How can a person know they are allergic to Botox if they've never had it done ?

Question

I am uncomfortable with getting Botox injections because I'm afraid of getting an allergic reaction to it. I don't have any allergies whatsoever but how am I able to know if I am allergic to Botox unless it's already injected? At that point any allergic reaction would probably be severe..?

William Groff, DO · Answer

The possibility of having an allergic reaction to Botox is extremely rare. In all my years of practice, I’ve never seen a patient have an allergic reaction. There is no allergy test for Botox, so if you are still concerned even knowing how rare it is, it may be better just not to do it.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello, Thank you for your question. The risk of having an allergic reaction to Botox is extremely low. Should this be a major concern to you, it may be best to avoid this procedure all together. I recommend you book a
consultation with a qualified injector, to discuss your options and concerns. 
Take care.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There are no known allergic reactions to Botox, I suggest a formal consultation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist to determine best treatment options for you. Best, Dr. Emer

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

There have been no reports of allergy to botox.  There is evidence of antibody formation after injection, but these only lead to decreased effectiveness of the product in rare individuals.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello Lital. We have never seen a Botox allergic reaction for a new Botox patient and have used it since 2004.  We have seen Botox resistance in users that have had it many times in the past.  If it was common to see allergic reactions with Botox, the FDA would have mandated an allergy prescreening.  This is not the case since it almost never happens.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Allergic reactions to Botox are very rare.  One of the reasons it is so popular is because it works so well for the majority of people.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your injector before having treatment.

Michael T. Somenek, MD · Answer

Botox injections rarely cause side effects.  If an allergic reaction were to happen, the
Botox would just not take effect.  The
most common side effects would be headache, in less than 5% of cases.  I have never come across an allergy to
Botox in all of my injecting years.

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

Allergy to Botox has not been a problem.  Although there are probably antibodies formed against it after it is injected over a number of times, any problem is subclinical and does not affect the patient. Having never had it before you cannot be allergic because you have not been exposed to it.  However, Botox does have extra proteins and that could be an issue. I would suggest Xeomin which is pure boitulinum toxin

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

The risk of allergy to Botox is extremely low.  If you have concerns about it, then I would recommend that you do not proceed with Botox treatment since this is purely an elective procedure.Regards,Dr. Ort

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD · Answer

I have never seen a severe allergic reaction to Botox. For safety it has to be warned to all patients, but I suspect that this incidence is very remote. There is no test for Botox allergy.Hope this helps,Dr. Gus Diaz

How can a person know they are allergic to Botox if they've never had it done ?

Answers (14)

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