What conditions are contraindicated for Botox?

Author: Margaretta Hahn  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Botulinum toxin contraindications include:
  • Keloidal scarring.
  • Neuromuscular disorders.
  • Botulinum toxin allergies.
  • Body dysmorphic disorder.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Breastfeeding.
  • Amyotrophic lateralizing sclerosis myopathies [14][17]

What conditions can you not get Botox with?

An active respiratory infection. Muscle or nerve disorders. Breathing problems, such as asthma or emphysema. Other recent treatments involving a botulism toxin.

Who is Botox contraindicated for?

Botulinum toxin injection is contraindicated in persons with keloidal scarring, neuromuscular disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis), allergies to constituents of botulinum toxin products, and body dysmorphic disorder. Minor bruising can occur with botulinum toxin injection.

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.

What makes you ineligible for Botox?

However, there are certain conditions that may make you ineligible for Botox treatment. These include active infections, acne symptoms, cold sores in the treatment area, muscular or nervous system health issues, allergies to botulinum toxin and pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Botox cautions and contraindications

Who Cannot do Botox?

Botox injections are relatively safe. Still, you shouldn't get this treatment if you're pregnant, breastfeeding or have: Neuromuscular disease. Drooping eyelids (ptosis).

How to get insurance to cover Botox?

Take the following six steps to increase your chances of getting the injections covered:
  1. Check your insurance plan details. Review your policy to learn about the requirements for Botox coverage.
  2. Talk to your medical team. ...
  3. Get a prescription. ...
  4. Ask for a referral. ...
  5. Get a prior authorization. ...
  6. Request an appeal.

What makes you a bad candidate for Botox?

Not everyone is a good candidate for Botox. If you are in poor general health, your skin is very thick or you have existing muscle weakness in the proposed injection site, you may not be a good candidate for Botox. Patients with sensitive skin may experience an allergic reaction at the injection site.

Can you have Botox if you have a heart condition in your?

Heart problems

Botox can rarely affect your heart. It has the potential to cause heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia) or even heart attacks. This can be more likely if you already have heart problems. Be sure to talk about any heart problems with your healthcare professional before receiving Botox.

What are contraindications with Botox?

Contraindications
  • Keloidal scarring.
  • Neuromuscular disorders.
  • Botulinum toxin allergies.
  • Body dysmorphic disorder.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Breastfeeding.
  • Amyotrophic lateralizing sclerosis myopathies [14][17]

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.

What medications should not be taken before Botox?

Skip Blood-Thinning Medications

Certain medications and supplements, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil, can thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding during and after Botox injections.

What medication can you not have Botox with?

Examples of muscle relaxant drugs: Here are some muscle relaxers that may interact with Botox:
  • cyclobenzaprine (Fexmid)
  • metaxalone (Skelaxin)
  • carisoprodol (Soma)
  • tizanidine (Zanaflex)
  • methocarbamol (Robaxin)
  • baclofen (Lioresal)

Can Botox trigger an autoimmune response?

Botulinum toxin is regarded as foreign by the host and therefore has the potential to induce an immune response, particularly with repeated administration, which can lead to secondary treatment failure.

At what age should you not get Botox?

While it's true that the FDA only recommends the use of Botox for those under the age of 65, the organization doesn't prohibit those in the aging population from receiving Botox injections, nor does it speak to the relative safety or efficacy of doing so.

What health conditions 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. If you are thinking about taking Botox injections, you need to be aware of the potential risks and their effects on your body.

Can you get Botox if you have thyroid problems?

Toxins and bacteria can cause your thyroid symptoms to flare. Because Botox is a neurotoxin derived from a harmful bacterium, your thyroid may be affected by the use of this product. When your body is triggered, your thyroid symptoms can worsen, often called a flare-up.

What can mess up Botox?

Below are 7 common mistakes you should avoid in order to get the best results.
  • Choosing an Under-Qualified Provider. ...
  • Taking Blood Thinners. ...
  • Drinking Alcohol. ...
  • Using Retinol. ...
  • Exercising too Soon after Treatment. ...
  • Getting BOTOX® on an Empty Stomach. ...
  • Massaging Your Face.

What is the downside of Botox?

Possible side effects and unwanted results include: Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site. Headache or flu-like symptoms. Droopy eyelids or crooked eyebrows.

Who is not a candidate for Botox?

If you have allergies to the ingredients in Botox, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have underlying nerve or muscle disorders, you may not be a good candidate for Botox therapy.

What allergies should avoid Botox?

Botox should not be given to people who are allergic to botulinum toxin, have an infection at the proposed injection site, or have a muscle or nerve condition like ALS or myasthenia gravis. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid Botox treatments.

What diagnosis is covered for Botox?

Examples of conditions where Botox may be medically necessary include chronic migraine, strabismus, overactive bladder, dystonia, and excessive underarm sweating. If a doctor approves Botox to treat a medical condition, Medicare Part B may help cover the procedure.

How much do 155 units of Botox cost?

A: The cost of Botox for the FDA-recommended dosage of 155 units costs between $300 and $600 for each comprehensive treatment. You would think since the treatment is FDA-approved it should be covered under most insurance plans.

What can I do if I can't afford Botox?

You can also consider treatments such as retinoids, chemical peels, and microneedling. Dermal fillers are another alternative. This injectable treatment typically works immediately and lasts longer than Botox. But it's still a temporary solution.

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