I have had 32 units of Botox injected in the glabella area without results. What could be the reason this isn't working? (Photo)

Thank you for your question in regards to Botox. Botox can take up to two weeks for total correction. After the two weeks, if you still have prominent movement, additional units may need to be injected. To be sure what is best for you, see two or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment. I hope this helps.

All Botox is not created equal.  The results really do depend on the skill of the practitioner.  They have to be able to analyze a patient's muscle activity, skin quality, and expectations and determine where and how much Botox to inject.  But this also means knowing when Botox will not be enough and educating the patient beforehand.  Fillers are sometimes needed to further soften the lines.  That being said, there is the slight possibility that someone may metabolize Botox too quickly and therefore may benefit from an alternative neuromodulator such as Xeomin, which is a purified form of Botox.  I have used that in my own patients when over time they seem to have less improvement with Botox, but I've never seen a complete Botox non-responder.  Best of luck!

Thank you for your question. Your frown appears to be strong, indicating that 12 units is not enough to smooth this area. 30 units is more realistic for the glabella area. Perhaps wait the 2 weeks for the Botox to settle and obtain another opinion. You have not reached your maximum for Botox in the glabella, not to worry. It does appear as though  you have received some results to the outer aspects of your frown. Hope this helped, 

Botox give reduction not always full resolution of lines and you may need higher dose or fillers to this area to get improvement.  Please see an expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

This seems a little strange. I'm not sure why only 12 units would be injected into that area to start with. However, the reasons that Botox might not be working would include injecting it into the wrong area, too low of a dose, or "old" Botox that has essentially expired (that would be unlikely). I'd recommend you see an experienced injector.Realize that the wrinkles may not go away with the injection, but that the muscle motion should be greatly reduced or eliminated.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Plastic SpecialistQuintessa

Thank you for your question katklc. Botox is a purified protein used to address wrinkles associated with facial expression such as the vertical lines seen between the brows when one frowns. The pivotal studies demonstrated the most people will enjoy their results for 3-4 months when treated with 20 units between the brows. For my patients I recommend starting with 20 units. More can be added for those with larger muscles. Men, for example, generally have larger muscles than women both on the body and on the face. It is also important to understand that it could take up to two weeks to see full results after a Botox treatment, so patience is important. Please follow up with your doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

It could definitely be a case of impropertechnique. I would always recommend you look for experience and skill in yourinjectors, rather than choosing a physician you are friends with. Botoxinjections are not a skill most physicians can just “pick up” – it requiresadvanced training and a lot of experience to master the technique. Seek theexamination and opinion of an experienced Botox injector (preferably with chartnotes from your friend in hand).

I would question the skill of the injector. One red flag is the initial 12 units for the glabella. That is not an appropriate dosage. 32 should have an effect for most people. Seek out another opinion before you get complications from additional injections. Resting glabellar creases won't necessarily improve with Botox and might need filler or multiple treatments over time to improve with Botox.

I would suggest seeing a cosmetic dermatologist rather than a family medicine doctor.  In my hands it would be very unusual not to see results after 32 units of Botox.  Botox and fillers represent about 50% of my practice.  Like anything else, the more you do of something, the better you will be at it.Regards,Dr. Ort

There are many reasons this can occur--wrong dilution, old product or inexperienced injector. You state you are seeing a family doctor. You may do better with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon