You Have an Allergic Reaction to BOTOX?
Yes. Although rare, allergic reactions do happen for some people who get BOTOX. When they do happen, these adverse reactions typically happen within a week of treatment. What should you watch for? If you see any of the following symptoms, seek help immediately.
- Itching
- Hives
- Trouble breathing
- Dizziness
- Wheezing
- Severe swelling in the face, tongue, lips, or throat
There is no time to waste when you think you are experiencing an allergic reaction. If you are in physical distress, call 911 for emergency help.
Other Aftercare Instructions
At Elevate, we provide complete aftercare instructions that help you avoid complications and have the best results from your cosmetic procedure. Here are some things we suggest you do for the most positive experience with BOTOX.
- Avoid aspirin
- Avoid rubbing or massaging
- Stay out of the sun and avoid heat exposure for 24 hours after injections
- Keep yourself hydrated
- Don’t exercise for 24 hours post-treatment
- Don’t drink alcohol for at least 24 hours
- Don’t wear a hat or headband for 24 hours
Most importantly, remember that the more you learn about BOTOX and aftercare, the better you will do following the injections. During your consultation, you can ask as many questions as you like, and we will provide the information you need for the best results. We will guide you through the entire process and make ourselves available to answer questions that may come up after treatment.
BOTOX Wrinkle Treatment at Elevate at Alaska
At Elevate at Alaska Women’s Health, we provide comprehensive BOTOX treatment. We start with an in-depth consultation to assess your condition, educate you on BOTOX treatment and side effects, and answer any questions.
Next, we provide BOTOX injections given by professional injectors with a background in women’s health. Finally, we coach you on aftercare and provide ongoing support. We then recommend additional treatments based on our knowledge of how often you need BOTOX injections for wrinkle prevention. With Elevate on your side, you can gain the benefits of BOTOX while avoiding or minimizing the side effects.
Are you ready to get started with BOTOX injections? Schedule an appointment at Elevate at Alaska today!
