The dangers of Botox are restricted to its listed side effects or improper injections. As prices for anti-aging procedures continue to fall, the number of people using them increases with a staggering “356 percent increase in the total number of ‘minimally invasive procedures such as injectable, skin resurfacing, and laser procedures’” performed between 1997 and 2011, as reported by the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine.
With so many people using it, one might wonder, “How dangerous is Botox?”
Dangers Associated with Botox
Most drugs (and cosmetic procedures) come with side effects, which a doctor should always discuss before prescribing or performing. This is important for a couple of reasons. One is that the patient may decide the risks are greater than the benefits and opt not to have the procedure done. Another is that the patient can tell when symptoms may warrant contacting the doctor.
Botox injections can cause mild, temporary side effects like dry mouth and blurred vision. But the toxins in the medication also can lead to more serious complications such as respiratory problems and muscle weakness. If you have never had Botox injected and are wondering if Botox is dangerous for you, speak with a dermatologist about your medical history first.
Another issue related to how dangerous Botox could be for you is the injecting doctor’s level of expertise. It is recommended that only certified doctors inject it, most often dermatologists. Injecting Botox under the eye can cause the drug to spread into other areas of the body. Be careful of any services performed at a medical spa because these places do not always employ board-certified doctors.
Aesthetically, the dangers of Botox include drooping eyelids or overly arched eyebrows if the doctor does not perform the injection accurately.
Liability for Injuries Caused by Botox Injections
Doctors who perform cosmetic procedures must follow a reasonable standard of practice. A departure from this could result in a medical malpractice claim. To determine if this was the case, an attorney can investigate the circumstances. By comparing that doctor's actions to what someone with similar training and experience would do, it can show if there was a failure to exercise reasonable medical care.
If an Atlanta doctor botched your Botox job and it resulted in serious or fatal injuries, damages could be available in a medical malpractice claim. Compensation could cover medical costs, lost earnings, wrongful death, disfigurement and other losses. To learn if you have a valid claim and to understand your legal options, contact an attorney today at the law office of Jason R. Schultz using our contact form.
