Why does Botox not work for some people?

Author: Albert McLaughlin  |  Last update: Saturday, April 5, 2025

BOTOX resistance is a situation in which a patient either has built up antibodies against the botulinum toxin, or happens to metabolize the BOTOX drug exceptionally quickly. As a result, for these patients BOTOX injections provide underwhelming results, a very short-lived effect, or no effect at all.

Why are some people resistant to Botox?

Immunity to Botox happens when the immune system develops antibodies that neutralize Botox proteins, rendering them ineffective. If you are immune to Botox, the drug will have partial to no paralyzing effect on your treated muscles.

Why am I not seeing results with Botox?

Some of the most common ones involve not getting enough Botox units for your skin issue, Botox not being injected correctly, or it could also be that some wrinkles are at a certain depth and could only be corrected so much.

What are the options when Botox doesn't work?

Thankfully, there are multiple alternatives to Botox you can use if aren't responding. Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau are the more common ones. Daxxify is a newer neuromodulator that is supposed to last a bit longer but not widely available at this point.

What makes you ineligible for Botox?

However, there are certain conditions that may make you ineligible for Botox treatment. These include active infections, acne symptoms, cold sores in the treatment area, muscular or nervous system health issues, allergies to botulinum toxin and pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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

What makes you a bad candidate for Botox?

Not everyone is a good candidate for Botox. If you are in poor general health, your skin is very thick or you have existing muscle weakness in the proposed injection site, you may not be a good candidate for Botox. Patients with sensitive skin may experience an allergic reaction at the injection site.

How do I get my insurance to pay for Botox?

Take the following six steps to increase your chances of getting the injections covered:
  1. Check your insurance plan details. Review your policy to learn about the requirements for Botox coverage.
  2. Talk to your medical team. ...
  3. Get a prescription. ...
  4. Ask for a referral. ...
  5. Get a prior authorization. ...
  6. Request an appeal.

Why would Botox not work on someone?

BOTOX resistance is a situation in which a patient either has built up antibodies against the botulinum toxin, or happens to metabolize the BOTOX drug exceptionally quickly. As a result, for these patients BOTOX injections provide underwhelming results, a very short-lived effect, or no effect at all.

What do celebrities do instead of Botox?

Alternatives to Botox include different types of injectable neurotoxins and fillers, laser resurfacing, and cosmetic surgeries. Diet and a healthy lifestyle can also help reduce the signs of aging.

What is the new alternative to Botox?

Daxxify: 5 Things to Know About the New Botox Alternative. In late 2022, the FDA approved Daxxify, a Botox-like injectable for facial wrinkle and line reduction in adult women and men. It is in a family of aesthetic injectables known as neuromodulators, which include Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin.

Why do I still have wrinkles after Botox?

"After receiving Botox, a patient may unconsciously attempt to re-create the facial expressions in the area where treatment has paralyzed their facial muscles, "said Dr. Becker. "What can happen is that other, nearby muscles compensate--this can have the effect of actually creating new wrinkles."

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 has my Botox only lasted a month?

Your physical activity level – Proteins needs time to get into the muscles after they are injected. The facial expressions made while working out could make your muscles contract much faster and cause the Botox to wear off.

What to use instead of Botox?

10 BOTOX® Alternatives for Smoother, Firmer Skin
  • Cosmetic Acupuncture. ...
  • Microneedling. ...
  • Chemical Peels. ...
  • Laser Therapy. ...
  • Cryotherapy. ...
  • Facial Creams. ...
  • Neuropeptides. ...
  • Face Patches.

Why does Botox wear off faster for some people?

Other patients are simply fast metabolizers of the product. Several factors can contribute to this including genetics, exercise and stress. While genetics are out of our hands, you can try to improve stress reduction and reduce high intensity workouts to see if this affects your neurotoxin longevity.

What is the failure rate of Botox?

This is an effective, well-tolerated treatment6 requiring repeat injections every 6–9 months. However, the failure rate varies from 6% to 32% depending on the studies, and increases over time.

What to use if Botox doesn't work?

What to do when botox isn't working for your patient anymore. If your patient didn't respond to the toxin, in three months, I would try another brand of botulinum toxin. I would still treat it the same way, just with a different brand of toxin,” Dr Janine explains.

Do the Kardashians have Botox?

And while the reality star might not have had a rhinoplasty, she admitted to getting “Botox and fillers and lasers and things like that.” In fact, Kris is so fond of injectables that she once told People she was giving friends and family — including her mother, MJ — Botox gift cards for Christmas.

What is better than Botox for the forehead?

Dysport is best for treating lines on the forehead, glabellar lines (frown lines or the 11s), and crow's feet. Dysport tends to diffuse further than Botox, making it ideal for treating larger areas with wrinkles. It also has a faster onset of results and may last longer in many patients.

Why does Botox look bad on some people?

Some people show telltale signs of improper Botox injection. They appear as though their natural facial expressions have been inhibited, making them look frozen. A bad Botox job can even cause a person's face to look asymmetrical. Botox, being a powerful chemical, must be administered with utmost caution.

Why am I not a good candidate for Botox?

If you have allergies to the ingredients in Botox, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have underlying nerve or muscle disorders, you may not be a good candidate for Botox therapy.

Is Dysport better than Botox?

When comparing the efficacy of Dysport and Botox, much depends on personal preference. Both have proven effective in diminishing wrinkles and fine lines. Some individuals might appreciate Dysport's swifter action, while others might gravitate towards the precision Botox offers.

How much do 155 units of Botox cost?

A: The cost of Botox for the FDA-recommended dosage of 155 units costs between $300 and $600 for each comprehensive treatment. You would think since the treatment is FDA-approved it should be covered under most insurance plans.

What can I do if I can't afford Botox?

You can also consider treatments such as retinoids, chemical peels, and microneedling. Dermal fillers are another alternative. This injectable treatment typically works immediately and lasts longer than Botox. But it's still a temporary solution.

Does Botox help with jaw clenching?

Yes! Botox is an effective treatment for bruxism that works by freezing the muscles responsible for the tension along the jaw. This freezing of the masseter muscle along the jaw prevents the tension in the facial muscles that is responsible for the pain and damage caused by bruxism.

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