What is toxic about Botox?

Author: Felicity Witting  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 1, 2025

The medicine in Botox injections is made from the same toxin that causes a type of food poisoning called botulism. But the forms of purified botulinum toxin used by licensed health care providers meet medical control standards. These standards were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Is Botox toxic to the body?

Treatment with botulinum toxin is widely viewed as safe, effective and largely devoid of serious side effects. Sequelae that can occur at any site after a botulinum toxin injection include pain, edema, erythema, ecchymosis, and short-term hypesthesia.

What bad things can happen from 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).

Does cosmetic Botox enter the bloodstream?

In fact, the toxin cannot migrate any further than 3cm from where it was injected, which prevents any kind of systemic effect from taking hold throughout your body.

What are the don'ts after Botox?

Don't get a facial or head massage for a full 24 hours after Botox. You should also avoid rubbing your face in the area that was treated.

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What cancels out Botox?

This is probably the first question an unhappy patient will ask. Unfortunately, there is no reversal treatment for Botox. Unlike dermal fillers that can be reversed by injecting hyaluronidase, there is no procedure to “undo” Botox.

Does anything interfere with Botox?

If you are taking any other medicine, please inform your doctor before getting a Botox injection. Interactions with antibiotics, blood thinners, muscle relaxants, sleeping pills, cold or allergy medicine, bronchodilators, and many other prescriptions and over the counter drugs have been reported.

Can Botox cause pulmonary embolism?

Thromboembolic events are rarely described as reported adverse reactions [1-3]. Cote et al. [1] reviewed all (therapeutic and cosmetic use) serious adverse events to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from December 1989 to May 2003, and only two cases of pulmonary embolism were reported.

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.

What is the biggest risk of Botox?

Although generally safe, botulinum toxin side effects and complications can include:
  • Bruising and pain at the injection site.
  • Flu-like symptoms.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea.
  • Redness.
  • Temporary facial weakness or drooping.

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 happens after 10 years of Botox?

Muscle Atrophy and Adaptation: After long-term Botox use, some facial muscles may experience mild atrophy due to limited activity. This can actually benefit patients who prefer a smoother look, as muscle activity that causes wrinkles is minimized.

Can Botox travel to the brain?

Previous rodent experimental studies have shown that botulinum toxin receptors exist in the CNS and that a small amount of botulinum toxin can pass through the blood-brain barrier [10, 11].

Is Botox bad for 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.

Is Botox safe for the liver?

Both Botox and dermal fillers are eventually metabolized by the body and safely excreted through the liver and kidneys.

Can Botox cause a mini stroke?

Although it's rare, fillers can also get into an artery that feeds the brain, thus causing a stroke. Four reports of this happening have been reported. Compared to the millions of people who use fillers this means these complications are pretty rare, but users should be aware of the potential risks.

Does Botox go through your bloodstream?

Botox for aesthetic purposes is a pure protein, meaning there is no bacteria and it cannot replicate, like the live protein mentioned above. Further, Botox is injected into the skin, not the bloodstream and is slowly metabolized by the body.

What is the most common complication of Botox?

Risks
  • Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site.
  • Headache or flu-like symptoms.
  • Droopy eyelids or crooked eyebrows.
  • A crooked smile or drooling.
  • Watery or dry eyes.
  • Infection at the injection site.

Does Botox affect you later in life?

Long-term effects

A 2022 review study found that people who regularly received Botox injections showed changes in their muscle composition, function, and appearance up to four years after their last injection. "If you didn't use your abs [abdominal muscles] for 10 years, they would waste away," says Mosahebi.

What do celebrities use instead of Botox?

Celebrities often pick alternatives like Dysport, Xeomin, and Juvederm. These fillers add volume or reduce wrinkles differently than Botox. They're popular for their varying effects and durations.

Why not get Botox on forehead?

The potential side effects of the Botox procedure in the forehead include pain in the injected area, bruising, swelling, and inflammation.

When should you not do Botox?

You should share your prescriptions with your BOTOX surgeon since BOTOX side effects can occur in those taking certain antibiotics, Alzheimer's drugs, anticoagulants, or medications for autoimmune disorders or irregular heartbeat. BOTOX is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What supplements should you avoid after Botox?

You'll also want to avoid certain vitamins, including fish oil, Ginseng, and Vitamin E. Avoiding these things can minimize any post-Botox bruising. Alcohol— For better Botox results, you'll want your skin to be as healthy and hydrated as possible.

Does Botox impact your immune system?

Since BT is a foreign protein, it may stimulate the human immune system with formation of specific anti-BT antibodies (BT-AB). Affected patients may no longer respond to BT therapy and various degrees of BT-AB related therapy failure (ABF) may result.

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