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Why Would Botox Cause Lasting Acne Break Outs?

asked 1 year ago by kaykay
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 739 times
Tags: age 25-34, acne

I have never had acne (I am 34) then I had Botox and 4 days later broke out and 5 months later it is still here. My Dr said it isn't the Botox but there are actually many discussion groups on the web w/ patients stating the exact same thing and when I call Allergan the rep said they are getting many calls about this but havent researched it yet. Many of the discussion groups people say the acne stays after Botox is gone. Without dismissing it as not possible, can a Dr explain what might be going on?

3 answers to Why Would Botox Cause Lasting Acne Break Outs?

+1

ACne like skin breakout after Botulinum Toxin (Dysport and Botox) injection

I am not aware of this side effect and it has not been reported by my patients. In fact, I have heard that Botulinum Toxin (Dysport and Botox) can help dimish acne breakouts by decreasing nerve stimulation to the oil glands. However, given your description, I suppose it is theoretically possible that you are experiencing some sort of breakout that may be triggered by some nerve mediated process. Alternatively, you may be experiencing a mild allergic reaction to the product,... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox and acne

I have neither had patients complain of acne after Botox or Dysport, nor read any explanation as to why this could possibly occur. I can't imagine what pathophysiological cause could exist for an acne breakout from the chemical. Possibly a temporary acne flare or breakout could occur from numbing creams that are applied prior to the botox, but that wouldn't cause the acne to persist for months after the one time application of the numbing cream. I will look out for any research... more
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist
+1

I have been injecting for over 13 years...

I must admit that this is a new one for me. After 13 years and injecting thousands of times, I have never seen Botox cause acne. In fact, since there is neural stimulation of oil glands, decreasing the nerve stimulation should theoretically IMPROVE acne. I look forward to this very curious report being explained by scientific data.
Mary Lupo, MD

New Orleans Dermatologist

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