Are There Health Risks with Botox Injections?

Botox is a medication that can provide relief in some neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy. It works by blocking signals between nerves and muscles, which relieves pain, upper limb spasticity, and muscle contractures. In people with a condition called hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating, such as heavy underarm sweating, occurs even in the absence of high temperatures or exertion. The use of Botox in these patients can block the nerve signals that cause sweating, thus preventing the sweat glands from producing too much sweat.

When administered by a licensed healthcare provider, Botox is generally safe. However, it is important to consult with your medical team to determine if Botox injections are right for you. To ensure your baby's safety, most healthcare providers advise against getting Botox injections while breastfeeding. Botox cosmetic injectables appear to carry less risk than therapeutic Botox injections for medical conditions because the doses are much smaller.

Even so, most healthcare providers recommend waiting until after giving birth to undergo treatment. Healthcare providers inject small amounts of Botox into specific muscles to smooth wrinkles, prevent migraines, and treat a wide variety of other diseases. Your healthcare provider can discuss the pros and cons of each treatment and help you determine which option is best for you. It is important to note that this medication may cause muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, or blurred vision.

Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure that you can perform those activities safely. You should also avoid choosing centers where Botox injections are not obtained according to strict FDA sourcing guidelines or where inexperienced doctors inject Botox, as this can greatly increase the risk of Botox complications. Healthcare providers strongly recommend that you get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as you are eligible, whether you received Botox or not.