5/17/25

Is Botox Safe Here’s What the Science Really Says

A Medical Deep Dive by Get Tox’d

Whether you're considering your first wrinkle treatment or you're a Tox regular, it's completely normal to ask:
“Is Botox actually safe?”

At Get Tox’d, we believe that education is empowerment. So let’s take a closer look at what recent clinical research says about the safety of Botox and similar neuromodulators like Xeomin and Dysport.

The Short Answer:

Yes, Botox is very safe when administered by a licensed, trained professional—like the providers at Get Tox’d.
It’s FDA-approved, medically researched, and used millions of times per year with a high safety profile.

Botox by the Numbers

  • Approved by the FDA since 2002 for cosmetic use (frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead lines)

  • Over 7.4 million botulinum toxin treatments were performed in the U.S. in 2023 alone (American Society of Plastic Surgeons)

  • 97% of patients in a 2023 clinical trial reported no serious side effects (Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology)

What the Medical Research Says

1. Well-Studied, FDA-Approved

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) has been studied for over 30 years. It's FDA-approved for both cosmetic and therapeutic use, including migraines, excessive sweating, muscle spasms, and more.

Study (JAMA Dermatology, 2022):
Found Botox to have an “exceptionally low risk” of adverse effects when injected by trained medical professionals. Most side effects were minor, temporary, and resolved without intervention.

2. Most Side Effects Are Mild and Temporary

Common side effects include:

  • Mild swelling or bruising at injection site

  • Temporary headache

  • Drooping eyelid (rare, usually resolves in a few weeks)

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2023):
Among 1,000+ patients, fewer than 2% reported any side effects, and less than 0.5% had moderate reactions.

Pro Tip from Get Tox’d:
Following proper pre- and post-care instructions can drastically reduce side effects and improve outcomes.

3. No Long-Term Health Risks in Healthy Individuals

There is no evidence suggesting Botox causes long-term harm in healthy individuals when used appropriately.

Medical Consensus (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2021):
Long-term users of Botox (5+ years) showed no adverse systemic effects and often had improved skin texture due to muscle relaxation.

Who Shouldn’t Get Botox?

While Botox is safe for most adults, some medical conditions may pose higher risks, such as:

  • Neuromuscular disorders (e.g., Myasthenia Gravis)

  • Active skin infections near injection site

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding (not FDA-tested in these groups)

At Get Tox’d, we perform a full health screening before every treatment to ensure safety and optimal results.

Why Choosing the Right Injector Matters

Botox safety isn’t just about the product—it’s about who’s injecting it.

The Get Tox’d Technique is built on:

  • Extensive medical training

  • Facial anatomy expertise

  • Sterile, precise application methods

  • Custom dosing per client

Study (Dermatologic Surgery, 2022):
Found that complication rates were 5x lower when Botox was administered by medically licensed injectors trained in facial anatomy.

Real Talk: Is Botox Addictive?

Short answer: No.
There are no chemical dependencies or withdrawal symptoms associated with Botox. However, people love their results and often choose to maintain them every 3–4 months.

Botox vs. Fillers: Different Safety Profiles

While Botox relaxes muscles, dermal fillers add volume. Both are safe when done properly, but fillers have a higher risk of complications like vascular occlusion—another reason to choose trained injectors like the team at Get Tox’d.

Final Word from Get Tox’d

If you’re healthy, informed, and working with a licensed professional, Botox is one of the safest and most effective ways to refresh your appearance. The key is skill, science, and trust—all of which we prioritize at Get Tox’d.

Still have questions about Botox safety?

Come in for a free consultation with one of our providers. We'll review your medical history, answer every question, and create a custom treatment plan that feels as safe as it is stunning.

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