BOTOX: THE DANGERS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Botox injections are a popular cosmetic procedure used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. However, like any medical procedure, Botox injections come with potential risks and side effects that you should be aware of before deciding to undergo the procedure. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the dangers of Botox injections, including adverse reactions, long-term effects, spread of toxin, interactions with medications, cost-effectiveness, and natural alternatives.
Things to consider
Adverse Reactions
A recent study found that one in six people who use Botox experience adverse reactions, such as muscle weakness, difficulty speaking, or difficulty swallowing. These side effects can be temporary, but in some cases, they may persist for several weeks or months. It's important to be aware of these potential risks before deciding to undergo Botox injections, and to discuss them with a doctor.
Long-term Effects
The long-term effects of Botox injections are not well understood, and more research is needed to determine the potential risks and side effects. Botox is a foreign toxin that is introduced into the body, and it's not known how the body will react to the toxin over time. Some people may experience an accumulation of the toxin in their body, which could lead to more serious side effects in the future.
Spread of Toxin
In rare cases, the Botox toxin can spread from the injection site to other parts of the body, causing symptoms such as muscle weakness, vision problems, or difficulty speaking. This can be a serious side effect, and it's important to discuss the risk of toxin spread with your doctor before undergoing Botox injections.
Interactions with Medications
Botox can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, which can increase the risk of side effects. It's important to inform your doctor of all medications you are taking before receiving Botox injections, as this can help to minimize the risk of interactions.
Cost
The cost of Botox injections can add up over time, and the effects may not last as long as desired. Some people may need to receive injections more frequently to maintain the desired results, which can make the procedure less cost-effective. Additionally, there is always the risk of adverse reactions, which can lead to additional medical expenses.
Dangers of Botox injections include:
- Blocks Lymph Flow: Botox injections can affect the lymphatic system, as the toxin can temporarily block the flow of lymph. This can lead to swelling or a temporary reduction in the immune system.
- Over-compensation and Atrophy: When certain muscles are paralyzed by Botox, other muscles may overcompensate, leading to muscle strain or fatigue. In some cases, muscle fibers can shrink and weaken, which is known as atrophy.
- Loss of Muscle Volume: Botox injections can cause muscle fibers to lose volume, which can lead to a reduction in muscle strength. This loss of muscle volume may not be recoverable, and the effects of Botox injections are typically temporary.
- Frozen Face: A frozen face can result from excessive Botox injections, which can make the face appear unnatural and less youthful. A healthy face that moves naturally is more youthful-looking.
- Lazy Eye and Droopy Eyelids: Botox injections can affect the muscles around the eyes, causing a droopy eyelid or a lazy eye. This can be temporary, but in some cases, it may persist for several weeks or months.
- Bone Resorption: Botox-induced muscle paralysis can rapidly degrade bones, leading to a condition called bone resorption. This can increase the risk of fractures and other bone-related problems. This also may lead to a more aged look, leading to sagging.l
- Working on an Imaginary Problem: Botox injections can be used to prevent wrinkles that have not yet appeared, which is often referred to as working on an imaginary problem. This can be an unnecessary but costly expense, and there are other preventive measures, such as diet, skincare, and good lifestyle habits, that can be used to maintain youthful-looking skin.
- Botox Resistance: Some people may develop a resistance to Botox over time, which can reduce the effectiveness of the injections. This may result in the need for more frequent injections or a switch to a different cosmetic procedure.
What does the FDA have to say?
The document "Botulinum Toxin Type A: Drug Safety Communication - Severe Breathing Problems in Infants, Children, and Adults Treated with Botox or Myobloc" is a safety communication issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The purpose of the document is to inform healthcare professionals and the public about the risk of severe breathing problems associated with Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) and RimabotulinumtoxinB (Myobloc) injections.
The FDA's investigation found that the risk of severe breathing problems is highest in infants, children, and people with certain underlying medical conditions, such as neuromuscular disorders. The agency also found that the risk is higher when Botox or Myobloc is used for the treatment of certain conditions, such as spasticity or strabismus, compared to cosmetic indications.
The FDA recommends that healthcare professionals exercise caution when using Botox or Myobloc and consider the potential risks and benefits for each patient before administering the injections. They also advise healthcare professionals to monitor patients for signs and symptoms of severe breathing problems and to seek immediate medical attention if they occur.
The FDA's safety communication highlights the potential risk of severe breathing problems associated with Botox and Myobloc injections, particularly in infants, children, and people with certain underlying medical conditions. The agency recommends that healthcare professionals consider the potential risks and benefits of the injections before administering them and to monitor patients for signs and symptoms of severe breathing problems. That is not enough, however. Additionally, many of the studies done on Botox have been conducted by plastic surgery organizations that have interest in minimizing the side effects of this neurotoxin.
