Pain from Botox is generally minimal and brief. There are several techniques that are employed by cosmetic surgery professionals that mitigate the pain from Botox. Botox is an injection of a substance which causes the affected muscles in the face and neck to become more relaxed. The effects of this action cause a significant and almost immediate improvement in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines that are formed by repeated muscle contractions.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Botox for cosmetic purposes in April 2002 because it effectively reduced the appearance of wrinkles with little risk of side effects and pain from Botox. Botox was just recently approved to treat excessive armpit perspiration in 2004.

Given the nature of a properly performed Botox procedure, there is little risk of pain from Botox. Once a surgeon and his/her patient have determined that they are a good candidate for Botox, the risks and benefits have been discussed, and the patient has realistic expectations about the procedure's expected results, they may commence the treatment procedure.

The cosmetic surgeon will determine the muscle groups in the face or neck that would most greatly benefit from a series of small injections of Botox. A local numbing agent is then applied to these areas in order to assuage any potential pain from Botox. Once the area is numb the patient is asked to contract the muscles and small injections of Botox are administered. Patients testify that the pain from Botox is similar to that of a bug bite or tiny pin prick. Some patients feel no pain from Botox because of the numbing agent's action.

In order to further reduce the potential for pain from Botox, cosmetic surgeons will recommend that a person use cold packs for the first few hours after the procedure. S/he may also prescribe an anesthetic cream to be used temporarily to reduce pain from Botox. Overall, there is low risk for pain from Botox when this procedure is properly performed by a knowledgeable and experienced cosmetic surgeon.

As with any medical procedure, there are some risks and potential complications that can occur as a result of Botox. More common side effects and pain from Botox include headaches, flu syndrome, respiratory infection, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea. Less common side effects and pain from Botox include redness, swelling, bruising, or minor bleeding at the injection site. This pain from Botox is more a consequence of the actual injection rather than the Botox and normally subsides in a few days.

Before undergoing a Botox procedure, it is important to tell your doctor about your full medical history including all medications and supplements that you are currently taking as this can increase the risks of side effects and pain from Botox. For more information on Botox, please contact us to locate a cosmetic surgeon in your area.