All procedures involve risks. Although the risks are uncommon, you need to be aware of them. Dr. Markus will be happy to answer any questions you may have or address any of your concerns.

Some possible complications with BOTOX® Cosmetic include:

Drooping. The vast majority of people who receive BOTOX® Cosmetic injections never experience any upper eyelid drooping. Depending on the area injected, drooping of upper eyelid occurs rarely. Drooping is usually mild and is never permanent. Eye drops can be used to improve any drooping. The drooping will correct itself usually over a few weeks as the underlying muscle strengthens.

Pain. Some patients experience minimal pain at the injection site, but this pain can be lessened by applying ice prior to injection. No application or injection of anesthetic is needed. Oral pain medication is not needed or useful.

Bleeding. Bleeding can occur at the injection site but is minimal, and can be lessened by applying ice prior to injection. Bleeding under the skin may result in bruising but should clear within two weeks. Avoid all anti-inflammatory medications, including aspirin, for 10 days prior to the injection. Also avoid vitamins (except in a multivitamin) and herbs for 10 days to further lessen the risk of bruising.

Loss of Expression. Any facial muscle injected with BOTOX® Cosmetic will lose its expression. For example, if your forehead is injected then you will not be able to wrinkle your forehead. The effect of the injections lasts for several months.

Uneven Contour. Uneven skin contour of one side of the face can result from BOTOX® Cosmetic injections and can be treated at a follow-up office visit.

Headache. Some patients report headaches after BOTOX® Cosmetic injections, but most people who have problems with headaches prior to injection report fewer headaches afterwards. In fact, in some cases BOTOX® Cosmetic is used to treat migraine headaches.

Ineffective Treatment. On rare occasions, some patients do not respond to BOTOX® Cosmetic injections.