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Can You Build a Resistance to Botox?

asked 1 year ago by jbellyd in Turkey
Latest answer by Joseph A. Eviatar, MD
Question viewed 474 times
Tags: resistance

I have had botox for several years and love it but I am debating on having dysport as I think botox doesnt work as well now - can you build up a resistance to Botox?

23 answers to Can You Build a Resistance to Botox?

+1

You can build a resistance to BOTOX,

You can build a resistance to BOTOX, but it’s rare. With the newer BOTOX formulations, very few people (less than 1%) really develop a true resistance to BOTOX. Some people who have had a resistance to BOTOX have had good results when they switch to a different neuromodulator like Dysprot or Xeomin. see video
Joseph A. Eviatar, MD

Bronx Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Resistance to Botox

Yes, you can develop antibodies to Botox that will render it ineffective.  Try Dysport.  It has a different molecular composition and is more likely to work well.  I've had two patients with this problem and Dysport worked great. 
Lisa L. Sowder, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox resistance

Is unlikely. If it used in higher doses a resistance can develop. There is no difference between the manufacturers.
Robert Kasten, MD

Mainz Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Botox Resistance

It is very possible to develop resistance to onabotulinum toxin A (Botox Cosmetic), although rare. It would be a great idea to try Dysport with an injector who is experienced in using both of these drugs to see if you can get the same results with Dysport as you used to with Botox.
Sumit Bapna, MD

Columbus Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Does Resistance to Botox REALLY Exist?

Theoretically, our bodies can form a tolerance to many drugs if they are given to us for prolonged periods of time. The medical term is TACHYPHYLAXIS. However, in practice, this rarely happens. It is FAR more common for Botox not to work properly because : - it was injected by an unskilled injector - it was expired Botox - it was old or overly diluted (less active units) - it was a cheaper fake or overseas Botox (poorly shipped - not properly refrigerated) I have a large... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Resistance to Botox is rare; Dysport may be a solution

Although rare, it is thought that antibodies can develop to the Botox molecule, resulting in shorter durations of effect.  For my patients where this has been a concern, usually switching to Dysport will provide the expected results.  
Timothy G. Rodgers, MD

Dallas Dermatologist
+1

If Botox doesn't work for you, try Dysort!

I have patients who have reported a change in the effectiveness they perceive from Botox injections in my practice - as you have related in your inquiry. While the cause of this occurrence is not known for certain, it certainly would be a great option to try Dysport or in cases of significant lack of effect, Myobloc. Good Luck.
Benjamin Bassichis, MD

Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox and tolerance

Most physicians who inject much Botox for cosmetic use are not convinced of the development a resistance to Botox as a real effect but there may be a couple of my patients who don't maintain benefit longer than two months despite considerable units being injected.  Switching to Dysport might be worthwhile despite both Dysport and Botox being composed of serotype A of Botunlinum toxin and therefore a difference in resistance shouldn't be an issue. It might be worthwhile to... more
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist
+1

Botox resistance is uncommon but possible

The usual explanation for lessening effect with Botox after repeat injections is the formation of antibodies, but this is actually rare. More likely, what happens is that when muscles are repeatedly targeted with Botox, adjacent muscles can be "recruited" to take over, and so an adjustment in technique to include these muscles may be the solution. Dysport also works well and I have had at least one patient who had resistance to Botox but had a good response with... more
Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox Resistance?

It is possible to develop a resistance to Botox.  Although it is uncommon, individuals that are resistant to Botox will form antibodies against it.  With that said, you may not be resistant to it at all.  It is likely possible that you may just need a little more Botox in that particular area.  You could also give Dysport a try instead to see if you prefer the results over Botox.   
Kenneth W. Neal, MD

Arlington Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Developing a Resistance to Botox?

