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Can Botox Injected into the Forehead Go Through and Get into the Bloodstream?

asked 1 year ago by Venus2195 in Venus
Latest answer by Houtan Chaboki, MD
Question viewed 1,022 times
Tags: blood, headache, risk

I have received botox injections quarterly for several years. Recently, I've not felt right--headachy (never happened before)and feel a little dazed, not as sharp as usual; could the recent injections have caused me harm?

16 answers to Can Botox Injected into the Forehead Go Through and Get into the Bloodstream?

Botox Cosmetic injections Forehead in Blood & Headache

Venus2195 in Venus, As other Botox specialists have stated, Botox Cosmetic can theoretically enter the bloodstream after treatment injections. Botox is placed in the facial muscles to reduce wrinkles and considered safe by the FDA. However, one may occasionally have systemic reactions such as headache or flu-like symptoms, which are typically temporary. Speak with your Botox provider regarding any concerns you may have. Best of luck. Dr. Chaboki

Houtan Chaboki, MD
Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon

BOTOX in blood stream is extremely rare

Theoretically, if you inject BOTOX into a blood vessel in the forehead, it can show up in the blood, but that’s extremely rare. see video

Joseph A. Eviatar, MD
Bronx Oculoplastic Surgeon

Botox stays at the site of injection

When approving Botox treatments for chronic migraine, the FDA hast stated, that treatment with Botox for cosmetic uses or for excessive sweating is safe.

Robert Kasten, MD
Mainz Dermatologic Surgeon

Botox should not cause long term systemic side effects

When symptoms have been attributed, extremely rarely, to systemic effects, from possible circulatory absorption, the flu-like symptoms or headache these symptoms seemed to resolve after a couple or few days, not much longer. Again, this is very rare. It certainly is not an allergic reaction and you can have further treatments when this one wears off if you're comfortable with that option.

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Botox side effects

It is very unlikely the botox gets into the general circulation. Even if it does, only a small amount can get there when injected from the forehead and it should not have any systemic effects. It is possible to get a headache from the injection and there have been some isolated reports of flu-like symptoms but those usually go away after several weeks. I would check back with your treating physician to express your concerns.

Scott Trimas, MD
Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

Botox injected into the blood stream

What anything is possible, it is not probable. Most likely the needle irritated a sensory nerve in your forehead which may give you temporary discomfort. If your symptoms do not improve, you should see the advice of your doctor as it may just be coincidental and have nothing to do with the Botox at all. Good Luck.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

Injection of Botox

While it is certainly possible for Botox to have been injected into a small vessel, the likelihood of it causing any problems is minimal.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Botox Should Not Cause You to Feel Dazed

Although it is possible for a small amount of Botox to get into your bloodstream, it should not cause you to feel less sharp or dazed. Common side-effects include headache, bruising or drooping of the brow. If you continue to have this problem I recommend you consult with your internist or family physician.

David Schlessinger, MD
New York Oculoplastic Surgeon

Can Botox Injected into the Forehead Go Through and Get into the Bloodstream?

It is possible but not probable to happen. Avoid Botox fopr 6 months than try again if you have the same issues seek an allergist advise. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl j. Blinski

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Botox in Bloodstream through Muscle Tissue?

Botox injected into the forehead muscle does not typically enter into the bloodstream. While it does not occur commonly, systemic reactions have been reported after Botox injection. These have included headaches, among other symptoms. The reactions are short-lived. I would check with your injecting physician and your internist or family physician about your symptoms.

Anifat Balogun, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Botox does not enter bloodstream through muscle tissue

Botox does not enter bloodstream through muscle tissue. However, patients can have systemic reactions on occasion and headache is possible. To date side effects of botox are temporary.

Edward Lack, MD
Chicago Dermatologist

Sure this is certainly possible.

Dear Venus The FDA recently required a much stronger warning regarding the use of BOTOX and other BoNT products. Cosmetic BOTOX is very safe. However, systemic side effects do occur. Generally, for cosmetic treatments, they are short lived, like on the order of a week. Headache and flu like symptoms are part of this syndrome. It is not clear that the treatment has to actually be injected into a vessel for you to experience these symptoms. Generally... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Can Botox get into the Bloodstream?

Of course Botox can inadvertently be injected into a blood vessel and get into the bloodstream but the dose is so small it should not have any effects elsewhere in the body. If your symptoms persist it would be wise to be examined by your internist. The symptoms you describe should not be due to your Botox injections.

Mitchell Schwartz, MD
South Burlington Dermatologic Surgeon

dorsetstreetdermatology.com

Cosmetic Botox doses too small to cause systemic harm

In theory, Botox could be injected into a blood vessel but the dose is miniscule and wouldn't cause any harm. It is interesting that the patient information form required by the FDA has a list of serious systemic effects that might happen while also stating that none of them have occurred with cosmetic doses (despite tens of millions of patients having received BotoxCosmetic).

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Can Botox Be Injected Into Bloodstream and Cause Systemic Effects?

Hi Venus, It is possible that a very small dose of Botox can be directly injected into your vascular system. The dose should be so small that it should not be able to cause the systemic effects that you are experiencing. Best to consult with your injecting phsycian, and even with your internist to be sure that there is not some other problem causing your symptoms. Good luck and be well. Dr. P