How Long Does it Take For Botox Side Effects to Wear Off?

Botox is used to give yourself a more youthful appearance by smoothing out your facial wrinkles. But Botox can also have a variety of adverse effects, with some being more prevalent than others. While some negative effects only last a few days or weeks, there are adverse effects that persist longer than you might think. This may concern you as it can become severe and cause you a lot of pain and discomfort..

So how long do typical Botox side effects take to wear off? They can last anywhere between hours, a few days, or possibly weeks, depending on the side effect itself and other factors such as your medical condition and how your body deals with these effects. These are just a handful of the more typical Botox adverse effects reported by patients in research trials, and these common side effects might vary based on the ailment being treated with the medicine. 

Say Goodbye To Your Wrinkles and Fine Lines

With just a few simple injections, our providers can erase your wrinkles and fine lines in no time with Botox. Call us today to book your appointment.

CALL NOW

What Are The Side Effects of Botox and How Long Do They Last? 

1) Bruising, Swelling, or Pain

Botox and filler reactions most frequently occur at the injection site. Botox injections can cause mild pain, edema, and bruising, and swelling or bruising can be caused by even the tiniest needle. This bruising is caused by a blood vessel rupturing because it bleeds into the surrounding region. Bruising typically lasts 2 to 3 days, but it can sometimes last up to a week.

You can take precautions to prevent or reduce bruising, but you should always see an experienced doctor about your specific situation. Bruising can be reduced by:

• Maintain a raised position with your head placed above your heart.
• Apply ice at regular intervals for up to 2-3 days after treatment.
• Don’t drink alcohol the day before and the day after injections.
• Avoid taking any blood thinners like medications.
• Refrain from strenuous exercise or activity for 3 days after the injection.
• Talk to your doctor ahead of time to get specific. advice or recommendations especially if you use any vitamins or drugs.

2) Flu-Like Symptoms 

The symptoms are modest to moderate and generally appear within the first month of Botox treatment, and the feeling of flu should only last up to 24 hours. Common side effects usually include upper respiratory infection with fever and tiredness. The best way to handle and treat these flu-like symptoms is to: 

• Take a lot of downtime and rest frequently.
• Always stay hydrated.
• Use a pain reliever like acetaminophen.
• Take steam baths if you need to.
• Stay in humid areas or use a humidifier in your room.
• See your doctor before taking any drugs following your operation. 

3) Headaches

Several patients have reported that they’ve gotten headaches and a chronic migraine after their Botox injections, but professionals have yet to determine the reason for this. Some theories include accidental forehead bumps, excessive facial muscle contractions, and Botox batch impurities. 

While the origin of the headache may be unknown, an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine like acetaminophen can be used to alleviate it, and it can last a few hours to a few days. Taking an OTC should help you get rid of your headache in a matter of hours or days. Always consult your doctor about your symptoms, as they are in the best position to make recommendations based on your specific situation. 

4) Nausea and Constipation

In 1 to 10% of individuals, an upset stomach, nausea, or constipation may develop. Symptoms range from mild to moderate and persist anywhere from a few days to two weeks. While unpleasant, treating an upset stomach caused by constipation or nausea is straightforward:

• Increase your fruit and vegetable consumption.
• Drink ginger tea.
• Consume low-fat meals.
• Take a fiber supplement or stool softener.
• Take a hot bath.
• Have light workouts 3 to 5 times a week 

5) Mouth Drainage or Dry Mouth

This is a typical occurrence that usually passes within a few days. These potential side effects might suggest a dry mouth caused by your injections: sticky-feeling mouth, thick or stringy saliva, dry or raspy throat, or difficulty swallowing. Botox travels from one muscle to the next, resulting in trouble swallowing, which should only last 2 to 10 days.

Try these home treatments for a dry mouth: frequently take tiny sips of water, eat sugarless candy, chew sugarless gum, use non-alcohol mouthwash, and breathe through your nose instead of your mouth. Dry mouth can last up to 5 days but can be alleviated with proper hydration as early as 1 or 2 days after noticing it.  

