Are there long term harms to Botox?

Author: Mr. Sammy Heathcote DVM  |  Last update: Monday, May 26, 2025

Some studies suggest prolonged Botox use may lead to skin thinning, reduced collagen production, and alterations in elastin fibers, potentially resulting in diminished skin elasticity, firmness, and resilience.

What does Botox look like after 10 years?

“If you do too much Botox on your forehead for many, many years, the muscles will get weaker and flatter,” cautions Wexler, adding that the skin can also appear thinner and looser. Moreover, as your muscles become weaker, they can start to recruit surrounding muscles when you make facial expressions.

What are the negatives of getting Botox?

Possible side effects and unwanted results include:
  • Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site.
  • Headache or flu-like symptoms.
  • Droopy eyelids or crooked eyebrows.
  • A crooked smile or drooling.
  • Watery or dry eyes.
  • Infection at the injection site.

What effects Botox longevity?

The effects usually last between 3 to 6 months. The longevity of Botox's effects can be extended through the choice of a skilled injector, avoiding excessive facial movements, limiting strenuous activities, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding sunbed use.

Does Botox stop working after years of use?

Because Botox is made from a safe form of the bacteria that causes botulism, the body will try to form resistance to the drug over time in some patients. The body begins to form antibodies against the product. Eventually the antibodies will block Botox® from working, and the facial muscles will recover very rapidly.

BOTOX INJECTIONS: Side Effects, Risks, Cost, & Experience | Doctor ER

What happens after 20 years of Botox?

Muscle Atrophy and Adaptation: After long-term Botox use, some facial muscles may experience mild atrophy due to limited activity. This can actually benefit patients who prefer a smoother look, as muscle activity that causes wrinkles is minimized.

What is the best alternative to Botox?

Below are 10 alternatives to BOTOX® that might help if you're seeking smoother or firmer skin on your face.
  • Cosmetic Acupuncture. ...
  • Microneedling. ...
  • Chemical Peels. ...
  • Laser Therapy. ...
  • Cryotherapy. ...
  • Facial Creams. ...
  • Neuropeptides. ...
  • Face Patches.

Does Botox affect you later in life?

Long-term effects

A 2022 review study found that people who regularly received Botox injections showed changes in their muscle composition, function, and appearance up to four years after their last injection. "If you didn't use your abs [abdominal muscles] for 10 years, they would waste away," says Mosahebi.

Why not get Botox on forehead?

The potential side effects of the Botox procedure in the forehead include pain in the injected area, bruising, swelling, and inflammation.

Does Botox age you over time?

Can Botox make you look older over time? Commencing extensive Botox treatments at a young age can potentially accelerate the aging process, resulting in an older appearance over time. Adopting a premature and overly aggressive approach to Botox injections may lead to a frozen and over-treated facial expression.

Why should Botox be avoided?

Serious adverse effects after cosmetic use of botulinum toxin include dysphagia, muscle weakness, and allergic reactions [22, 23].

Is Botox safe for the liver?

Both Botox and dermal fillers are eventually metabolized by the body and safely excreted through the liver and kidneys.

Can Botox affect your heart?

Most Botox side effects are generally mild and temporary. Rare but serious side effects, such as heart problems or difficulty breathing, are also possible. When they happen, they're often linked to the medication spreading to other parts of the body.

Does Botox eventually leave your body?

Over time, the Botox components are broken down into harmless particles called amino acids. The broken-down components are excreted from the kidneys as waste, or they're used in other proteins. As such, Botox either leaves your system completely or gets recycled in a harmless form.

What are the neurological side effects of Botox?

When To Call the Doctor
  • Vision problems, including blurred vision or drooping eyelids.
  • Signs of urinary tract infection, such as blood in your urine (hematuria).
  • Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
  • Trouble swallowing.
  • Slurred speech.
  • Numbness or paralysis in an untreated area.
  • Severe stomach upset.

At what age should Botox be stopped?

The truth is that there is no upper age limit when it comes to using Botox since it works by relaxing the facial muscles, which in our opinion, is a valid approach for people of any age to take to look younger. Most people, in fact, who receive Botox tend to be older rather than younger.

Why no Botox after 65?

Some rare but potential risks for patients over the age of 65 include: Reactions At the Injection Site—Bruising, pain, and swelling around the injection site are the most common side effects of a Botox treatment. These reactions happen if a blood vessel is temporarily damaged during the injection process.

What can ruin Botox?

7 Things Not to Do After Botox
  • Rubbing Your Face. ...
  • Sun and Heat Exposure. ...
  • Intense Exercise. ...
  • Taking Blood Thinners. ...
  • Alcohol Consumption. ...
  • Washing Your Face With Soap. ...
  • Applying Topical Products.

Can Botox cause hooded eyes?

While BoNT is generally safe, it's important to note that, ​as with​ any cosmetic treatment, it can have potential complications. One such rare issue is the droopy eyelid or eyelid ptosis. This occurs when BoNT migrates to unintended areas, affecting the muscles that control the upper eyelid.

What do celebrities use instead of Botox?

Celebrities often pick alternatives like Dysport, Xeomin, and Juvederm. These fillers add volume or reduce wrinkles differently than Botox. They're popular for their varying effects and durations.

What are the downsides of Botox?

Nausea. Redness. Temporary facial weakness or drooping. In rare instances, the botulinum toxin may spread beyond the treatment area, causing botulism-like signs and symptoms such as breathing problems, trouble swallowing, muscle weakness and slurred speech.

What is a pillow face?

“Pillow face” occurs when too much filler is injected into areas like the cheeks, nasolabial folds (the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth), lips, and under-eye area. This repeated overfilling can result in a bloated, round appearance that looks far from natural.

What is the new competitor to Botox?

Everything You Need to Know About Letybo, the Newest Botox Competitor. It's already massively popular in Korea. It has been used overseas for years, and now Letybo has finally made its way to the United States: The neuromodulator was approved by the FDA to treat glabellar lines (a.k.a.

What are the danger zones of Botox?

A Deep Dive Into Botox Danger Zones
  • Zone 1: The Glabella Region. The glabella, located between the eyebrows, is a common area for treating frown lines. ...
  • Zone 2: Orbicularis Oculi Muscle Region. ...
  • Zone 3: The Nose Area. ...
  • Zone 4: Perioral Region (Around the Mouth) ...
  • Zone 5: The Jawline and Platysma Muscle. ...
  • Zone 6: Temporal Region.

How to get rid of 11 lines without Botox?

So, if you want to reduce your wrinkles without resorting to Botox injections, you might try these five cosmetic skin treatments instead.
  1. Dermal Fillers. ...
  2. Microdermabrasion. ...
  3. Laser Therapies. ...
  4. Chemical Peels. ...
  5. Retinoids.

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