Has anyone died from Botox ?

Question

Hello. I’m planning on getting Botox for the first time in between my eyes. 20 units is what I’ve paid for, but I’m very scared I could die

Anteneh Roba, MD · Answer

As far as I Know no one has died from getting botox injections. It is a very safe treatment and dosage for cosmetic reasons are relatively low.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Botox is an FDA approved product for the cosmetic treatment of dynamic wrinkles.  It has been in use for over 20 years and used by millions of people.  The area you are planning to have injected is one of the most common areas and number of units you are planning is within normal treatment limits.  I encourage you to speak to your injector about your concerns.

Drew Varano, MD · Answer

There have been multiple cases of death from Botox reported when used on children for cerebral palsy for their muscle spasms  . These children receive  much larger dosages  than that used for cosmetic purposes and they have different anatomy and physiology then full grown adults . Cosmetic Botox uses much less product and is very much safer and studied for years . People also have fatalities from Tylenol , aspirin and over consumption of drinking water but i assume you probably would continue drinking water and using those products multiple times a year.

Carmen A. Traywick, MD, FAAD · Answer

No reported cases of death with Cosmetic Botox injections to the glabella (in between the eyes). 
Everyone has unique expressions. We move our facial muscles in a repetitive way and over time those repetitive movements cause wrinkles and fine lines. When you start to experience the signs of aging, Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are available to diminish unwanted wrinkles and creases in your face.Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin lock the release of a chemical called acetylcholine, which triggers the muscle contractions that create wrinkles. Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin essentially paralyze the muscles and stops them from contracting. Results from these treatments are visible within 3-7 days with results that can last anywhere from 3-4 months. Hope this helps.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question jennyhogan. I understand your concern. Botox is a purified protein used to address wrinkles associated with facial expression. When injected into the skin Botox will relax the muscles and smoothen out the overlying wrinkles. The most common areas of treatment are in the upper face. These include the horizontal lines seen on the upper forehead when one raises the brows, the vertical lines seen between the brows when one frowns (frown lines), and the crow's feet seen around the eyes when one smiles.It is difficult to make an assessment without a formal exam where the entire medical history is reviewed. However, I hope the information provided here is useful.
The safety record of Botox is well established. The product has been used for over 20 years for a variety of treatments with minimal side effects. Botox is amongst the safest treatments for treating facial wrinkles.
While Botox is one of the safest treatments offered, there are some situations where it is not appropriate. These include anyone who has an allergy to any of the inactive ingredients or who has had an allergic reaction to any botulinum product including Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, or Myobloc. The safety and efficacy of Botox has not been established in women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breast feeding. Therefore, women in these categories are advised to wait until breast feeding is completed prior to having a Botox treatment. Botox should not be placed in the skin on the site of an infection. Those who are taking an aminoglycoside antibiotic, an anesthetic, D-penicillamine, antimalarials, or immunosuppressants should not be treated, nor should those who have undergone chemotherapy within the previous six months. It is important to avoid blood thinners before and after a treatment. These include both prescription and non-prescription medications such as warfarin (coumadin), aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, fish oil, vitamin E, and ginko biloba. Those with conditions that affect muscles and nerves such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease), myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome should not undergo Botox treatments.
To my knowledge there have never been any deaths resulting from a Botox treatment.With any injection, there are risks such as pain, bleeding, bruising, redness, swelling, tenderness, and infection. We take special precautions to minimize these risks such as using a painless technique. We also treat bruises with a laser as early as the next day. Bruises usually resolve within two weeks if untreated. After a laser treatment bruises usually resolve in 1-3 days, but may still take two weeks for full resolution. In addition to these risks, with Botox there is also a risk that the product spreads or diffuses to nearby structures. Spread to nearby muscles can lead to side effects such as the temporary appearance of droopy eyelids or a temporary asymmetric smile.
  
After a Botox treatment, I recommend that my patients avoid heat exposure, alcohol consumption, and strenuous exercise for 24 hours and not lie down flat for four hours. This is because all of these activities may possibly lead to the movement of the product and consequent side effects such as droopy eyelids. Although there have been no definitive studies shown that these actually occur and some physicians do not provide such aftercare instructions, in the absence of data I err on the side of caution and recommend that my patients avoid such activities.
  
Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

There have been no deaths or even severe reactions to real Botox. In fact, it was originally used for many years exceptionally safely on children before its cosmetic effects were discovered. There have, however, been a number of deaths from what was said to be Botox but was, instead, a pirated product that was not well controlled in its manufacture. That is one reason you need to be very careful in whom you choose as an injector. A board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist is your safest bet. Also ask to see the bottle and the expiration date. You can go to Botox.com to see what a bottle should look like.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

To my knowledge, no one has died from Botox. If you see an experienced provider and get legitimate Botox, you should be just fine. Also, just know that Botox is the MOST studied drug in the world - more than ibuprofen or aspirin. There are more safety studies on Botox than those drugs!"This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Has anyone died from Botox ?

Answers (7)

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