As you research Botox, you’ve probably encountered the word toxic. Botox is made from botulinum toxin, so it’s normal to have a few questions about Botox.

Botox is a safe treatment option with both cosmetic and medical uses. It’s also been approved by the FDA, meaning it’s a safe treatment backed by science. 
## What is Botulinum Toxin?
Where does the word toxic come from? Botox is made from botulinum toxin, a neurochemical produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum. This bacterium occurs naturally all around us. It’s found in rivers, lakes, seawater, forests, and even in the soil.

The botulinum toxin can be dangerous in very high doses. It’s sometimes found in foods that aren’t processed properly. The bacterium can grow, spread, and produce high levels of toxins. When people eat this food, they can develop a rare and deadly illness called botulism.
## Botox Injections Contain Small Doses
Moderation is key in many areas of life, and Botox is no different. In small doses, Botox is completely safe. Professional injectors never exceed the recommended dose, and take a less is more approach. This means Botox is safe and your risk of adverse effects is extremely low.

The FDA recommends no more than 360 units of Botox in a three-month period. A little really goes a long way. Cosmetic treatments use very small doses. For example, you only need 10 to 30 units on the forehead to relax the forehead muscles. 

Botox for medical uses is usually administered in larger doses. For example, to treat underarm sweating you may receive about 50 units in each underarm. This is still well below the recommended limit and is perfectly safe.
## Botox Injections Are Safe
Are you nervous about needles? The Botox injection process is also completely safe. With a trained professional, you should feel minimal discomfort and few or no side effects. Each injection has a mixture of botulinum toxin and a saline solution that further dilutes the toxin. The injection takes just a couple of minutes depending on how many injections you’re getting, and the entire appointment takes less than 20 minutes.

Side effects are not common, but you might notice some redness or swelling at the injection site right after the injection.
## Is Botox Safe Long Term?
Botox doesn’t have negative long-term effects. Botox is a temporary treatment, and any side effects are localized to the area around the injection site. 

But Botox does have some positive long-term effects. Repeated Botox treatment can slowly change the muscle responses in your face. Targeted muscles, the ones causing wrinkles on your forehead, between your eyebrows, or in the corners of your eyes, start to respond differently. Even when Botox is wearing off, these muscles don’t return to full activity. Instead, Botox treatments have trained these muscles to stay relaxed. This can prevent further wrinkles and give you more youthful-looking skin.
## Book a Consultation to Find Out More
Botox is a safe cosmetic and medical treatment. But before you get Botox for the first time, we want you to feel completely confident. Book a consultation and talk to one of our doctors to share your concerns about Botox and discuss your treatment goals.

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