Risks and Complications of Botox & Dysport
Every procedure involves a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you understand these risks and the possible complications associated with them. In addition, every procedure has limitations. An individual’s choice to undergo a procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. Although the majority of patients do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of them with your practitioner to make sure you understand the risks, potential complications, limitations, and consequences of BOTOX / DYSPORT injections.
Incomplete Block – It is possible to not experience a complete block of desired muscles. Additional injections to reach the desired level of block can be performed until the goal is achieved.
Asymmetry – The human face and eyelid region is normally asymmetrical with respect to structural anatomy and function. There can be a variation from one side to the other in terms of the response to BOTOX / DYSPORT injections.
Bleeding and Bruising – It is possible, though unusual, to have a bleeding episode from a BOTOX / DYSPORT injection. Bruising in soft tissues may occur. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, platelet inhibitors, anticoagulants, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, and other “herbs / homeopathic remedies” may contribute to a greater risk of a bleeding problem. Do not take these for ten days before or after BOTOX / DYSPORT injections.
Damage to deeper structures – Deeper structures such as nerves and blood vessels may be damaged during the course of injection. Injury to deeper structures may be temporary or permanent.
Corneal exposure problems – Some patients experience difficulties closing their eyelids after BOTOX / DYSPORT injections and problems may occur in the cornea due to dryness. Should this rare complication occur, additional treatments, protective eye drops, contact lenses, or surgery may be necessary.
Dry eye problems – Individuals who normally have dry eyes may be advised to use special caution in considering BOTOX / DYSPORT injections around the eyelid region.
Migration of BOTOX or DYSPORT – BOTOX / DYSPORT may migrate from its original injection site to other areas and produce temporary paralysis of other muscle groups or other unintended effects.
Drooping Eyelid (Ptosis) – Muscles that raise the eyelid may be affected by BOTOX / DYSPORT should this material migrate downward from other injection areas.
Double-Vision – Double-vision may be produced if the BOTOX / DYSPORT material migrates into the region of muscles that control movements of the eyeball.
Eyelid Ectropion – Abnormal looseness of the lower eyelid can occur following BOTOX / DYSPORT injection.
Other Eye Disorders – Functional and irritative disorders of eye structures may rarely occur following BOTOX / DYSPORT injections.
Pain – Discomfort associated with BOTOX / DYSPORT injections is usually short duration.
Skin disorders – Skin rash and swelling may rarely occur following BOTOX / DYSPORT injection.
Unknown risks – The long-term effect of BOTOX / DYSPORT on tissue is unknown. The risk and consequences of accidental intravascular injection of BOTOX are unknown and not predictable. There is the possibility of additional risk factors may be discovered.
Unsatisfactory result – There is the possibility of a poor or inadequate response from the BOTOX / DYSPORT L injection. Additional BOTOX / DYSPORT injections may be necessary. Surgical procedures or treatments may be needed to improve skin wrinkles including those caused by muscle activity.
Allergic reactions – As with all biological products, allergic and systemic anaphylactic reactions may occur. Allergic reactions may require additional treatment.
Antibodies to BOTOX or DYSPORT – The antibodies to BOTOX / DYSPORT may reduce the effectiveness of this material in subsequent injections. The health significance of antibodies to BOTOX / DYSPORT is unknown.
Infection – Infection is extremely rare after BOTOX / DYSPORT injection. Should an infection occur, additional treatment including antibiotics may be necessary.
Blindness – Blindness is extremely rare after BOTOX / DYSPORT injections. However, it can be caused by internal bleeding around the eyeball or needle stick injury. The occurrence of this is very rare.
Neuromuscular Disorders – Patients with peripheral motor neuropathic disorders (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, motor neuropathies) may be at greater risk of clinically significant side effects from BOTOX / DYSPORT.
Drug Interactions – The effect of BOTOX / DYSPORT may be potentiated by aminoglycoside antibiotics or other drugs known to interfere with neuromuscular transmission.
Migraine Headache Disorders – BOTOX / DYSPORT has been used to treat forehead muscle groups that are involved with the migraine headache condition. Patients are advised that results of BOTOX treatments for migraine headaches may be variable and improvement in this disorder may not occur following BOTOX treatments.
Long-term effects – Subsequent alterations in face presence and eyelid appearance may occur as the result of aging, sun exposure, or other circumstances not related to BOTOX / DYSPORT injections. BOTOX / DYSPORT injection is temporary and does not arrest the aging process or produce permanent tightening of the eyelid region. Future surgery or other treatments may be necessary.
Pregnancy and nursing mothers – Animal reproduction studies have not been performed to determine if BOTOX / DYSPORT could produce fetal harm. It is not known if BOTOX / DYSPORT can be excreted in human milk.
ADDITIONAL TREATMENT NECESSARY
There are many variable conditions in addition to risk and potential complications that may influence the long-term result of BOTOX / DYSPORT injections. Even though risks and complications occur infrequently, the risks cited are the ones that are particularly associated with BOTOX / DYSPORT injections.
Other complications and risks can occur but are even more uncommon. Should complications occur, additional surgery or other treatments may be necessary. The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee or warranty expressed or implied, on the results that may be obtained.
For details about procedures and treatments or for a consultation, advice and prices from our Dubai clinic please call +971 4 431 2396 or use our online form.