Can Botox injections be reversed?

If you have had too much Botox in an area is there an antidote to help release the effects quicker?

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6 answers to “Can Botox injections be reversed?”

A: Can Botox injections be reversed?

Peter A. Aldea, MD

With ONE exception, the effect of Botox on facial muscles CANNOT be chemically reversed. You will have to wait the 3-5 months Botox lasts for the effect to wear off. In cases where the injector placed Botox too close to the upper lid muscle (Levator) or the patient rubbed Botox from the corners of the eyes... more

A: Nothing can reverse Botox at this time

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

There are no known agents that can reverse Botox at this time. Time and conservative management are the mainstays of corrective therapy. Theoretically, stimulation of the muscles with attempted movement or exercising of facial expressions may hasten the time to complete recovery.  

A: Unfortunately there is no 'antidote' to Botox. In some...

D.J. Verret, MD

Unfortunately there is no 'antidote' to Botox. In some cases, the effects can be changed - for instance, differences in one side versus another can be lessened with additional Botox treatment. Care must be taken when administering Botox to start with lower doses and advance as needed to get the effect desired.

A: "Botox reversal" - Time is your best bet

Kris M. Reddy, MD

While there are ways to treat some of the side effects of an injector using too much Botox, the best best is generally to wait until the Botox subsides. To avoid this problem, an experienced injector will be very conservative when treating a new patient. Additional units can be provided much more easily than... more

A: Over-Botoxed? Time may be your only ally

Ronald Shelton, MD

Rarely the result may not be enough to make you happy. Many physicians are conservative and prefer to not put in too much initially until they see how you react. More units may be administered two to four weeks after to give you a better result. If not enough areas were treated and there is unwanted persistent... more

A: The short answer is 'no'. Botox is a powerful neurotoxin...

Scott Sattler, MD

The short answer is 'no'. Botox is a powerful neurotoxin that nature designed to bind avidly to other proteins and deactivate them. There is not a reliable antidote for it for cosmetic use. The fortunate thing about Botox is that is temporary. Certainly this is not a consolation for you, since you're... more

Comments

Yvonne Todd
1 post
22 Oct 2008

How do I correct a drooping eyebrow? After Botox treatment

Tom from RealSelf
478 posts
22 Oct 2008

Yvonne - here's where you can see answers to drooping eyebrows from Botox. Best of luck.

kim Garrett
unregistered guest

23 Dec 2008

I had botox around my eyes and NOW my eyes look tired and much worse creating bags under my eyes. Is there anything I can do? If not, how long do you think it will last?

Carol from Birmingham
1 post
27 Dec 2008

I've been treated with botox injections around my left eye for side effects from Accoustic Neuroma surgery and the have worked great by relieving the twitching and squinting eye for 3yrs. However, this last treatment I've had the side effect of the drooping eyelid causing double vision. What can I do. I am going back to my Dr. on Monday.

Michael Sinclair MD
138 posts
15 Jul 2008

There is no way to "undo" Botox. It will wear off within a few months so problems will generally go away without treatment. However, if the injector over-treated the forehead and caused the eyebrows to droop a little, he might be able to put a little more Botox into the eyebrow depressor muscles (the frown line area and the crow's feet area). By weakening the muscles that pull the eyebrow down, you might be able to get the eyebrows to lift up a little bit. Likewise, if the injector caused your eyebrows to go too high (Spock eyebrows), the injector can inject a little more Botox above the high eyebrow arch to cause it to come down to where it should be. The key to getting a good result with Botox is to find a good injector!

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