If you start Botox and fillers do you have to continue?

Question

I am interested in getting lip fillers and botox injections around my eyes and forehead. Are these procedures dangerous for your overall health long-term? If you started, would it be something that would become noticeable if you ceased treatment? Would look different if you got it a few times then decided you didn't like it and stopped?

David Gilpin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  One of the advantages of both Botox and hyaluronic acid fillers is that they are not permanent. Botox typically will last anywhere from 3-4 months.  Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, can last anywhere from 6 months to 12 months, depending on where it is placed in the face.  Certainly, almost all of my patients are very happy with their results from both treatments, and will return for repeat treatments.  However, you do not have to have the treatments repeatedOne of the advantages of Botox treatments is that it can act to prevent fine lines and wrinkles from progressing to moderate or deep lines and wrinkles.  I would consult with a board certified injector for a full evaluation.  Here you will be able to discuss your goals for injectables.I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

Both Botox and dermal fillers are safe procedures with no adverse long-term consequences. Botox and fillers have been used cosmetically since the late 1980s. The main adverse effects with the neuromodulators Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport and fillers Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra, and Belotero come from the injections themselves. As with any injection, you can feel a little sore or bruised for a couple of days. Other than that, a poor outcome is almost always due to an inexpert injector. One of the great things about neuromodulators and fillers is that they’re temporary, so whenever you wish, you can go back to baseline (your starting point). That allows you to experiment with a refreshed, new look without having to commit to it long-term. One caveat: After getting a beautiful improvement with Botox and fillers, if you do stop them, your normal appearance might bother you more than it did before you got used to seeing a more refreshed look. However, you can always start your treatments again! Please consult a board-certified dermatologist who is an expert using Botox and fillers to create a beautiful liquid facelift.

Damien Grinsell MBBS, FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Hi AnnieThanks for your question. Provided you have temporary fillers and not permanent fillers then the results will disappear over about 12-18 months and there will be no long term effects. Similarly botox will wear off after 3-4 months.  You should try it out and see if you like it.  If you do then the downside is that for the results to be maintained you will need to have repeated treatments.CheersDamien

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

No, well-placed Botox and fillers will give subtle improvements, so if you ceased treatments it wouldn't necessarily be noticeable. Keep in mind, it takes 1-2 weeks for final results with Botox and fillers. Hope this helps.

Glenn Murray, MBBS · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question.  If you are pleased with the results that wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers have given you, then yes you will need to continue having treatments to maintain your result.
The longest lasting wrinkle relaxer lasts four months on average. Dermal fillers tend to last longer, depending on which product you have had.
Wishing you all the best,
  
Stay absolutely safe and well,
 Dr. Murray from Absolute Cosmetic Medicine

Aurora DeJuliis, MD · Answer

Botox will last 3-4 months, fillers can last from 8 months to 2 years depending on the type of filler. If you do not continue with them nothing happens: your face will look like it did before doing any treatment. But I can guarantee you will continue simply because you like the results!

Ramez Bassari, MBChB, FRACS, BHB · Answer

Hi. Botox and fillers are extremely safe products, with very few absolute contraindications. Furthermore, you can stop them at anytime. Their results can be tailored according to what you are wanting to achieve. For example, if you are wanting lip fillers but still want the natural look, this can easily be done. Similar for Botox - if you want a subtle relaxation to start with, treatment can be tailored to suit. 
Most lip fillers these days are reversible.
All the best.

Martin Ray, MD · Answer

Hello Annie,
There is an excellent identical twin study where one twin received repeated Botox treatments for years while the other twin did not. The Botox twin always looked more rested, less angry, and had less wrinkles. When the Botox twin stopped having Botox, the results continued; that is, the Botox sister still looked younger and more rested even years after discontinuing treatments.
Treatments are safe and the results are wonderful. If you stop treatments at any time the benefits will continue long past the product being active. The only caution I would suggest is concerning lip injections; too much product and aggressive injecting technique could break down the natural structures of the lip and this could cause the lips to be distorted. In my professional opinion it's best to start slow and go minimal with your lips. There are also possible complications associated with filler that you will need to discuss with your injector before treatment - you'll also need to sign a consent.

Ahmed Ali-Khan, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Hi thank you for your question. The answer is no. It is entirely your decision.
If you decide to stop using botulinum toxin the wrinkles that were treated would most likely return eventually (as the underlying muscle regained its tone and movement). With fillers (assuming they are non-permanent) your body would dissolve them over time and any volume effect they had created should soften and disappear.
Best wishes.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

There is absolutely no obligation for an individual to continue using Botox or fillers once they have started to use them. The only reason the great majority of people continue using the products is because they like the way they look and feel afterwards. If you have stopped using Botox or fillers, your face will continue to age at its normal process and speed. Good luck from New York City

If you start Botox and fillers do you have to continue?

Answers (14)

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