Is it possible to atrophy muscles through use of Botox injections?

Question

Ive been wanting to target my trapezius, latissimus, forearms and calves with botox injections and was wondering if injecting all at once would be too toxic? Several doctors have told me all the areas combined would be units. If I inject every 6 months over the course of a year or two will it atrophy those areas? I wanted to get my outer obliques done too. Would that potentially create too much laxity in the muscles and add additional bulging?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Botox can be injected into these areas to create a softer look. The botox will essentially relax the muscles creating the appearance of atrophic muscles. The results will last up to 3-4 months hence you will have to re-inject roughly 3x per year. When administered by an expert injector you shouldn't have an issue with too much laxity. The biggest issue will be muscle . weakness if you inject too large doses, which will be required in larger muscles (as . compared to cosmetic forehead/face injections) See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Botox atrophys muscles, so yes.
If I may ask a question - - - I do not understand why you would want to target muscles you need and use with Botox. Are you experiencing muscle spasms or have a condition, such as tics, that needs those muscles to relax?

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Botox will definitely allow you to shrink the targeted muscles. It is unlikely you will be able to inject all muscles at once as it will be higher than the approved amounts. There is also concern that a large one-time injection of Botox will increase your chances of developing antibodies to Botox which will cause future injections to be less effective. It is best to visit an expert injector to determine which areas should be targeted and in what order to achieve your goals. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD 
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
IG: @drjohnsonlee

Harriet Comite, MD, FAAD · Answer

Botox atrophys muscles, so yes.
If I may ask a question - - - I do not understand why you would want to target muscles you need and use with Botox. Are you experiencing muscle spasms or have a condition, such as tics, that needs those muscles to relax?

Nazafarine Keyvani, DO · Answer

Hi there!  prolonged and continuous use of neuromodulators such as Botox can cause atrophy of the muscles injected. That being said, this would require moderate to high dosing and regular injections every 8 to 10 weeks. Also, this would definitely not be considered an approved indication or use of this treatment. I would be very skeptical and cautious of this.

Justin Harper, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi HeyitsGinger'There are many reason for "bulging" and Botox will only address muscular hypertrophy and notwater retention or fat. Botox is injected into the muscle to cause atrophy with visible results in two months. Results may last for 3-4 months but can be less due to the movement of the leg muscles. Your doctor will be able to compute for the exact number of units. This can be expensive as the affected muscles are big.All the best, Justin Harper, M.D.

Is it possible to atrophy muscles through use of Botox injections?

Answers (6)