I Had Botulism As an Infant. What Can I Use As an Alternative to Botox?

asked 1 year ago by MiszBuf10 in Kuwait
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 348 times
Tags: age 25-34, allergy, alternative, botulism

I had Infant Botulism at 6 months and my father has told me never to get Botox injections as an adult because I am allergic. I am reaching towards 30 and am looking for a safe alternative.

6 answers to I Had Botulism As an Infant. What Can I Use As an Alternative to Botox?

Botulism and Botox

Botulism as a child may have left you with antibodies to the toxin. In my practice I have treated CDC workers who were immunized 20 years ago against botulinum toxin, and have found cosmetic treatments to be very effective. In large part the success or failure of your treatment will rest on if you still have adequate immune cells with the ability to produce botulinum toxin antibodies in your system. Probably the best test is to try a cosmetic dose and see what effect you will achieve.... more

Brian Maloney, MD
Atlanta Facial Plastic Surgeon

Botox now if one had botulism as an infant

Although it may be completely safe and effective for you to have Botox injected now as an adult despite your having been afflicted with botulism as an infant, I'm not sure if there has been a documented case of this having been done before. You might have developed some immune cells from your exposure to the botulism and it might be that with repeated Botox you will not get an effective result because your immune cells may attack the botox molecule. You may not be allergic to it but... more

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Botulism versus Botox injection

Botulism. the disease, is commonly due to oral intake of the bacteria or toxin produced by the bacterial via the GI tract or transmission through open wounds. Generally it results in sytemic disseminaiton of the toxin with paralysis as the consequence. Botox treatment consists of localized injection of minute quantities of the toxin that, for the most part, are active in a very targeted region with the desired effects. It is unlikey that you are allergic but could undergo skin testing.... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Botulism as an infant and Botox

You should not expect an allergic reaction. There may be however less effect of Botox, because of antibodies from the botulism that neutralise your injection. Give it a try.

Robert Kasten, MD
Mainz Dermatologic Surgeon

Botulism will likely not cause an allergy to Botox

I do agree with my colleague that, given your history of botulism, you should pursue allergy testing before cosmetic Botox injections. However, your infant botulism resulted from exposure to massive quantities of botulinum toxin into your bloodstream rather than an allergy. The cosmetic doses are a minute fraction of botulinum toxin compared to your exposure as an infant. However, better to be safe than sorry especially prior to pursuing elective treatment. Best, Dr. Stephen Weber.... more

Stephen Weber, MD
Lone Tree Facial Plastic Surgeon

You may or may not be allergic to Botox.

Before having Botox in this circumstance it might be reasonable to have allergy testing to Botox. The can be done with a a tiny does of Botox. Consult a dermatologist in your area.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

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