I have essential thrombocytosis: is it safe to have Botox?

Question

Anteneh Roba, MD · Answer

You should not any issues with having Botox injections for cosmetic purposes. The dosages used for facial cosmetic treatment with Botox are not significant enough to cause problems in your case.

Adexcel Aesthetics - London · Answer

Botox is not a contraindication in people with essential thromocytosis as mentioned earlier, however prior to treating you a thorough health check and assessment is required to know whether your platelet  is under control (by meds), how often do you see your GP or tests, are you on any medication which may contradict treatment, any allergies, any infection or history of severe bruising etc. 
Choose your practitioner wisely and you will be fine.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question Nld160879. 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.Essential thrombocytosis, also called primary thrombocythemia, is a condition where are higher than normal number of platelets are found in the blood. The treatment is often with blood thinners. This may increase the possibility of bleeding and bruising described below.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.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 as described above. 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!

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

Botox treatment should be fairly safe even though you have thrombocytosis. Simply make sure that your doctor is well aware of it. Good luck from New York City.

Alain Michon, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Botox is perfectly safe with essential thrombocytosis. Botox will refresh your look and soften lines and wrinkles. Results will last on average 3 - 4 months. All the best, Dr. Michon

I have essential thrombocytosis: is it safe to have Botox?

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Answer: I have essential thrombocytosis: is it safe to have Botox?

Answer: I have essential thrombocytosis: is it safe to have Botox?

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I have essential thrombocytosis: is it safe to have Botox?

Answers (7)

Answer: Thrombocytosis and Botox

Answer: Thrombocytosis and Botox

Answer: I have essential thrombocytosis: is it safe to have Botox?

Answer: I have essential thrombocytosis: is it safe to have Botox?

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.