No elective chemically active injections for MS patients

Brooke R. Seckel, MD answers: Having Restylane or Botox despite multiple sclerosis?

I have multiple sclerosis and my dermatoligist tells me that I can't get Restalyne nor Botox. My neurologist on the other hand says it's okay. Who's right and why?


Brooke R. Seckel, MD
8 months ago

You need to follow the advice of the physician who would be responsible for treating you; in this case, the Dermatologist.

The causes of an exacerbation or precipitation of Multiple Sclerosis are many and not well understood. I have seen one infection following filler (Restylane) injection out of many thousands and it was in a patient who was on immunosupressive therapy for MS.

Botox is a neuractive agent which has its effect on the neuromuscular junction. While MS involves the Myelin or white matter in the Brain and Spinal Cord, the neuromuscular Junction may not be involved. However, since we do not know the potential for Botox to precipitate an MS exacerbation, I would avoid its use in a patient with MS. Although there may be no effect, the consequences of an effect could be so significant I would avoid it altogether.

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