These days Botox has become a fairly common procedure, with many men and women getting injections as they age, sometimes even beginning in their twenties. Because of this, a lot of people tend to think that administering Botox injections is a simple procedure that requires minimal training, and that there is little risk involved. This leads to many people simply considering price when it comes to Botox injections and looking for the most affordable option, such as discounts from Groupon Botox or Botox parties. However, there are many things you should be concerned about when it comes to these cheaper Botox options.

Botox Coupons

There are a lot of coupon sites out there now, such as Groupon, that have become a popular place for people to search for discounts on things such as cosmetic procedures and Botox. Groupon Botox can be much less expensive, but also can be risky. The reason is because Groupon Botox options are typically provided by businesses who are very new, or who have trouble gaining and maintaining a clientele. If they are new, they may be qualified, but they just have not had the chance to build up a reputation yet. This is a risk for you because you cannot go by testimonials of other patients to let you know the good and the bad so that you can weigh your options before making a decision. If they have been around for a while, it could be a sign that people generally are not happy with their service and do not return or refer people they know. This is why you should thoroughly investigate the business offering Groupon Botox before taking a chance with your face in order to save some money.

Botox Parties

It is important to be weary of getting a large discount on Botox, like with the increasingly popular trend of Botox parties. At these parties, several people who all want to get Botox injections come together at someone’s house or another location, and for arranging to have multiple people injected at once they all receive a discount on the product. One problem with this is the physician’s ability to provide a safe and sterile environment for the injections outside of their medical office. Another issue is that a lot of the time a doctor does not perform the injections at these parties, and it is even common for them to be done by an individual without any proper medical training.

The biggest concern with Botox parties, as well as other deeply discounted Botox injections, is that you may not actually even be getting real, FDA approved Botox. There are 3 types of Botox that are approved by the FDA, and you must be a licensed medical practitioner to acquire and administer them. Also, the price for these medications is fairly standardized, meaning most practitioners are getting it for the same amount and therefore charge the similarly to make a profit. If someone is not licensed, or offering Botox at an incredibly low price, you are more than likely not getting the real thing. This means that besides having questionable or shorter lasting results, the product may not be sterile which could lead to a multitude of problems. For your safety, please be sure that you are getting Botox injections from a licensed professional, who is using FDA approved Botox.

Botox Side Effects

The good news is that  Botox side effects are not common, and many can be avoided all together, which is all the more reason to be very selective with who you choose as your practitioner. The main Botox side effects that occur outside of the injection site are due to improper injection technique, such as going too deep or in the wrong part of the muscle.

Here is a list of possible Botox side effects:

  • allergic reaction
  • injection site reactions including:
    • muscle weakness
    • bruising
    • bleeding
    • pain
    • redness
    • swelling
    • infection
  • headaches (usually go away in 24 to 48 hours)
  • eyebrow or eyelid drooping
  • drooping of the corner of the mouth
  • inability to use a straw
  • rash
  • itching

Who should not get Botox?

Another reason to see a licensed and qualified medical provider for your Botox is because not everyone should receive Botox injections. Someone who is not medically trained, or just out to make a quick buck may recommend Botox to someone who is not a good candidate whether they realize it or not.

You should not get Botox injections if you:

  • have a neurological disease
  • are pregnant
  • are breastfeeding
  • are allergic to albumin or a constituent (part) of the preservative.

Also, you want to keep in mind that Botox does not work for all wrinkles, and is only recommended for use on specific areas of the face.