While there is no scientific evidence that a person can develop antibodies to Botox, I clearly see situations of resistance in my practice.  It is not uncommon for people to begin to notice that Botox does not work as well (or as long) as it did in the past. This may be a resistance, or it may be that there are now so many "bargain" injectors of Botox that the matieral is overly diluted, poorly stored, or even purchased from non-legitimate sources  such as overseas... more
Matthew Schulman, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox resistance

It is possible to build up a resistance to botox although it is not very common. You can develop antibodies to the product and render it ineffective. More commonly, your muscles may require larger doses to achieve the same effect but certainly you can try Dysport and sometimes switching helps the positive effect of the product.
Scott Trimas, MD

Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Resistance to Botox

Yes, it is possible to become immune to Botox.  It is very uncommon, however.  I see about one patient per month who comes in with a long history of Botox use who started having less of a typical response.  In most cases, switching to Dysport does not work, but I have found Myobloc to be very successful in Botox resistant and Dysport resistant patients.   Good Luck.
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

+1

Can one develop a resistance to Botox

A person can develop antibodies to Botox which would make the duration of Botox effect significantly shorter.  Most of the time this is seen in patients with muscle disorders where large doses of Botox are used to relax contracting muscles. In these cases the patient develops neutralizing antibodies that interfere with Botox. So far there are two reported cases of antibody formation in cosmetic patients, one to Botox and one to Dysport.  So it is a possibility, although a very... more
Emily Altman, MD

Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Botox resistance

It is certainly possible to build uyp a resistance to botox but not very likely., You can try Dysport it is also a great product.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Resistance to Botox is rare but occurs

It is possible to develop antibodies to Botox and thus overtime not see the same result. This is rare but is theoretically possible.
Steven Hacker, MD

West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

www.palmbeachdermasurgery.com

+1

Botox and Dysport give equal results when dosed properly

Botox and Dysport give equal results when dosed properly. This is not surprising since both products are Botulinum A toxin.
Edward Lack, MD

Chicago Dermatologist
+1

Resistance to Botox

Yes, it is possible to build up antibodies to the proteins in the Botox.  This is very rare, though.  Newer forms of botulinum preparations are trying to reduce the level of these proteins, to reduce this risk even further.  Give Dysport a try, and see how it works.  (Of course, the dosing of Dysport is different than that of Botox.)   All the best,
Thomas Fiala, MD

Altamonte Springs Plastic Surgeon
+1

Can You Build a Resistance to Botox?

Possible, so try the Dysport to see if it works better for you. Please let us know the results. From MIAMI DR. Darryl j. Blinski
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Resistance to Botox?

It is theoretically possible to build up resistance to Botox, however it is very rare. It is not clear from your statement why you think the Botox treatments are not working as well anymore. Is it not lasting as long? Are you not finding as much wrinkle relaxation in the same areas as before? These variables can be adjusted for by discussing them with your physician. All things being equal, if you remain dissatisfied with your Botox results, you can certainly give Dysport a try and see... more
Anifat Balogun, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Resistance to Botox

There are many reasons why Botox may seem to not be working as well but it's very uncommon to "build up a resistance". Even though Dysport is the same neurotoxin, you should give it a try so you can compare. There are new neurotoxins "in the pipeline" that will soon be available for those that are truly resistant to Botox.
Mitchell Schwartz, MD

South Burlington Dermatologic Surgeon

dorsetstreetdermatology.com

+1

Resistance to Botox

Hi Jbelly, You should give Dysport a try and then you will be able to determine which treatment you prefer.  Best, Dr. P
Michael A. Persky, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Yes it is possible to build resistance to BOTOX

Having said that, it is very unusual.  It is more likely that you are getting older and what you are asking the treatment to do just is not working as well to clear up your issues.  Another possibility is that the doctor that you are seeing is giving less BOTOX.  Dysport is also a BoNT A product.  It is possible you will like this product more.  The two have slightly different diffusion characteristics.  Also Dysport appears to kick in slightly faster than BOTOX. more
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

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