The good news is that Botox is not toxic to the body. But what are the potential risks and side effects associated with this injectable treatment? Here's everything you need to know about Botox's safety profile. Botulinum toxins are among the most toxic poisons known to humans, with a lethal dose of approximately 1 ng per kilogram of body weight. There are seven serologically distinct botulinum toxins, and Botulinum toxin A is the most potent serotype, with a toxicity one million times greater than cobra toxin and much higher than cyanide.
One place where Botox gets a bad name is because the same toxin (in much higher amounts) causes botulism. This is a serious and life-threatening form of food poisoning and the effects depend on how much the person was exposed to. That's why it's important to always seek the expertise of a board-certified dermatologist who will prepare and inject Botox in accordance with FDA standards. Fortunately, in most cases, Botox side effects are self-limiting and are less likely in the hands of a qualified and experienced injector.
In addition to wrinkles, Botox can be used to treat migraines, incontinence, and even cervical dystonia (neck and shoulder spasms). For example, a person may not experience breathing problems after receiving a Botox injection in the face. When administered close to the eyes or eyebrows, Botox can cause drooping eyelids, uneven eyebrows, dry eyes, and excessive tearing. But a recent study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison has raised new questions about how Botox works in the body.
For patients with debilitating ailments such as chronic migraines, the relief Botox provides can be life-changing. After testing was completed and it qualified as Botox, it received FDA approval for a variety of uses, both medical and cosmetic. Botox first gained FDA approval to treat medical conditions such as muscle spasms, excessive underarm sweating, and eyelid tics. While this is a reasonable question, patients will be pleased to know that Botox is incredibly safe when administered in small doses by a trained and qualified provider.
