Botox stopped working 2 weeks after injection. (photo)

Question

Two months ago I had a Botox injection between my eyebrows for vertical wrinkles and it worked well. Three weeks ago I had Botox (different office) to reduce wrinkling above my eyebrows. In the past, such injections worked well. However, two weeks later there were no effects. My aesthetician repeated the procedure but it did not work again. How likely is Botox resistance in my case where there are still effects of 2-month old Botox in the middle of my forehead?

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Jane. Thanks for your question. If Botox worked well for you in the past then it is unlikely that you have all of a sudden developed Botox resistance. There are a few possibilities here: 1. You did not get enough Botox with your new injector 2. The Botox was over diluted and therefore not as potent as it should be. 3. You did not receive authentic Botox. This is why it is so important that if you are happy with the results an injector provides you with that you stay with that injector. There are a lot of unethical practices going on out there with Botox, Fillers and other cosmetic treatments. The best thing to do is to go see physician injector who has extensive experience with Botox injections and can evaluate your problem further. Good luck!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Without viewing a before photo it is difficult to determine the results. Although it does appear as though you have some effects, it is possible you may require more Botox to the area.Best,

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

I recommend that you see an MD for your Botox.  Legally an aesthetician is not allowed to purchase Botox nor inject it in the state of Florida. I would also trace the origin of whatever was used and report it to Allergan. I think the problem you are encountering is shady Botox

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

In my experience, if someone develops a resistance to Botox, it is an all or none reaction.  So, either there is some effect or there is absolutely no effect and nothing in between.  Since you are still having a positive effect from your treatment two months ago, I would say that it is very unlikely that you have developed a resistance to the treatment you had two weeks ago.  The reason for your poor result from the most recent treatment could be dose or placement related or due to some other technique related issue.  Different states do have different laws to regulate who may inject products, such as Botox, so you may want to check with the Florida laws to see if aestheticians are allowed to inject there or not.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

There are a few reasons that Botox would wear off at two
weeks:

1. Improper under dosage of product.

2. Over dilution of Botox.

3. Injection of expired Botox.

4.  Botox has to remain in a chilled
environment.  If the Botox became hot it
would result in the product being less effective.

While patients may develop
resistance to Botox after repeated injections this would be unlikely in your
case.  Even with patients who are
resistant to Botox the results would last for more than two weeks.

Botox stopped working 2 weeks after injection. (photo)

Answers (9)