Will I Get Permanent Side Effects if I Try Botox Just Once?

Botox used only a few times is unlikely to cause permanent problems - outside of complications (it is possible - though extremely unusual - to have a hematoma from a botox injection that may leave some scar tissue or contour deformity).
Botox itself usually does not have an effect that lasts beyond six months.
There is some discussion that being treated for years with Botox can cause some atrophy (weakening and shrinking) of the muscles it is used to treat but this is usually a subtle change after long term usage.
I hope this helps.

Botox has minimal and very short-term side effects frim having an injection: swelling, redness, soreness and maybe some bruising. These should resolve within days or up to two weeks, maximum. There are no long-term side effects with Botox, as it is a temporary procedure. You can try Botox once. If you don't like it, there are no permanent effects. Botox only lasts about three to four months. If you want to continue your good results, you'll need to continue your Botox treatments. Please see a board-certified dermatologist to get your Botox so that you can be sure you are being treated optimally.

Thanks for the question many people have. If you do Botox, 5 months later you will return back to the way you were before the Botox was injected. It is not something that has to be continued unless you want to maintain the effects. 

Botox is a very safe drug. Millions have used the treatment. It is the most popular cosmetic treatment in the world. That being said, there are always risks, (albeit very small), of any treatment.  Usually people like the result and then will keep up with the treatments.  It is important to choose your injector wisely. Ask questions about training and experience. Have realistic expectations, and take the time to tell your injector what your goals are.

I can reassure you
that if you try Botox once, it does not mean that you will have permanent
changes, and you do not have to continue with Botox treatments in the future.
The results of Botox wear off within 3-4 months, so that if you were unhappy in
any way with your treatment, your appearance will return to your baseline by
that time. However, most people love the results from their Botox treatment,
and want to continue with their treatments!

There are no substantial long term complications from botox, especially if you only try it once. Once the botox stops working, you should return to your normal appearance. If you use it long term, there may be some long term benefits with regard to lack of wrinkling in certain muscles.

There is no risk of permanent side effects after treatment with Botox.  Even after one treatment the area that is treated will be softer and smoother after the effects have worn off than if you had never had a treatment before.  

Hi Ali,
Botox has a better safety profile than Aspirin, so when it comes to the possibility of a permanent side effects the chances of that are minuscule.
There's no reason why you can't have Botox just once. If you don't like it you can stop right away and any effects will have worn off after 4 months. On the other hand, most of our patients love it once they see the results and cannot stop even if they want to. Good luck with your first Botox experience. Hope it is a good one for you.

Botox has become the most common cosmetic procedure in the world for a reason! Botox works and has very few side effects.
There are some temporary (but no permanent) side effects. The temporary side effects include bruising, swelling and rarely inappropriate muscle weakness (such as eyelid ptosis).

Hi Ali,
The only permanent effect from Botox injections is that if you are like the great majority of patients who have Botox, you will love the way that you look and desire to have more in the future.
This applies only to FDA approved Botox by Allergan. Unfortunately there have been many "Bogus Botox" cases where patients were injected with non-FDA approved Botulism toxin resulting in severe complications, including a death of a woman who was looking for the "cheapest Botox treatment", had someone come to her home for injections, and died of respiratory arrest hours later.
Remember that it is not the Botox, but the injector when choosing whom to have your treatment with.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P