Does Botox Cause the Injected Muscles to Weaken over Time?

Question

Will injecting Botox cause the affected muscle to weaken over time? Will the muscle regain full strength or will it stay in the weakened state?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Botulinum Toxin (Dysport or Botox)  may cause weakness of muscles if injected consistentiy over a protractied amound of time which is likely no less than 24 months.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Houston,

	There has been some evidence that if muscles are kept from moving for 2 years or longer with Botox injections, there is atrophy of the muscle, and subsequent lessening of the wrinkles caused by the muscle movement.  With atrophy, muscles do become weaker.  If the muscles are allowed to return to function within the 2 year period is there less chance of atrophy.  Good luck and be well.

	Dr. P

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Once you stop having Botox injected there is no evidence that the muscle is weakened.  Some patients however, have found that with repeated Botox they have changed their facial expressions and no longer frown, so those muscles are less likely to frown in the future from a relearned behavior. As there is less muscular contraction because the habits are retrained not to contract that muscle, the skin creases fade away.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is thought that with regular use of botox the muscle function will weaken over time and then warrant less use of Botox.

Robert Kasten, MD · Answer

If a muscle is not used it will get smaller. If the muscle is trained again, e.g. after the Botox effects wears off, it regains its former strength. The muscle will not disappear.

Does Botox Cause the Injected Muscles to Weaken over Time?

Answers (7)

Answer: Botox and long term muscle effect

Answer: Botox and long term muscle effect

Answer: Botox weakens muscles

Answer: Botox weakens muscles

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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Does Botox Cause the Injected Muscles to Weaken over Time?

Answers (7)

Answer: Botox and long term muscle effect

Answer: Botox and long term muscle effect

Answer: Botox weakens muscles

Answer: Botox weakens muscles

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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.