Since the FDA’s approval of the treatment for cosmetic purposes in 2002, Botox has become the world’s most common cosmetic operation. One of the reasons for the treatment’s popularity is due to the procedure’s often impressive results in reducing wrinkles and softening the skin, but it’s also because of the relatively safe and non-invasive methods used in the procedure.
One lawsuit claims that the Botox treatment can cause severe headaches that can seriously alter one’s ability to function.
However, that is not to say that everything is sunshine and roses – Botox often comes with undesirable side effects that can last for several weeks. So before you make the decision to undergo Botox, it is important to be educated about what to expect – and what not to expect.
Behind the Botox
Botox was originally discovered in the early 1800’s and was initially used as a medical treatment for muscle spasms, facial tics and other medical ailments. The origin of the name comes from its chemical makeup consisting of a toxic protein known as Botulinum.
This toxin in its original form can be very lethal if the wrong dosage is administered, although there has never been a death attributed to the cosmetic use of Botox. And though Botox has been used for decades for various medical purposes, its introduction into the cosmetic world is relatively new which makes it important to be educated about what you’re getting yourself into if you decide that Botox might be right for you.
Side Effects
Most of the side-effects from Botox are easily predictable and fairly minor. However, some of these side-effects can last up to 6 weeks and can be fairly unpleasant. Below are some of the most common side-effects that Botox users might experience:
Bruising – In some cases, bruising can occur at the site of the injection. It is important to note that this is not a result of the Botox treatment itself but rather because of the way in which Botox is administered (through a syringe). Though the severity of the bruising can be limited by applying pressure and ice, it is not uncommon for some amount of bruising to result from the procedure.
Headaches/flu-like symptoms - Some patients have reported headaches, respiratory problems and flu-like symptoms following a Botox procedure. Usually these symptoms go away within a week of the operation, but if the problem persists then a patient should seek medical help and consult their Doctor.
Nausea – Most issues related to nausea don’t actually come from Botox on its own, but rather from the negative interaction between various medications. That’s one of the reasons it’s important to inform your Doctor of any medications you may be taking before you undergo the Botox procedure.
Drooping Eyelids – Like bruising, this side-effect is a reaction to the mode of administration rather than Botox itself. Additionally, the severity of these side-effects depends on the area of the face where the Botox was injected and the quality of your Doctor’s care. A qualified Doctor has methods to reduce side-effects such as these and that’s why it’s smart to know how experienced your Doctor is in providing Botox treatment.
Recent controversy
Though Botox is generally considered to be a safe procedure, a number of lawsuits have surfaced in the past few years that allege false advertising has overstated the benefits and understated the risks associated with Botox.
One of these lawsuits claims that the Botox treatment can cause severe headaches that can seriously alter one’s ability to function. Furthermore, another lawsuit claims that Botox has caused the death of 11 individuals, though each of these cases involves the off-label use of Botox for unapproved medical operations rather than for cosmetic purposes. So while there has still yet to be a death attributed to the cosmetic use of Botox, these recent lawsuits have raised the eyebrows of at least a few members of the medical community who seek to further investigate the potential side-effects of the treatment.
And if nothing else, the lawsuits provide a good example of why it is so important to do the proper research in advance of undergoing any surgical or cosmetic procedure.
So before you make your decision, make sure that you’ve thoroughly discussed the pros and cons with your Doctor – because even though we all want to look pretty, a lawsuit can be pretty ugly.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.
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