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Is It Safe to Get a Botox While on Immunosupressants After a Kidney Transplant?

I had a kidney transplant surgery 2 months ago. I'm on immunosuppressants. Is it safe for me to have a botox treatment now or later? Thank you.

Doctor Answers 11

Kidney transplant and Botox

February 21st, 2011
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I have treated kidney transplant patients in the past, but you should clear it with your kidney doctor first. It may be a bit premature to do so.

Web reference: http://www.stevenwallachmd.com

Steven Wallach, MD


New York Plastic Surgeon
4.1 out of 5 stars 23 reviews

Botulinum Toxin (Botox and Dysport) in a kidney transplant patient

February 5th, 2011
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For the most part concerns about infection and reanal clearance and nephrotoxicity are paramount in an individual with a kidney transplant, However, I generally do not see a contra-indication if acceptable to your transplant surgeon and nephrologist.

Web reference: http://www.bodysculptor.com/skin-procedures-chicago/injectables/botox/

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 72 reviews

Botox - immunosuppression

December 19th, 2010
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I'd talk to your oncologist and internist to get their clearance.  A lot of it depends on how immunosuppressed you are and what other medical issues you have.  I would not proceed until you have discussed it with them.  Once they clear you for the treatment, it is of utmost importance that your Botox injector is extremely careful to keep everything as sterile as possible so you don't get an infection.

Dr. Cat Begovic M.D.

Catherine Huang-Begovic, MD, FACS

Catherine Huang-Begovic, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 27 reviews

Aseptic technique is the main precaution

December 7th, 2010
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It should be safe to have any neurotoxin in limited amounts as long as the risk of infection is minimized by using aseptic or sterile tecnique when getting the injection, and there is no skin inflammation at the injection site. I would check with your medical specialist for routine clearance as well. While Botox is a purified bacterial toxin there is no live bacteria in the product, so you should be safe.

Web reference: http://www.specialface.com

Harrison C. Putman III, MD

Botox when immunosuppressed

November 18th, 2010
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In the hands of a trained physician injector, who performs aseptic technique, you are good to go on the neurotoxin- enjoy

Purvisha Patel, MD

Botox and kidney transplant medication

November 18th, 2010
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As long as  your kidney transplant surgeon and internist agree, there should be no issue with Botox provided that the standard aseptic technique is used (the physician disinfects the skin, sterile needles, etc.).

Ronald Shelton, MD

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 37 reviews

Botox in Newly Immunosuppressed Patients? I would wait...

November 18th, 2010
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While there is no absolute reason not to have it that I can think of, I  think it would be prudent to wait.  I also would check with your transplant team first.  There are some human proteins in the mixture, and these might have some unintended consequences in your situation.  Because this is such a complex area, I would, in your position, wait a bit more before doing anything in the cosmetic area.  It just seems prudent to not add anything else into the mix of a complex situation.  

Claudio DeLorenzi MD FRCS

Claudio DeLorenzi, MD

Claudio DeLorenzi, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon
4.2 out of 5 stars 8 reviews

Get a Botox While on Immunosupressants After a Kidney Transplant

November 17th, 2010
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Just for your own safety I would recommend a written OK from your medical doctor before having BOTOX injections. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl j. Blinski, 305 598 0091

Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Botox for immunosuppressed patients

November 17th, 2010
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Botox is safe for transplant patients as long as there are no skin infections in the area to be injected and there are no allergies to Botox itself.

Emily Altman, MD

Emily Altman, MD
Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 4 reviews

Botox has not live organism in it.

November 17th, 2010
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BOTOX is a purified protein that is used to adjust the muscles of facial expression.  There is no live bacteria in the product.  There are no contraindications to having BOTOX simply because you are immune suppressed for your kidney transplant.  Having said that, given your medical condition, it is always best to check with your internist or nephrologist who is following you and get their advise regarding any treatment you may be considering.

Web reference: http://www.lidlift.com

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 23 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.