Botox Side Effects, Risks, and Truths

A leading neurophysiologist has cautioned that the long-term effects of the "miracle" anti-wrinkle treatment, BOTOX Cosmetic, on the brain, nervous system, and muscles are as yet unknown.

And Dr. Peter Misra pointed out that BOTOX, a derivative of the deadly botulism toxin, could cause fatal muscular paralysis in its natural form and should be treated with care. However, Dr. Misra failed to point at the BOTOX Cosmetic both does not contain the deadly bacterial spores and is delivered in too small a dose to be considered dangerous.

Side Effects of BOTOX Cosmetic

Writing in the British Medical Journal, he warned: "Robust evidence for the action of botulinium toxin (BOTOX) on sensory neurones is lacking."

He added that: "Animal experiments have shown that botulinium toxin affects the transmission of afferent nerves," and that the toxin "has been shown to play a part in inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters".

And Dr. Misra pointed to a study published in 2001 that found 23% of patients seeking BOTOX treatment at a dermatology clinic had body dysmorphic disorder, and that psychotherapy was considered the more appropriate treatment for them than BOTOX injections.

But Dr. Misra did point out in his article that "systemic side effects" of BOTOX treatment "are rare". And while botulism toxin is deadly there has never been a death linked to BOTOX used for cosmetic purposes.

If BOTOX side effects occur, they’re usually temporary starting within the first week of injection, but may persist for several months. The kinds of side effects depend on where BOTOX Cosmetic is injected. For patients with frown lines, the most common BOTOX related side effects include

• headache
• respiratory infection
• flu-like symptoms
• droopy eyelids
• nausea

Less frequent reactions to BOTOX and its competitors include facial pain, redness at the injection site, and muscle weakness.

However, BOTOX is still considered one of the safest injectables on the market. Find out more about the benefits of BOTOX today.