Considering a little Botox, but worried about the potential side effects. Read up on what Food and Drug Administration (FDA) medical officer Janette Alexander, M.D. had to say about the possibilities. Check out Part One and then read the rest below:

Are there any types of men or women who should not venture to try injectables?

Alexander says you should not use wrinkle fillers if you have:

  • Severe allergies marked by a history of anaphylactic shock (the body's potentially fatal allergic reaction)
  • An allergy to collagen (when considering wrinkle fillers that contain collagen)
  • Allergy to lidocaine (when considering wrinkle fillers that contain lidocaine)
  • Predisposition to form excessive scarring (keloid) or thick scarring (hypertrophic scars)
  • Bleeding disorder
  • Active inflammatory condition (cysts, pimples, rashes or hives) or infection; you should postpone treatment until the condition is controlled

And additional tips for consumers out there?

Before deciding to get injected with a dermal filler, Alexander warns to be aware of the following:

  • The safety of these products is unknown for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women or in patients under 18 years of age.
  • The safety is unknown if used with Botox or other wrinkle therapies.
  • You should be able to get patient labeling information on FDA-approved injectable wrinkle fillers from your health care professional.
  • Know the type of product to be injected and all of its possible side effects. Know where each product used is to be injected.
  • Do not buy dermal fillers on the Internet. They may be fraudulent, tainted, and/or harmful.

Alexander says to also discuss the different types of FDA-approved dermal fillers and the results you want to achieve with your health care professional who can refer you to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, and be sure to select a specialist trained to do the procedure.

You may want to contact the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery as well.