If you know even a little about Botox, you probably know that Botox Cosmetic injections are made from botulinum toxin A. While this therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent has been approved by the FDA for several different uses and has been injected successfully and without incident in tens of millions of procedures, words like “botulism” and “toxin” don’t exactly scream “safe.” But the reality is that Botox injections in the forehead or elsewhere are extraordinarily safe when administered by a trained medical professional.

Massive Study Confirms Botox Safety

In 2014, the first large scale study of Botox and other neurotoxins used in dermatological and cosmetic procedures was published in the medical journal JAMA Dermatology. Conducted by Northwestern University researchers, the study reviewed over 20,000 separate procedures. Only 48 adverse events were reported; an astonishingly low 0.24% rate of complications. Even the study’s lead author, Dr. Murad Alam, was shocked by the results: “We strongly suspected the rates were going to be low, but we were pleasantly surprised that they were as low as they were.”

The incident rates for Botox specifically were even lower: researchers found that only 1 out of every 3,333 Botox treatments resulted in some sort of negative side effect such as bruising or swelling. As the study notes, even these effects were “minor and rapidly remitting, and serious adverse events were not seen.”

Treatment By a Trained Medical Professional is Key to Botox Safety

The very last sentence of the Northwestern study makes a central point about Botox safety: “Patients seeking such procedures can be reassured that, at least in the hands of trained board-certified dermatologists, they pose minimal risk.”

The risks of Botox injections can increase dramatically if performed by someone lacking the necessary training and experience to correctly administer the treatment. Anyone considering Botox should look with extreme skepticism at storefronts or other places advertising Botox treatments if they don’t confirm that a board-certified physician is the one who will be giving you the injection.

Additionally, you may see botulinum toxin offered online. This is extraordinarily dangerous. Botox is a prescription medication that can be purchased only by licensed physicians. If the seller does not request proof of a medical license, the product is not what dermatologists use. Injecting such “black market Botox” yourself can cause serious complications. Long-term muscle paralysis, Bell’s palsy, and permanent eye damage have been reported. As with any medical procedure, treatment should be administered in a sterile, professional environment by an experienced, licensed professional.

Call Dr. Busso Today to Learn More About How Botox Can Help You

Board-certified Miami Aesthetic Dermatologist Dr. Mariano Busso is a leading expert in the field of injectable cosmetic medicine, including the use of Botox. He has personally administered thousands of Botox injections to satisfied patients.

An expert in all things skincare and aesthetics, Dr. Busso has coached physicians all over the country on his innovative techniques and quality of care. Call us today at 305-857-0144 to schedule your consultation and learn more about Botox.