Benefits of Botox injections include a reduction in facial lines (wrinkles) and a more youthful appearance. Botox may also effectively treat certain medical conditions. For example, individuals who receive Botox injections to treat hyperhidrosis (a disorder characterized by excessive sweating) may experience a decrease in sweating.

Very few risks are associated with Botox injections administered by a qualified physician. Though uncommon, tenderness, burning, numbness and mild bruising may occur around the site of injection. The procedure may also result in pain, headache, flu-like illness, nausea and rash.

Rarely, drooping of the eyebrow area or eyelid or dry eye may occur. Risk of severe eyelid drooping (ptosis) or ectropion (condition in which the eyelid turns outward) is minimal. Individuals may experience double vision (diplopia) in very rare instances.

When Botox is injected into the neck, patients may experience drooling, bruising, weakness of neck muscles, drooping of the corner of the mouth and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Injections into the lower portion of a patient’s face may result in lip drooping or asymmetry of the mouth. Pain, temporary muscle weakness and coughing may occur when Botox is used to treat hyperhidrosis. Patients are urged to report these and any other unusual symptoms to their physician.

There are a number of medications that may interact with Botox. These include antibiotics, heart medicines and those used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Patients are advised to fully inform the physician of all medications or supplements (e.g., vitamins) that are used before exposure to Botox.

Because Botox is prepared with an egg (albumin) base, it is not indicated for individuals who are allergic to eggs. Patients with immune system disorders should also avoid the treatment. In addition, Botox is not recommended for women who are or may be pregnant or those who are breastfeeding. It is unknown whether Botox can negatively affect the fetus or whether it is found in breast milk. The effects of Botox on children and the elderly are also not known.

Patients should notify their physician if they have any of the following:

• Neurological or muscular disease
• Heart problems
• Infection, swelling or muscle weakness in the injection site
• Previous allergic reaction to Botox
• History of botulism infection
• Swallowing problems