I'm a 47-yer.old Man with Strong Forehead Muscles. I Did Botox Twice, but See Very Little Improvement.. Any Suggestions?

Question

The first time Botox didn't work at all, the second time horizontal wrinkles got softer, but still there, the same as between the eyes. Doctor is using an Allergen Botox Cosmetic. Each time he gave me 100 units. He is saying that my muscles are too strong and I need more injections then 2 sessions. Is this true? or I just have resistance to Botox?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Men usually have stronger muscles that require higher doses than women, however 100 units seems pretty high. You may want to consider getting a second opinion and seeing if they target different areas of your forehead, as this may be the problem. Best of luck.

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

Resistance to Botox occurs in 1-3% of patients.  This can happen if your body&rsquo;s immune system is producing antibodies in reaction to Botox&rsquo;s protein structure. So to reduce the potential for this resistance, the label actually recommends that patients be given the lowest possible dose with longer amounts of time in between treatment sessions.

	Also you may want to consider Dysport as an alternative to Botox. Dysport is also a botulinum toxin. The protein structure of this compound has fewer surrounding proteins, which lowers the chances of immune resistance. Some patients have better experiences with Dysport (see attached video).

	If Botox fails to produce desired results, Dysport can be considered. And likewise, if Dysport fails to give desired results, Botox can be considered. If both fail, consider dermal fillers or discuss with your physician possible surgery as a remedy

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

When Botox doesn't "work" we must evaluate the anatomy and determine if the muscles are moving. If the muscles are relaxed and not contracting during active attempt at raising the forehead, then the Botox is working. If the lines however remain, despite the muscles not moving, then more units or more frequent treatment will not help. 100 units is a large amount for a forehead.  If the deep lines persist without muscle movement, those lines will start to look better sometimes, after many months of skin / muscle inactivity. It might need several treatments of Botox ensuring that it doesn't wear off in between treatments so that the muscle inactivity is preserved and the skin doesn't start creasing again.  When the muscle is large and the skin thick, some of those deep creases take many months to improve, and sometimes they are so engraved in the skin that they won't improve.

	If your muscles are still moving despite 100 units of Botox per session, then I think you should consider not attempting more treatment as it may lower your whole forehead if you have more units and you might notice that your upper eyelids hang low to cover your eyes like window shades. Furthermore, that would be a significant amount of units to have in one cosmetic area.

Terrence Keaney, MD · Answer

A recent review that I published (see link) documents how men require higher botulinum toxin doses and a unique injection technique given the male facial musculature.  While 100 units of Botox is high dose for the upper face (even in men), the problem may be the injection pattern.  The other concern is resistance to the proteins complexed with Botox.  I recommend trying Xeomin which lacks complexing proteins and visiting a dermatologist who has experience treating men.  - Dr. Keaney

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Men usually have stronger muscles than women, but Botox is usualy quite effective.  You can always try Dysport or see another injector.

I'm a 47-yer.old Man with Strong Forehead Muscles. I Did Botox Twice, but See Very Little Improvement.. Any Suggestions?

Answers (8)

Answer: Injection technique and/or resistance

Answer: Injection technique and/or resistance

Answer: Forehead and botox in men

Answer: Forehead and botox in men

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I'm a 47-yer.old Man with Strong Forehead Muscles. I Did Botox Twice, but See Very Little Improvement.. Any Suggestions?

Answers (8)

Answer: Injection technique and/or resistance

Answer: Injection technique and/or resistance

Answer: Forehead and botox in men

Answer: Forehead and botox in men

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.