It's said that one's face returns to 'normal' once the effects of Botox wear off. Is normal the same as 'how it was before'?

Hello, thank you for your question. Generally, the effects of Botox wear off after 3-4 months. This can vary depending on the amount injected and whether you have had previous injections. After this muscles will return to normal.

After the effects of Botox wears off, your face will return to its original state prior to injection. Because the muscles are frozen, other muscles are not able to compensate since no contracture is occuring. If you are having uneven movement or are unsatisfied with your last Dysport treatment, I recommend that you discuss this with your prior injector to create a treatment plan that better suits your facial features.

Thank you for your question. Once Botox wears off, your face returns to normal as it was before the administration of Botox.

Thanks for your question. You can discontinue Botox treatment at any time. If you do so, yes, the treated area will return to the way it looked before you had Botox treatment. Botox results tend to last anywhere from 3-4 months. As for your other muscles compensating for the areas where you received Botox treatment, yes, this is a possibility, however with an experienced and trained nurse injector who has an excellent grasp of facial anatomy, this can definitely be avoided. It's always best to receive your injections at a practice run by a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. If you have any further questions or concerns about Botox treatment, I highly recommend that you have an in person consultation with your plastic surgeon or Botox provider.

after botox wears off the facial muscles go back to normal and you can again get movement lines.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Hello WF.  Your face does not change if you stop using Botox or Dysport.  If you have used it continuously for a period of years, you may actually look younger than you would have.  You will look no older than you would have if you had not used Botox or Dysport at all.  The products do not age you more.  Best of luck.

Thank you for sharing your question.  Yes, once Botox wears off you would return to your previously treated appearance.  Hope this helps.

Dear WF27,
Botox is generally an on off switch for muscle activity. I get a fair amount of actors/actresses in my practice that are looking to reduce wrinkles but keep some expression. Finding an experienced physician injector is your best bet.Most of patients see first changes after 4-7 days and the final results after 10-14 days.It depends on the amount of Botox and area where it is injected but it usually last for 3-4 months after which you will get the look as it was before the injections.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I wish it really were the case that the wrinkles don’t return after a Botox treatment It would save me from needing it every 6 months!
However, the neurotoxin only paralyzes the muscle for the duration. The muscle itself remains nice and healthy. If anything, it may shrink a bit or “atrophy” but with continued use and your normal facial expressions, it’s back to normal soon after the botox wears off.  
I strongly recommend scheduling a consultation with a Board-eligible or Board-certified plastic surgeon to develop your treatment plan. 

Thank you for your question. When Botox wears off completely which can take up to 6 months, the face does return back to how it was. Keep in mind that we are still aging as time goes by and so discontinuing treatment and assessing the face long term will show further lines and wrinkles. Botox results are optimal when the treatment is maintained every 3-4 months in order to prevent these future lines and wrinkles.