What do years of Botox do to your face?

Author: Tyreek Jones  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 23, 2025

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 happens to your face after years of Botox?

While Botox can indeed alter facial appearance temporarily by reducing wrinkles and lines, prolonged and excessive use may lead to more permanent changes such as muscle weakness or a mask-like appearance.

How does Botox affect you over years?

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.

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 happens to your face when you stop Botox?

If you've been using Botox and decide to stop, your face won't suddenly develop new wrinkles or collapse. Botox temporarily reduces muscle activity, which helps prevent wrinkles from forming. When you stop, your face will gradually regain its full range of motion, and the natural aging process will continue.

BEST Before & After BOTOX: Natural looking at age 38: First Time, Cost, forehead only

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 are the downsides of Botox?

Botox injections are usually safe when you're under the care of a licensed and skilled health care provider. The procedure can result in unwanted results or even cause harm if it's given incorrectly. Possible side effects and unwanted results include: Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site.

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].

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.

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.

Is Botox bad for your skin long term?

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.

Where does Botox go when it wears off?

The neurotoxin protein in Botox blocks neurotransmitters from engaging with your facial muscles. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How does Botox affect the brain?

A small study by UCI researchers found that botox injections to a person's forehead may alter the way their brain interprets and processes other people's emotions. Apparently, when people see a happy or angry face, they unconsciously mimic that expression.

What is the price of Botox treatment?

Botox injection 100 units price in India will range anywhere between Rs. 5000-Rs. 20,000 depending on the brand and type.

Who cannot have Botox?

Who cannot have Botulinum (Botox)? Those who are pregnant or breast-feeding. There is no evidence that Botulinum is dangerous to a foetus, but the advice is to avoid it in these circumstances. Those who have neuro-muscular disorders, such as Eaton-Lambert Disease and Myaesthenia Gravis.

How much is a unit of Botox?

In Menlo Park, CA, Botox typically costs $15 per unit. It can take anywhere from 10 to 20 units to achieve the desired results; therefore, a typical Botox treatment can cost anywhere between $150 to $300 per area. If multiple areas are treated, it will increase the total cost of the procedure.

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.

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