6) Droopy Eyelids and Eye Swelling

A drooping eyelid can occur when Botox migrates to the forehead or between the eyes. Botox may be used to minimize the appearance of vertical frown lines on the forehead but some Botox may penetrate the upper eyelid and paralyze the muscle that keeps it up, causing drooping eyelids. This drooped look may also occur from swollen eyelids and cause blurry vision.

Droopy eyelids should go away in 4 to 6 weeks, but you can relieve symptoms by using the following remedies like using more Botox to counteract the relaxed muscle or using apraclonidine eye drops to improve drooping eyelids (but not drooping eyebrows). The likelihood of side effects can be considerably reduced by selecting the proper specialist. 

7) Retention of Urine

Botox injections might cause urinary retention, which is the inability to empty your bladder. This can result in common side effects like an inability to pee, or a urinary tract infection.

Urinary retention is more likely in Botox patients who are being treated for a neurological disease that causes overactive bladder urinary incontinence or patients with diabetes or multiple sclerosis who use Botox for the symptoms listed. If you already experience urine retention, consult your doctor before using Botox for bladder issues. If you have this issue, Botox may not be the best therapy for you, but your doctor can suggest alternative options.

Within 2 weeks of commencing Botox therapy, your doctor will evaluate your urine volume or how much you urinate for urinary retention. They may keep track of your urine volume for up to a year. Botox should only be used to treat bladder issues in persons who can get a catheter. A catheter can be used to assist in emptying your bladder temporarily until you no longer have urine retention. 

8) Infection of the Upper Respiratory Tract

Botox is known to cause upper respiratory tract infections which is a form of illness that includes the common cold, but these infections are typically rare in Botox patients.

An upper respiratory tract infection can cause the following symptoms: facial pressure from coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or painful throat. Those that typically get Botox and get upper respiratory tract infection suffer from dystonia of the cervical spine, involuntary tightening and muscle stiffness in the neck, or involuntary muscle spasms.

Call your doctor if you experience signs of an upper respiratory infection. They may be able to suggest treatments for this side effect such as muscle relaxants. Because of this adverse effect, you are unlikely to need to discontinue using Botox. This side effect has no specific length as this is a very unique side effect. 

9) Toxin Spread

Botulism occurs when Botox spreads from the injection site to other regions of the body. After a Botox injection, botulism can develop hours, days, or even weeks later. Among the symptoms are fatigue, difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, eyesight problems, squeaky voice or muscular weakness, and lack of bladder control.

Botulism can cause life-threatening difficulty breathing or swallowing in rare situations. These severe symptoms may be more likely in people who already have breathing or swallowing issues. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing following a Botox injection, call your doctor right away.. 

10) Allergic Reaction

Symptoms can range from moderate to severe and include rashes, itching, and swelling beneath the skin, most commonly in the lips, eyelids, feet, or hands, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, making it difficult to breathe, but these only last to a few days and at maximum, a few weeks.

Call your doctor right away if you have minor signs of an allergic reaction. They can advise you on how to manage your symptoms and if you should continue using Botox. If your symptoms are severe and you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact 911 or your local emergency number right once. However, allergic reactions would typically subside in 24 to 48 hours after taking an antihistamine. 

Get Your First Botox Done at aNu Aesthetics and Optimal Wellness

At aNu Aesthetics, we’re dedicated to giving you treatments and services that will make you look and feel great. Our highly-skilled cosmetic specialists will make sure that your procedures are successful, and that you achieve the look you’ve always wanted. 

Look and feel younger and more confident about yourself. Browse through our website to explore your treatment options or call us at (816) 670-4406.

Say Goodbye To Your Wrinkles and Fine Lines

With just a few simple injections, our providers can erase your wrinkles and fine lines in no time with Botox. Call us today to book your appointment.

CONTACT US