(Image via nunthorpeaesthetics.com)

Staff Writer: Olivia Beaudette

Email: obeaudette@umassd.edu

Botox is a common procedure used to reduce or eliminate frown lines, forehead creases, crow’s feet near the eyes, and wrinkles. It can also be used for medical purposes such as muscle spasms, sweating, overactive bladder, lazy eye, migraines, and more. Many people receive the treatment for a range of reasons, and overall, they don’t tend to have complications. 95% of people who get Botox use the injections for cosmetic purposes.

Recently, though, there have been some serious issues.

As of April 18th, 22 people across 11 states have reported that they suffered harmful reactions after receiving botox. Reports span from as early as November 2023 and as late as March 31, 2024. Those states include Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, California, Texas, and Washington.

All of the reports came from women ranging from 25 to 59 years old.

These people all received injections from individuals who were unlicensed, untrained, or they received them in non-medical places like homes and spas.

Nine have been hospitalized, and four have been treated with botulism antitoxin due to the concerns of spreading beyond the injection site.

Since these reports, the CDC announced that they are launching a multi-state investigation into potential counterfeit injections along with the US Food and Drug Administration and state health departments.

Why is Botox Dangerous?

Botox is a common procedure that takes the form of an injection. It is made from a bacterial toxin that blocks nerve signals where it is injected. The muscle is then unable to contract, thus diminishing unwanted wrinkles or spasms. It takes about one to three days to start working, and the results last about three to four months.

While botox can be safely injected, it can easily go wrong. 

Botox is made from the botulinum toxin found commonly in a specific bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism. The toxin is made by the bacteria naturally found in many places, especially soil and on fruits, vegetables, and seafood; however, it rarely makes people sick. This is known as one of the most dangerous biological products. The bacteria can produce spores, which help the bacteria survive, even in extreme conditions. 

The spores can make the lethal botulinum toxin under certain conditions. The conditions that lead to the production of this toxin are low to no oxygen levels, low acid, low sugar, low salt, and a certain temperature and water range — think fermented and canned foods.

The bacteria can resist heat extremely well, which is why it can be easily found on such foods, especially when they are improperly processed. 

Botulinum attacks nerves in the body. If too much Botox is injected — especially in the wrong places (i.e., too close to the eyes or mouth) — symptoms like blurry or double vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing or breathing, dry mouth, slurred speech, fatigue, and weakness can develop. 

While it appears that Botox is incredibly dangerous, it is only dangerous in the hands of the wrong people. With proper usage and training, botox can continue to be a safe procedure for everyone, but the danger lies in the non-professionals trying to make money.