Is Botox damaging long term?

Author: Ben Schinner  |  Last update: Monday, August 11, 2025

Studies indicate that Botox can lead to alterations in muscle composition, function, and gene expression, which may persist beyond the typical duration of its therapeutic effects, potentially impacting muscle physiology in the long term.

Does Botox ruin your face over time?

However some studies have found that long-lasting cosmetic use of botulinum toxin can trigger permanent changes in facial expression, with persons no longer able to flex their facial muscles.

Are there negative long-term effects of Botox?

If you continue to get injections over time, your muscles start to weaken from lack of use. “If it's used for a prolonged period of time, it can cause some muscle atrophy, or wasting of the muscle,” he says. “It's been used in the calves, for example, like if a person has large calves and wants to slim them down.”

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 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.

The Dangers of Botox & Filler | Peaches Skin Care

Do you age faster after stopping Botox?

No. Even after you stop using BOTOX, you will still look younger than you would have if you had never been injected. One study of twins found long-term BOTOX use led to fewer and less severe wrinkles in the long run, effectively slowing the aging process.

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].

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 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 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 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.

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.

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 cause permanent damage?

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.

Do you look older after Botox wears off?

The answer is simple: nothing much. When applied in the right doses and with a consistent schedule, missing a single session of Botox doesn't really make the face age all of a sudden. Even as the frozen neurotransmitters wear off, your body still needs to condition the frozen muscles and tissue to start moving again.

What is the best age to start getting Botox?

Age 30 might be the best age to begin using this treatment because of how the natural aging process begins (and progresses) in most people. Most of us start suffering from lowered production of collagen and elastin sometime in our mid-20s.

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.

What is the newest competitor to Botox?

DAXXIFY is the newest available Neuromodulator. The ones that have been available previously include Dysport, Jeuveau, Botox, and Xeomin. DAXXIFY helps to reduce wrinkles by administering a small dose of botulinum toxin into the underlying muscles.

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.

Who is not a good candidate for Botox?

People with existing medical conditions like allergies or autoimmune diseases. People with existing medical conditions, such as allergies or autoimmune diseases, should avoid getting Botox injections.

How to lift jowls with Botox?

Botox injections to improve jawline definition

This minimally invasive procedure yields dramatic results without requiring a lengthy recovery period. Injections work by relaxing the muscles in the jaw area, pulling them upward to create a more pronounced and attractive definition.

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 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.

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.

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