Natural Alternatives
There are natural alternatives to Botox, such as exercise, healthy eating habits, and a good skincare routine, that can help to maintain youthful-looking skin without the need for injections. These alternatives can be a more cost-effective and safer option for those who are looking to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
The Beauty Doctrine 3-fold system to help you prevent wrinkles
1- Maintain Collagen density and skin firmness with an antiaging diet and supplementation.
- Consume high quality Collagen. You can find collagen in Agent Nateur Holi (Mane) Hair, Skin, and Nails Collagen Supplement and Mukti Bioactive Marine Collagen Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid 100% Natural.
- Take Vitamin D3 and K2 to maintain bone density. This maintains the foundation that the skin sits on, reducing potential of sagging that happens due to bone resorption.
- Optimize your protein intake with high quality vegan proteins such from nuts and seeds. Great options are Hemp Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Peas, and walnuts.
2- Use Red Light Therapy to re-energize the mitochondria and increase collagen production. In addition to this Red Light therapy helps improve skin elasticity, increases stem cells, reduces wrinkles, promotes healing and promotes hair growth. For more information, check out my in-depth blog were I share how I reversed aging on my neck here. The Kanjo panel is ideal for those wishing to target their face.
3- Use targeted topical skincare products that increase skin plumpness, and density. Here are two ingredients categories to look for:
- Ingredients for instant results: this ingredient category gives the skin an instant look of plumpness. A few must-haves:
- Glycerin is well-known as an excellent humectant that helps to keep the skin smooth, supple, soft, moisturized and hydrated. You can find Glycerin in Bloomeffects Royal Tulip Cleansing Jelly, Agent Nateur Holi (lift) Ageless Lifting and Firming Serum, and Blübiome Restorative Serum. You can also read more about glycerin in TBD’s glossary
- Hyaluronic Acid is another powerful humectant (draws about 1000 times its weight of moisture from the environment) that helps to keep the skin looking soft and supple. You can find it in Agent Nateur Holi (Water) Pearl And Rose Hyaluronic Essence, and Neptune Hyaluronic Acid Blur Serum.
- Argireline is a peptide that mimics botox. Asterwood Triple Repair Matrixyl 3000 Argireline contains Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. This serum helps to eliminate dynamic wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movement, and vitamin C protects your skin against free radicals.
- Ingredients for long term results, maintaining skin firmness and elasticity:
- Vitamin C, when applied topically, accelerates the production of both collagen and elastin, which help keep the skin plump and firm. Topical vitamin C can help prevent premature aging of the skin, restoring a youthful, smooth appearance to the skin. Find it in Kari Gran Vitamin C Serum and One Love Organics Botanical C Facial Serum
- Retinoids (although I don’t recommend most of them due to the amount of inflammation they cause in the skin). A few good exceptions are either new generation non sensitizing retinoids such as Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, a phenomenal Retinoid that delivers the results without sensitivity and peeling. It can be found in Bloomeffects Black Tulip Overnight Retinoid Serum.
- Amino Acids are the structural proteins that form collagen, the major ingredient that provides firmness and elasticity to the skin. Find it in Bloomeffects Royal Tulip Nectar and Arcana Sulis Mineral Replenish Essence Botanical Face Mist.
- Peptides, just like amino acids, are the structural proteins that form collagen. Find it in Agent Nateur Holi (Bright) Resurface Glass Face Mask and Bloomeffects Royal Tulip Nectar
- Bakuchiol is an antioxidant that reduces wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. It increases elasticity, firmness and skin texture. You can find bakuchiol in Versine Gentle Actives Clarity Serum + Azelaic Acid and Earth Harbor Obscura Detoxifying Reset Ampoule.
- High quality oils help maintain skin elasticity. Great options are Rosehip Oil, Jojoba Oil and Argan Oil. Find more about these oils in TBD’s glossary
- Non-Nano Zinc Sunscreen adequately protects the skin, preventing collagen degradation and helping maintain skin firmness. Find it in Kari Gran Essential SPF 30 with 17% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide Sunscreen and Vivaiodays Turmeric Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30.
In conclusion, Botox injections can have potential dangers and side effects, and it's important to not only be aware of these before deciding to undergo the procedure. Plastic surgeons have vested interest in recommending this procedure. It is their livelihood afterall. That’s how they make their money! Keep that in mind when you discuss potential side effects & when they quote the various studies that show low percentages of complications. Nobody really knows the full extent of the potential long term side effects. This is especially crucial when considering preventative Botox. You have a lifetime ahead of you of toxin injections… Is it really worth the risk?? I am 45 years old, and I have absolutely no wrinkles on my face, have never gotten a cosmetic procedure and had 3 facials my entire life. And -no, it’s not genes. Epigenomics science is here to prove it. I am here to tell you that you can prevent wrinkles without spending thousands on a poison that accumulates in your body. Alternative measures, such as diet, skincare, and a good lifestyle, can help to maintain youthful-looking skin without the need for injections.