Botox injections contain a toxin called botulinum, which is produced by Clostridium botulinum, a Gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium. Botox is used to paralyze muscle activities and is also used in the field of cosmetics and medicine. Those who undergo an injection for aesthetic reasons do so to have a wrinkle-free skin, while in medicine it is useful for correcting various ailments, such as amblyopia (lazy eye syndrome), hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), cervical dystonia (stiffness of the neck), chronic migraines, muscle contractures and bladder dysfunction. The side effects are different, but you don't have to worry about them, as they are minimal and temporary. Read this article to prepare yourself for what will happen immediately after the injection.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare for Side Effects before the Procedure
Step 1. When your doctor asks you questions about your medical history, answer them honestly so that they can work properly to prevent the side effects from being more severe than expected
In preparation for the first treatment with botox, the specialist will carefully review your medical history and should become aware of the substances taken for therapeutic purposes.
- Answering the doctor's questions accurately and truthfully is very important, because some medicines cannot be taken in conjunction with botox-based treatments.
- Dietary supplements, such as vitamins and fish oil, should also be brought to the doctor's attention, as they can dilute the blood and cause further bruises after treatment.
Step 2. Talk to your specialist to find out if you should stop taking certain medications before the injection
Specific medications that need to be restricted for treatment include the following:
- Pain relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen).
- Certain herbal remedies.
- Antibiotics.
- Medicines taken for cardiovascular problems.
- Medicines taken for Alzheimer's.
- Medicines taken for neurological disorders.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements.
Step 3. You should stop taking medications such as aspirin at least four days before the procedure
Your doctor may advise you to do this in anticipation of treatment, so follow his recommendations:
- This happens for a very specific reason: aspirin can cause bleeding since it is an antithrombotic drug that prevents blood clots.
- Taking an aspirin before a botox treatment could cause profuse bleeding during and after the procedure.
Step 4. Avoid alcohol for at least two days before getting a botox injection
Letting it circulate around your body can make bruises and bleeding worse during the procedure, so don't consume alcoholic drinks for 48 hours before treatment.
Part 2 of 3: Reduce Side Effects on Procedure Day
Step 1. Carry non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help you fight pain, swelling and headaches
These are medicines that will help you manage these three symptoms, due to the botox treatment. They inhibit the production of prostaglandins, chemical mediators of the inflammatory process. Here are which ones you could take:
- Acetaminophen (Tachipirina): it is available in tablets of 200-400 mg, to be taken every four to six hours or according to your needs to combat pain.
- Ibuprofen: It is available in tablets of 200-400 mg to be taken, if necessary, every four to six hours.
Step 2. Bring an instant ice pack with you to reduce bruises after the procedure
It is ideal to have one available, so you can use it directly after the treatment in order to prevent bruising.
- Remember to wrap it with a cloth or towel to prevent it from coming into direct contact with your skin and damaging it. Also, always for preventive purposes, do not leave it on the affected area for more than 15 minutes.
- The cold emanating from the tablet compresses the blood vessels, reducing bleeding. It also temporarily relieves the pain and inflammation caused by the injection.
Step 3. Arrange for someone to drive you home
You should arrange with a friend or relative to take you home after the procedure. Since botox causes the eyelids to relax and the facial muscles to become limp, it may be dangerous to drive or operate machinery for at least two to four hours after the end of the treatment.
Step 4. Don't do vigorous exercises
Avoid it for at least 24 hours after your botox treatment, as the movement could cause the toxin to spread to other parts of the body. You don't have to stay still, but move in a minimal way.
If botox spreads to other parts of the body where it shouldn't be, you could have side effects
Step 5. Watch for serious side effects from the procedure:
if you notice them, see your doctor right away. Some symptoms, such as soreness, bruises, bleeding, and droopy eyelids, are normal after a botox treatment. However, there are other adverse reactions that shouldn't occur. If this happens to you, get in touch with a doctor immediately:
- Difficulty in breathing and swallowing.
- Swollen eyes or unusual discharge from the eyes.
- Chest pain.
- Hoarse voice.
- Severe muscle weakness.
- Both eyelids and eyebrows are drooping.
- Presence of muscle weakness in parts of the body away from the injection site.
Part 3 of 3: Understanding the Side Effects of Botox
Step 1. You must be aware of the side effects of botox
This treatment has several: they are completely normal, but quite unpleasant in some cases. Here are some of them:
- Swelling at the injection site.
- Pain or tenderness at the injection site.
- Bruises.
- Sagging eyelids.
- Muscle weakness.
- Nausea, vomiting and headache.
- Excessive sweating in the armpits.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Flu-like symptoms.
Step 2. Try to understand why they can manifest
This treatment is basically done by injecting a bacterial toxin into the skin. The body recognizes it as a foreign substance and produces an immune response, the results of which give rise to the symptoms described above.
- For some sensitive individuals, the immune response to the toxin may be severe (this reaction is known as hypersensitivity or anaphylaxis in jargon). However, it is rare and does not occur among most patients.
- Bruises usually occur among patients who have pre-existing circulatory or vascular problems, such as anemia; the blood tends to dilute, which results in a less effective healing process and therefore the appearance of bruises.
Step 3. You must remember that the spread of the toxin affects the body, but they are not permanent
We mentioned this possibility earlier, and you've probably read about it somewhere while researching. Basically, the botulinum is administered locally, in a specific site; this means that it acts in this part, without affecting the surrounding ones. At least, that's what should happen: in some cases it doesn't.
- In fact, if you exercise vigorously or bruises appear, the toxin could spread around the injection site and beyond, which could paralyze muscles it shouldn't have any contact with. that's why, for example, the eyelids fall out.
- This phenomenon is known as "toxin propagation". It is one of the most common side effects of this treatment. Either way, it's temporary and usually goes away on its own within a few weeks.
Step 4. While botox is generally safe, some people should avoid it
In principle it does not cause any problems and can be administered to most people, without the threat of side effects. However, for some people this is not the case. Here are some of them:
- Pregnant and nursing women should not get the treatment, as it can be harmful to the baby.
- People who have a history of neuromuscular disorders should not undergo the procedure, because their problem can actually get worse: the principle behind botox is precisely muscle paralysis.
- Patients who have cardiovascular or circulatory problems should also avoid it, as they are more likely to suffer from bruises.
- People allergic to botox. Unfortunately, it is impossible to confirm an allergy of this type. There are no skin tests or other procedures that allow it to be examined and determined with certainty.
