You should never attempt to perform DIY Botox.

Indeed, even a medical professional shouldn’t try to perform a Botox procedure on themselves. This is far more dangerous than plastic surgery. The injections must be done by professionals who know what they’re doing. To make sure that you’re safe, the health care professionals at Plastic Surgery Specialists of Maryland are thoroughly trained in Botox procedures.

A Bad DIY Botox Job Could Actually Be Deadly Botox

The reason for this is because Botulinum A, which makes up much of injectable Botox, is a toxin. The toxin comes from a bacteria and causes botulism, which is one of the most deadly kinds of food poisoning known to humans. The toxin works by disrupting the neurotransmitters that allow nerves to communicate with certain muscles. When the communication is cut, the muscles are paralyzed. This temporarily gets rid of wrinkles, eases uncontrolled eye blinking and migraine headaches and may even treat arrhythmias. However, if the wrong area of the face or neck is injected, the bacteria can disrupt those muscles that allow a person to breathe, chew or swallow.

What Else Can Go Wrong with DIY Botox?

Even if a client’s experience of do-it-yourself Botox injections isn’t fatal, they can injure themselves in other ways. Muscles, including those around the eyes, can droop, and the client can suffer dry mouth, double vision and symptoms that resemble the flu. These symptoms go away, but the client may have to live with them for a few weeks if not months. The injection site can also become infected just because the needle wasn’t inserted properly.

Our Professionals Do It the Right Way

The healthcare professionals at Plastic Surgery Specialists are rigorously trained in how to administer Botulinum A. In some ways, this treatment is as delicate as plastic surgery. There are 43 muscles in the face alone, and a person performing the procedure must know where each one is and what it does. They also have to know the right dosage to give to the patient and how many injections are needed to get the best results.

Avoid DIY Botox by scheduling a consultation?

BOTOX® Cosmetic has 8 questions to ask:

  1. Do they have medical expertise in facial anatomy? For instance, are they licensed and trained in a field of aesthetic medicine, such as dermatology, cosmetic surgery, or oculoplastic surgery, to name a few.
  2. How many years of experience do they have injecting BOTOX® Cosmetic?
  3. How often do they treat patients with BOTOX® Cosmetic?
  4. Do they schedule a follow-up visit after treatment?
  5. Will they show you before-and-after pictures of other patients they have treated?
  6. What are the most common side effects they have seen in their clinical experience?
  7. What should you do if you experience any side effects?
  8. What do they need to know about your medical history? Be prepared to tell your specialist about any medical conditions, including any prescription medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are taking.

Leave It to the Pros and Make An Appointment At Plastic Surgery Specialists in Annapolis

Annapolis residents who are interested in safe, professionally done Botox treatments, plastic surgery and other treatments should set up an appointment to speak with one of our healthcare professionals. We not only have our main office in Annapolis, Maryland, but convenient satellite offices in Prince Frederick or Easton, all in Maryland. Call Plastic Surgery Specialists today at 866.540.3911.

The Dangers of DIY Botox Reported by CBS News in Texas