Side effects of Botox®
Most patients find that Botox® injections cause little discomfort. Many compare the feeling to a little insect bite! Mainly for the following reasons:
- the botox treatments are very quick
- the needles used are tiny
- only minute amounts of liquid are being injected into the skin
- botox causes few patients any significant pain.
A few patients do, however, prefer to have a topical anaesthetic cream applied half an hour or so prior to treatment to help numb the skin.
Botox post treatment - what to expect
Other risks or side effects of botox include a small amount of temporary bleeding or mild swelling which may occur at the injection site. In some cases more extensive bruising may occur, especially around the eyes, but this can usually be covered up with make-up, and is only temporary.
Occasionally, patients experience a headache after a botox treatment, and, very rarely, double vision.
When botulinum 
toxin is injected into the forehead area, there is a very slight possibility that it may cause weakness of the muscle holding up the eyelid causing a “partial ptosis” or drooping of the upper eyelid.
This tends to happen in less than 1% of patients and will disappear over a period of 2 - 10 weeks. Specific eye drops can also be prescribed to help to speed up the recovery if this effect does occur.
If the forehead muscles are relaxed too much, especially in patients with looser skin, the treatment may cause the eyebrows to drop slightly. Again, this is only a temporary condition and will vanish usually within 10 weeks.
Sometimes, the eyebrow position may alter so that the edges of the eyebrows become elevated. Some women like this effect, but it is generally unwanted in men. It is easily corrected with a small amount of botulinum toxin injected above the raised area of the eyebrow to help change its position.
All patients should remember that because the results of botulinum toxin are not permanent, any unwanted effects will disappear usually within a 3 month period.
Botox and other medical aesthetic treatments are available with our experienced, qualified, Harley Street trained, medical practitioners at locations throughout London and Essex. For more information or to book an appointment please call Complete Rejuvenation on 01992 578862