Is It Safe to Undergo Major Procedure After Botox?

Question

What are the risks of a procedure under general anesthesia after Botox treatment?

Brian S. Glatt, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree that there is no problem having Botox injections prior to surgery.  As has been pointed out, though, you should be VERY careful about not having anyone apply any kind of undue pressure to the areas of injection for about 1 week after administration as there would be a small risk of unintended spread and migration.  While this would pose to systemic risk to you, it may alter your ultimate results if the Botox were to spread into the muscles around the eye, for instance, giving you ptosis or a droopy eye.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

We are not aware of problems with cosmetic botox and general anesthesia. Are you implying that the procedure will take place some days after the Botox? Every Botox treatment is different from patient to patient as the number of units can be significantly higher or lower. This may make a difference and you should ask your anesthesiologist.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

How long after and in what location?
Generally if the botox is placed a week before it is highly unlikely that anesthesia will have any effect.
However, if it is placed 1 hour before and in the area around the mouth, it is possible that the manipulation of the mouth area may produce some alteration in the effect.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Dear Helloroxie
BOTOX has absolutely no bearing on the safety of general anesthesia.  The dose that is used for cosmetic BOTOX would have no bearing on safety.  Even for someone receiving very high doses of BOTOX for medical reasons would not experience an increased risk from prior treatment with BOTOX.  So not to worry.
Generally we find that it is not a good idea to mix facial surgery at BOTOX at the same time.  The reason for this is that surgery in the same area as the BOTOX treatment can result in an unexpected drift in the BOTOX treatment.  This can cause effects like smile weakness and eyelid drooping.  BOTOX treatment should be separated in time from facial surgery by a couple of weeks for this reason.

Edward Buckingham, MD · Answer

There is not any problem undergoing surgery, even major surgery after Botox.  There is little if any systemic absorption and the quantities used for cosmetic purposes are so small they are inconsequential.

Is It Safe to Undergo Major Procedure After Botox?

Answers (9)

Answer: BOTOX has not effect on the risks for general anesthesia

Answer: BOTOX has not effect on the risks for general anesthesia

Answer: Surgery after botox

Answer: Surgery after botox

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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Is It Safe to Undergo Major Procedure After Botox?

Answers (9)

Answer: BOTOX has not effect on the risks for general anesthesia

Answer: BOTOX has not effect on the risks for general anesthesia

Answer: Surgery after botox

Answer: Surgery after botox

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

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