Now that you’re in your late 30s, you’ve found that you have some drooping skin and a few wrinkles. You don’t want to see your aging advance too quickly, so you started thinking about getting Botox.
Botox is a drug that is made from botulinum toxin type A. This toxin is produced by the incredibly dangerous Clostridium botulinum bacterium. In nature, someone who suffers from botulism could die from the infection, but Botox is generally safe.
The goal of any Botox treatment is to block signals from the nerves to the muscles. This can stop certain areas from moving as the muscles are unable to contract, improving the look of wrinkles and lines. Sometimes, this technique is used to relieve headaches and some muscular conditions.
Is the botulinum toxin safe to use?
The toxin itself is life-threatening when uncontrolled, but in small doses, it can be beneficial. However, if negative side effects do occur, they could include:
- Drooping eyelids
- Dry eyes
- Excessive tearing
- Uneven eyebrows
- Drooling
In rare cases, people could develop symptoms similar to botulism, which can be life-threatening. These may include:
- Generalized weakness
- Vision problems
- Trouble swallowing
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble speaking
- Poor bladder control
In most cases, when given correctly, Botox doesn’t come with significant risks. However, if your doctor hits the wrong area or injects you with too much, you could end up with serious side effects that could be life-threatening in some cases.
If you suffer injuries as a result of a medical provider’s mistakes or misuse of Botox, you may be able to hold them accountable and seek a medical malpractice claim. Our website has more on what to do next.