Has anyone had a bad reaction to Botox?

Author: Prof. Dameon Considine  |  Last update: Thursday, September 11, 2025

Most reported side effects are minor and fleeting. They include pain, swelling or mild bruising at the injection site, and a headache and flu-like symptoms for the first 24 hours. Temporary weakness and droopiness in the face can also sometimes occur. However, more serious reactions have sometimes been observed.

What happens if you have a bad reaction to Botox?

Botox is a common procedure that's rarely accompanied by serious side effects. However, you should call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience: Vision problems, including blurred vision or drooping eyelids. Signs of urinary tract infection, such as blood in your urine (hematuria).

What percentage of people have bad reactions to Botox?

The total complication rate was 12% (95% CI = 5% to 20%, I2 = 93%) (Figure 6). Headache and migraine were the most frequently reported adverse events and were recorded in 49 (4%) injection sessions, followed by local skin reactions, such as bruising or hematoma at the injection site, reported in 30 (2.4%) patients.

What are the symptoms of Botox toxicity?

Among all 22 people, symptoms began a median of 3 days after exposure (range 0 to 20 days) and included symptoms near the injection site (e.g., blurred vision and ptosis after facial injection), dry mouth, slurred speech, shortness of breath, fatigue, and generalized weakness.

How do you know if your body is rejecting Botox?

If, after four weeks, you notice little to no change in your ability to move the treated muscles, there is a possibility you have developed Botox resistance. The first thing you should do in this instance is give your Botox provider a call and let them know what's going on.

The Dangers of Botox & Filler | Peaches Skin Care

What does a Botox allergic reaction look like?

Symptoms may include itching, rash, wheezing, asthma symptoms, or feeling faint or dizzy. More severe reactions may involve difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

What are the worst side effects of Botox?

Call your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms hours or weeks after your procedure:
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Vision problems.
  • Trouble talking or swallowing.
  • Breathing problems.
  • Allergic reaction.
  • Loss of bladder control.

Has anyone got botulism from Botox?

Here, we present a case of iatrogenic botulism in a 47-year-old female following Botox injections, highlighting the clinical features, diagnostic challenges, and treatment associated with this uncommon condition.

What are the signs of bad Botox?

Common indicators that Botox may have gone bad include drooping eyelids, uneven results, excessive bruising, or prolonged swelling beyond the expected recovery period. Difficulty swallowing or breathing could also signal that the toxin has spread to unintended areas.

What is the biggest risk of Botox?

Serious adverse effects after cosmetic use of botulinum toxin include dysphagia, muscle weakness, and allergic reactions [22, 23].

What is the best alternative to Botox?

Below are 10 alternatives to BOTOX® that might help if you're seeking smoother or firmer skin on your face.
  • Cosmetic Acupuncture. ...
  • Microneedling. ...
  • Chemical Peels. ...
  • Laser Therapy. ...
  • Cryotherapy. ...
  • Facial Creams. ...
  • Neuropeptides. ...
  • Face Patches.

Who should not get Botox?

Some of the people who shouldn't be using Botox are nursing or pregnant women, those who suffer from neuromuscular disorders, and people suffering from neurological illnesses.

Can you test for Botox allergy?

You will have a "skin test," during which a small amount of Botox is injected into your forearm to be sure that you are not allergic to it.

What are the neurological side effects of Botox?

FDA has reported adverse events after BoNT injection affecting nervous system far from initial site of injection such as speech disorder, nystagmus, restless leg syndrome, and even coma. Central nervous system involvement included 23.5% of serious and 24.9% of non-serious events (1).

How rare is it to be allergic to Botox?

While extremely rare, there have been a few reported cases of a delayed allergic reaction to Botox. However, these delays are usually just a few days, not weeks or months. It's important to note that some side effects can mimic a Botox allergic reaction.

Is Dysport safer than Botox?

The good news is that both Botox and Dysport are totally safe and FDA-approved to treat wrinkles. That being said, any medical treatment comes with the risk of unintended side effects — Dysport and Botox are no exception.

What is the black box warning on Botox?

WARNING: Distant Spread of Toxin Effect

See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. The effects of BOTOX and all botulinum toxin products may spread from the area of injection to produce symptoms consistent with botulinum toxin effects. These symptoms have been reported hours to weeks after injection.

What does an allergic reaction to Botox look like?

Symptoms of an allergic reaction following Botox treatment may be mild or severe and can include: Itching. Rash. Swelling in the lips, eyelids, hands, or feet.

Can Botox go wrong in the forehead?

Risks are very minor with Botox, but just like any other medical or cosmetic treatment, things can go wrong. The short answer is that similarly to any invasive treatment or procedure, there can be side effects or complications. You may experience redness, bruising, bleeding or swelling.

Can Botox affect your heart?

Most Botox side effects are generally mild and temporary. Rare but serious side effects, such as heart problems or difficulty breathing, are also possible. When they happen, they're often linked to the medication spreading to other parts of the body.

Who is not a good candidate for Botox?

People with existing medical conditions like allergies or autoimmune diseases. People with existing medical conditions, such as allergies or autoimmune diseases, should avoid getting Botox injections.

Can you react badly to Botox?

An allergic reaction to Botox injections is possible, though it is not very common. There have been no cases of systemic (body-wide) reactions to Botox, and no one has died. Usually, an adverse side effect of Botox will present itself within the first week following treatment.

Can Botox trigger shingles?

Herpes zoster reactivation has been reported after intramuscular botulinum toxin injections for wrinkles. The relationship between injection-based procedures and herpes zoster is well established.

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