When Injecting Botox for Forehead Wrinkles, What Are the Chances of the Botox Travelling to the Lungs?

Question

I have quite severe asthma in the sense that it is quite impredictible (even though my PEF is excellent), and it sometimes worsens very quickly. I am interested in getting botox, and my doctor insists that there are no risks to the lungs when botox is injected in the forehead or crowd feet. But I am really doubtful about this, since I have read that there have been deads related to Botox. I have also read that Botox can cause pneumonia, what is the explanation for this?

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

While there is a risk of migration, I haven't heard of Botox migrating from the upper face to the lungs. It is highly unlikely.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Botox is a medicine that is injected into the specific muscle.  It is designed not to "travel" anywhere.  As of this writing, I do not know of any case of forehead or crows feet  injection of cosmetic Botox effecting the lungs.

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

Botox injected in cosmetic doses poses no risk to systemic spread. Botox as a drug does not cause pneumonia. See a reputable Doctor in your area who can explain the possible complications

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

The chances of this happening are extraordinarily rare, less than 0.1%.  Botox is derived from Botulinum Toxin Type A. Allergan states that a potential side effect of Botox is having the toxin spread away from the injection site and through the body.  This is extremely rare when a treatment with Botox is performed properly. When Botox is administered for cosmetic purposes, it is specifically injected in a given area to address the muscles causing wrinkles.   Botox has been FDA approved to treat certain issues. When it is used properly by a trained physician for these approved purposes, you really have nothing to worry about.  Any side effects experienced are associated with the injection site, and may include the following:

	1) Slight bruising
	2) Swelling
	3) Temporary ptosis (drooping of the eyelid)
	4) Allergic reaction at the injection site
	5) Muscle stiffness near the injection site
	6) Headache
	
	Thanks and I hope this helps!

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

When injected properly in the forehead, Botox is not likely to be injected intravenously for it to cause paralysis of the diaphragm, affecting breathing.

When Injecting Botox for Forehead Wrinkles, What Are the Chances of the Botox Travelling to the Lungs?

Answers (10)

Answer: Risk of Botox traveling to the lungs?

Answer: Risk of Botox traveling to the lungs?

Answer: Botox not likely to cause diaphragmatic paralysis

Answer: Botox not likely to cause diaphragmatic paralysis

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.

When Injecting Botox for Forehead Wrinkles, What Are the Chances of the Botox Travelling to the Lungs?

Answers (10)

Answer: Risk of Botox traveling to the lungs?

Answer: Risk of Botox traveling to the lungs?

Answer: Botox not likely to cause diaphragmatic paralysis

Answer: Botox not likely to cause diaphragmatic paralysis

Browse related questions

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.