Botox Caused Me to Break Out. I Am 40 Years Old. Started Getting Botox Last Year?

Question

Not like regular pimples. Bumps that stay for a very very long time. Not 3-5 days. Weeks! They itch. Some little some big. I have not had acne since I was a teenager. I changed my makeup. Bought so much face cleaning like proactive, acne free, etc. Fed up, went online and randomly put in, "can botox cause beakouts." Hundreds of other females experiencing the same. Why was this not a warning? What can I do now to get rid of this acne? I am not doing botox any more. I rather have lines than bumps!

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

For a thorough reveiw of all side effects and/or adverse events reported with cosmetic Botox, visit their website listed below. This is not a common occurrence.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

Hello, and sorry to hear about the issue you are experiencing. Acne is not an associated side effect of Botox, and the situation appears coincidental. I would recommend an appointment with a board certified dermatologist. He or she will be able to examine you in person and provide you with recommendations. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Was any numbing agent used? Was all of the makeup removed prior to injection and the skin cleansed properly? I have seen patients who reacted to numbing cream on occasion. Also, there is a risk for introducing bacteria or foreign body into the skin with each needle stick.

Jo Herzog, MD · Answer

I have been doing Botox since it was out and have never had a patient complain of this. I doubt that it is related to the drug itself but it can be related to the pre-procedure or post -procedure treatment that you are getting. Be aware of what your face is being treated with before and after and consider asking for a change.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not likely related to your Botox injection but since they are temporally related, it is something to be investigated. See a dermatologist. I DO NOT think it is related to the Botox. Very very very unlikely.

Diane Walder, MD · Answer

Over the many years that I have been administering Botox, I have not witnessed a case of acne like flare. It is a very uncommon occurrence. In fact itching is not a common associated symptom of acne. I would recommend to follow up with your dermatologist regarding this rash as it may be something unrelated that needs attention.

Steven Hacker, MD · Answer

I have been performing botox injections for over ten years and have never seen it cause pimples or acne.

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Botox has not been associated with acne break-outs. One factor is that Botox is generally used in the forehead, while acne typically occurs in the cheeks. Acne can recur in adulthood and not limited to teenagers. Your acne flare should be evaluated by a dermatologist. Only after a comprehensive evaluation can he/she help determine appropriate options for you. Best of luck.

	Dr. Chaboki

Rebecca Baxt, MD · Answer

Botox does not cause acne. Its sadly very common for adult women to get new onset acne. It is usually hormonal. You need a consultation with a great Board Certified Dermatologist to treat your acne, and don't give up on Botox.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

I have been injecting Botox for many years but I have never seen anyone develop acne from the injections. Acne can occur from many other reasons. It seems like the timing of your injections makes it seem like it was from your Botox.  I would consult with an experienced dermatologist for proper treatment of your acne.

Botox Caused Me to Break Out. I Am 40 Years Old. Started Getting Botox Last Year?

Answers (11)