Permanent Paralysis w/ Long-Term Botox Use?

Question

If botox is being used on a regular basis to paralyze the facial muscles, will it eventually cause permanent facial paralysis?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Long term use of Botox injections will not permanently weaken or paralyze the muscles. The muscle activity will resume and with time, the effect will be as it was prior to the first treatment with Botox.

Ritu Chopra, MD · Answer

Botox results tend to last longer and longer with repeated use.  If you cease Botox therapy, the normal musculature will return in time.  Some think that the brain may stop sending the message for those muscles to move, since these messages were ignored for so long.  I have heard some patients say that, so it may be true.  But it's really hard to do a study on that because of the long-term nature of the hypothesis.

Lorrie Klein, MD · Answer

Botox results are temporary but with repeated, regular use you may get out of the habit of making certain facial expressions, such as a frown/scowl.  If the Botox does train you not to make that expression it might appear to last longer or you may not need as high a dose in the future, but it usually takes at least 1-2 years of continued use (without letting it wear off completely between treatments) and doesn't occur in everyone.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

My personal belief that the muscle retraining thing is way over blown as well.  It is my experience that when post procedure results are spectacular, patients tend to come in before the treatment has worn off to renew treatment and it is actually typical that the effects of treatment last 4 to 6 months.  This is obviously not permanent paralysis.  BOTOX&reg; is extremely safe as it is used to treatment cosmetic issues and is free of long term side effects.  It is for this reason it continues to be the most popular cosmetic treatment.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Persistent use of Botox on a regular basis will weaken the muscle strength. This over time can soften the look of the muscle as well as the facial lines of animation.  Possibly eliminating the "etched line look."

Permanent Paralysis w/ Long-Term Botox Use?

Answers (10)

Answer: There is absolutely no permanent paralysis with BOTOX®.

Answer: There is absolutely no permanent paralysis with BOTOX®.

Answer: Permanent paralysis with Botox

Answer: Permanent paralysis with Botox

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Permanent Paralysis w/ Long-Term Botox Use?

Answers (10)

Answer: There is absolutely no permanent paralysis with BOTOX®.

Answer: There is absolutely no permanent paralysis with BOTOX®.

Answer: Permanent paralysis with Botox

Answer: Permanent paralysis with Botox

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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.