Botox injections can cause side effects if not done properly.

Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to Botox: hives; difficult breathing; feeling like you might pass out; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects, some of which can occur up to several hours or several weeks after an injection:

Possible side effects include:

• Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site
• Headache or flu-like symptoms
• Droopy eyelid or cockeyed eyebrows
• Crooked smile or drooling
• Eye dryness or excessive tearing

Although very unlikely, it’s possible for the effect of botulinum toxin to spread to other parts of the body and cause botulism-like signs and symptoms. Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these effects hours to weeks after receiving Botox:

• Muscle weakness all over the body
• Vision problems
• Trouble speaking or swallowing
• Trouble breathing
• Loss of bladder control

Doctors generally recommend against using Botox when you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.

Select your doctor carefully

Botox must be used only under a doctor’s care. It’s important that injections be placed precisely in order to avoid side effects. Botox therapy can be dangerous if it’s administered incorrectly. Ask for a referral from your primary care doctor or look for a doctor who specializes in your condition and who has experience in administering Botox treatments.

A skilled and properly certified doctor can advise you on the procedure and help determine if it best suits your needs and health.