Botox^® Cosmetic is a temporary muscle relaxer that paralyzes facial muscles to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Side effects from this treatment are usually minor and mild, but occasionally more serious side effects can occur.

In today’s beauty blog, I’ll be answering this important question: “When do Botox side effects go away?”

My name is Aeria Chang, MD, and I have been providing aesthetic medicine and cosmetic procedures since 2008 at my practice in San Diego. I perform thousands of Botox & filler injections each year and have the distinct honor of being named one of Allergan’s “Platinum Injectors” (top 5% of doctors injecting Allergan Botox & fillers).

How Long Do Botox Side Effects Last?

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Botox is injected directly into the muscle tissue where it stays contained inside the muscle. The body gradually removes it form the muscle, which takes about 3 months, on average. Mild side effects from injections can include pain, inflammation (swelling), or bruises where the injections were given.

Below is information on how long each of these mild side effects usually last, but each person is different.

• Pain/discomfort: usually this subsides within hours, but can last a few days. Generally, the discomfort feels worse when pressure is applied to the injection site (making facial movements or touching the area).
• Inflammation & swelling: Each person is different, so your body’s response may not match other people’s “general” expectations for how long this side effect will last. If swelling persists beyond 3 days, call your injector and see if they want you to come in for a quick exam. Usually by day 2 or 3 the swelling is almost gone.
• Bruising: Bruising is very unique to an individual and depends on how the skin responds to the needle injection. The Botox itself does not cause bruising, but rather, it is a result of the needle being inserted into the skin. If you bruise easily, you may want to plan for seeing some bruising after your injections. Ask your doctor when it’s safe to cover the area with full coverage foundation.
• Allergic reactions: If you are allergic to milk protein, tell your injector. If this is the case, another neurotoxin product (other than Botox) may be more appropriate.

More Serious (Rare) Side Effects

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The Botox^® Cosmetic neurotoxin (onabotulinumtoxinA) rarely spreads outside of the muscles, but this can occur. This is one of the reasons why getting injections from an experienced medical doctor is so important.

An inexperienced injector can compromise your safety. Even if the price tag seems “right,” the cost is never worth it! Some side effects of the toxin spreading outside of the muscle include:

• Drooping eyelids
• Trouble breathing
• Digestive upset (nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Muscle weakness

This is not a full list of the potential side effects of Botox, but I will provide you with all of this information when you come in for your injections so that you can make an informed decision. Again, these serious side effects are rare and generally do not occur when an experienced doctor is injecting.

Get Botox in San Diego – Beatitude Aesthetic Medicine

Call (619) 280-1609 today to book your Botox in San Diego at my practice located in Mission Valley. I look forward to helping you look fabulous with the amazing muscle-relaxing properties of Botox^® Cosmetic!

*Botox^® and Botox^® Cosmetic are registered trademarks of Allergan, Inc.