Can Botox cause any permanent damage?

Author: Merritt Schmidt IV  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

The cosmetic use of Botox is safe even in cases of repeated injections. On the other hand, the long-lasting cosmetic use of botulinum toxin can trigger permanent changes in facial expression, and an expressionless, mask-like face.

Does Botox cause long-term damage?

Prolonged muscle paralysis or atrophy following repeated Botox treatments can lead to alterations in muscle architecture, including muscle fiber composition and ability to contract.

Can Botox cause permanent muscle damage?

In addition, serial and repeated injections may also cause undesirable and unanticipated muscle atrophy that is impossible to reverse.

What does Botox do to your face after years?

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.

Does Botox eventually leave your system?

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.

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

What is the biggest risk of Botox?

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

What happens when you stop Botox after years?

Gradual Return of Wrinkles

It's important to remember that your wrinkles won't come back worse than before. They'll simply return to their pre-botox appearance. And if you've been getting Botox for a while, you may find that your wrinkles are actually less noticeable than they were before you started treatment.

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.

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.

How many years younger do you look after Botox?

That's why millions of people a year look to erase wrinkles through Botox® injections. A 10-minute procedure that can make you look 10 years younger.

What are the worst side effects of Botox?

Call your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms hours or weeks after your procedure:
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Vision problems.
  • Trouble talking or swallowing.
  • Breathing problems.
  • Allergic reaction.
  • Loss of bladder control.

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.

Can Botox permanently damage nerves?

Can Botox Cause Nerve Damage? Botox is generally a safe and effective treatment, but like any medical procedure, there is always a risk of side effects and potential complications. One of the more serious potential complications is nerve damage. The risk of nerve damage from Botox is extremely rare.

Who should not get Botox?

Some of the people who shouldn't be using Botox are nursing or pregnant women, those who suffer from neuromuscular disorders, and people suffering from neurological illnesses.

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.

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.

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.

How to get rid of forehead lines without Botox?

Here are some other ways to deal with wrinkles on your forehead and other parts of your face, without Botox injections:
  1. Other Injectables. ...
  2. Skincare Products Such As Facial Creams (Non Invasive Treatment Options) ...
  3. Chemical Peel. ...
  4. Vitamins. ...
  5. Microneedling.

Do the Kardashians do Botox?

Botox is FDA- approved and Kardashian-approved since almost all sisters have gotten an injection at some point. The beauty of Botox is that it can also delay any new lines, which is a win for anyone concerned about aging, which is probably everyone.

Can Botox cause myasthenia gravis?

The application of botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) is accelerating, and this includes the uncontrolled cosmetic use of the BoNTA. Diffusion of BoNTA can disturb neuromuscular transmission in several surrounding and distant muscles and result in clinical manifestations similar to myasthenia gravis (MG).

Can Botox affect your mental health?

Participants who received BOTOX injections experienced a decrease in strength of emotional response relative to those who received Restylane, particularly in response to a mildly positive (intended neutral) video clip. Values represent change in strength of emotional experience from pre- to post-treatment.

Where does Botox go when it wears off?

How your body clears Botox. Researchers aren't sure what happens to Botox as its effects wear off. However, they suspect your body metabolizes the toxin in the same way as other medications — with enzymes released from your liver. Once Botox is injected, it inhibits the activity of nerve signals in the treated area.

Are there long-term negatives to Botox?

It can weaken your muscles

“Botulinum toxin actually blocks neuro-communication between the nerve and the muscle, causing weakening or paralysis of that muscle,” Dr. Zins explains. If you continue to get injections over time, your muscles start to weaken from lack of use.

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.

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.

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