Botulinum Type A FAQs

Is Botox safe?

Botox Cosmetic and Botox (made by Allergan) have 6 U.S. FDA label approvals, including treatment of expression lines/facial wrinkles and hyperhidrosis. When injected by a properly qualified and trained doctor in an appropriate medical setting, U.S. FDA-approved Botox Cosmetic is an extremely safe treatment.

What is the difference between Botox and Botox Cosmetic?

Botox® is a botulinum type A that has been reviewed by the FDA and approved to treat specific medical disorders such as cervical dystonia, strabismus and cerebral palsy. Botox® Cosmetic is a botulinum type A that has been reviewed by the FDA and approved to treat frown lines; it is also used off-label in a similar fashion to treat other cosmetic indications.

Is Botox toxic?

Botox® and Botox® Cosmetic are FDA-approved drugs, and a naturally-derived protein called botulinum toxin. Toxins are naturally occurring substances that at defined doses are capable of causing illness. Botox® injections are used to correct functional nuerologic disorders or for cosmetic reasons. When injected properly with appropriate dosing, the risk of complications is extremely low. However, as with any medical treatment, there is the potential for adverse effects, and therefore, prior to treatment patients must be informed about the potential risks of these treatments.

Is Botox botulism?

No. Botox is a naturally occurring protein. Even in high doses, it does not result in botulism.

Does Botox paralyze my muscles?

The term paralysis suggests a permanent loss of movement resulting from injury to a nerve or muscle. Botox blocks the ability of the stimulating nerve to cause contraction of the injected muscle. This does not result in permanent muscle injury or paralysis. It does reduce or substantially eliminate the ability of this injected muscle to contract and produce overlying skin wrinkles. This effect is transient and generally lasts about 3 to 4 months.

What are the potential risks of Botox?

The greatest risk is when Botox is not injected properly. You may receive limited benefit, or you may experience a condition called ptosis (a dropping of the area injected). It is possible, but unlikely, that you will experience a mild headache following treatment. It is possible, but rare, that you may experience mild flu-like symptoms after your injections.

Can Botox treat headaches?

Botox (made by Allergan) is technically classified as a neurotoxin and has been used in research and off-label by neurologists to treat migraine headaches.

What other uses does Botox have?

Currently Botox has approval to treat medical disorders such as blepharospasm (uncontrolled blinking), cervical dystonia and cerebral palsy. Research is currently examining the benefit of Botox to treat migraine headaches, TMJ (tempromandibular joint) disorders and carpal tunnel syndrome. However, these experimental uses should only be administered in controlled medical trials and in appropriate medical research settings.

Is there an age limit for Botox?

Botox for cosmetic purposes should not be administered to anyone under 18 years of age.

Who should not have Botox treatment?

If you are being treated for any neurological disorder, you should first consult your doctor. Some individuals with very lax facial muscles may not be good candidates as the injections can cause ptosis, or sagging, rather than have a positive cosmetic effect.

Is there any other form of botulinum?

Reloxin is the brand name of a botulinum type A that is pending U.S. FDA approval. Botulinum type B, also know as Myobloc is U.S. FDA approved only for the treatment of cervical dystonia. It is not the same as, nor an equivalent substitute for, botulinum type A, or Botox.

Are there cheaper alternatives to Botox?

No. If you are offered a “generic” or “cheaper” solution to Botox (botulinum type A), you should refuse as there are no proven safe or effective less costly alternatives to Botox. There are, however, controlled clinical trials for substances in the process of submitting for U.S. FDA approval, including the brand name Reloxin.

Are there Botox creams?

Topical creams can only affect the dermis, or the upper portion of your skin. Botox is injected into your muscle layer. While topical creams may improve the surface appearance of your skin, the wrinkles treated by Botox originate much deeper, from the contractions of your facial muscles.

I’ve been invited to a Botox party. Is this safe?

No. Botox, like any medical treatment, should never be administered in a social setting, whether alcohol is served or not.

My salon/spa/cosmetic counter/neighbor offers Botox. Is this safe?

No. Botox, like any medical treatment, should only be prescribed by and injected under the direct supervision of a properly qualified physician in a properly equipped medical setting (doctor’s facility).

How do I choose a doctor to inject Botox?

To learn about the proper qualifications for a doctor who prescribes Botox, go to Your Doctor.

Read consumer experiences with Botox Cosmetic at RealSelf.com