Will I get permanent side effects if I try Botox just once?

Is it possible to try Botox just once or once you start the procedure there will be a permanent effect on the area if you don't keep up with the injections? I'm thinking of Botox for the first time.

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11 answers to “Will I get permanent side effects if...”

A: No permanent Botox side effects

Daniel Reichner, MD

Botox has become the most common cosmetic procedure in the world for a reason! Botox works and has very few side effects.   There are some temporary (but no permanent) side effects.  The temporary side effects include bruising, swelling and rarely inappropriate muscle weakness... more

A: No Permanent Side Effects From a Single Botox Session

Michael A. Persky, MD

Hi Ali, The only permanent effect from Botox injections is that if you are like the great majority of patients who have Botox, you will love the way that you look and desire to have more in the future.  This applies only to FDA approved Botox by Allergan.  Unfortunately there have been many... more

A: No permanent changes from Botox

Steven H. Williams, MD

Botox used only a few times is unlikely to cause permanent problems - outside of complications (it is possible - though extremely unusual - to have a hematoma from a botox injection that may leave some scar tissue or contour deformity). Botox itself usually does not have an effect that lasts beyond six months... more

A: No permanent side effects from Botox

Scott E. Kasden, MD

Botox effects are by nature, temporary. One caveat, however, is that on repeated treatments, the effects may be longer lasting and more powerful, because it causes some atrophy of the muscle. Even these, however, will be reversible if injections stop all together, and the same forces act on the muscle over time.

A: All effects of Botox are gone in 4 or 5 months.

George J. Beraka, MD

To Ali M., Hi!  There is no commitment to stick with Botox.  Most people do stick with it only because they like the results. If you are a good candidate, try it. The technique of injection is important, and you have to use the right number of units.  You will see the full effect in 2 weeks... more

A: Botox is never permanent

Don Mehrabi, MD

Thanks for your question. Botox used cosmetically is never permanent. The effects usually last for 3-4 months, and if not reinjected, your lines will return to the same way as before the treatment. Botox blocks neurotransmitters from causing the muscles to contract and cause your wrinkles/lines. With Botox,... more

A: Botox is not known to give a permanent side effect

Andrew Y. Kleinman, MD

Ali, Thanks for asking a great question. It is possible to have a Botox treatment once and the effects only last approximately 3-6 months.  The effectiveness of Botox is usually based on how relaxed your muscles become and what area you are receiving Botox in. My experience has been if you get Botox... more

A: Botox is tempoarary

Robert M. Jensen, MD

Botox does a great job is reducing or eliminating the frown lines between the eyes and the crows feet.  The results, however, are temporary, lasting an average of 4 months.  With continued use you will see longer intervals before needing another injection.

A: Botox is among the safest treatments

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

All medications have side effects. Too much aspirin and you get a stomach ulcer. The remarkable thing about Botox is its proven track record of safety with millions and millions of treatments. The effects of Botox last about 4 months. By four months, the blocked neuromuscular end plates that were affected... more

A: No permanent side effects from Botox injections

Bryan K. Chen, MD

In general, there are no permanent effects or side effects from Botox which is one of the reasons it is so widely used. There are no permanent effects on the injected area(s) from a single or series of Botox injections. Botox has a well established safety profile. I suggest you consult with a qualified... more

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