Possible side effects of Botox treatment – should you be worried?

Injections of Botox® (botulinum toxin) are generally well tolerated and other than a little swelling around the injection site and in some cases a mild headache lasting for a few hours, there are very few side effects reported in the majority of patients receiving this treatment. It is important, however, that your Botox® is injected correctly into the muscle being treated, for instance, the eyelid can droop if the botulinum toxin is allowed to reach that area.  It is therefore crucial that this procedure is only carried out by a qualified practitioner with experience in this field.

Understanding the anatomy

Botox injections can cause side effects if not done properly. A well-experienced practitioner will start with a lower dose and adjust the dosage to get the desired results. The skill part of injecting Botox is understanding the anatomy of the facial muscles, especially around the eye. It is also critical to inject the right amount of Botox in the right places to avoid side effects. If too much Botox is injected into the muscle that elevates the upper eyelid, this can cause the eyelid to droop.

Experience and training is key to avoiding Botox side effects

Botox has an excellent safety profile, in our opinion, the most important factor in safety is choosing the right provider.  The Suffolk Medical Clinic is responsible not only for purchasing the Botulinum toxin, but also for sterile technique, needle safety, and the proper preparation and dilution.

The person you choose to perform your treatment should be an experienced medical professional with proper training and a thorough understanding of facial anatomy, technique and the risks of treatment. We recommend that you avoid the Groupon offers and the so-called “bargain” Botox clinics. The small amount of money that you might save doesn’t justify the risks imposed by an inexperienced or unqualified practitioner. We also advise avoidance of any clinic where the Medical Director is not onsite and fully engaged in training and oversight.  We would be cautious with the”occasional” Botox injector, such as your dentist or gynaecologist. Perfect Botox requires a dedication to the art and cannot be taught on a weekend course.  Finally, it goes without saying beware the Botox party!

For more detailed information on the Botox procedure in Essex and Suffolk and possible side effects, visit our frequently asked questions page