Will Botox make you look older? When it fades do you appear even older, so it's a lose lose situation?

Question

I really want Botox now that I am getting older but many say your face will look so old..and no signs of youthfulness will be left...also that once it fades so many more wrinkles and lose skin will appear..what is the truth over hear?

Vito C. Quatela, MD · Answer

Great question. Many people have this concern. But the answer is no. Botox will help get rid of some of those unwanted wrinkles around the eyes and forehead (and can be used in other areas as well). It typically lasts about 4-6 months and when it wears off you typically return to how you were before. However, it can help you prevent new wrinkles from forming so it can give you a longer lasting benefit. It definitely does not speed up the aging process. Take care.

Muhammad Mirza, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Thank you for your question. Botox will not make you look older once the product wears off. In fact, it tends to have the opposite effect.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

So sorry you have been misled. Botox,by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles, erase them. After the Botox subsides in 4 to 6 months, the same wrinkles return in the same fashion, no worse and no better. It is an extremely popular procedure because it works so well. Consult with me, or another board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist to explore the best options for you and dispel any confusing information about Botox. Good luck!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

No, Botox results, once they have worn off, will not make you appear older. As a matter of fact, since Botox limits muscle contractions, it will help stop fine lines and wrinkles from getting worse. I suggest getting a consultation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Hope that helps.

Richard W. Westreich, MD · Answer

When Botox fades after 3-4 months you just return to your typical appearance. Even if you do it for a long time and stop, the same thing happens. But when it stops working, it will take time for your body to make lines again, so it essentially freezes time while you are having the treatments. No loose skin or other negative effects occur

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! No, Botox results, once they have worn off, will not make you appear older. As a matter of fact, since Botox limits muscle contractions, it will help stop fine lines and wrinkles from getting worse. I suggest getting a consultation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck!

Heidi A. Waldorf, MD · Answer

Whether Botox (or Dysport or Xeomin, the two other FDA approved botulinum toxins) will make you look better depends on what is making you look old.  Botox relaxes muscles -- that's how it works to reduce the '11's' lines between the eyebrows, the crow's feet etc. But if what is making you look tired or older is actually a volume issue, you need to address that (generally with fillers or a suture lift) or if it is your skin quality, you need to treat that (fractionated laser resurfacing for example).  In most cases, we do a combination of noninvasive treatments over time to achieve the best results with noninvasive procedures.  I tell patients to think of noninvasive rejuvenation like building an outfit:  it isn't a matter of whether you buy the shirt or the shoes or the skirt or the earrings... they do different things but together they create an outfit.I hope that answer is helpful. Best wishes.

Brian A. Pinsky, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.  There are many factors that contribute to the aging look that occur simultaneously.  There is an increase in skin laxity, decrease in elasticity, pigments changes from sun exposure, and changes in skin texture. Wrinkles or rhytids occur from the action of the muscles that lie under the skin.  Botox is a medication that temporarily paralyzes the muscles and prevents the action that causes the wrinkles.  Dynamic rhytids, or those that are only present with muscle activation, will completely disappear with botox for the duration of action of the medication.  This is typically 3-4 months.  Static rhytids, or those that are visible with the face at rest, will be softened but not completely gone.  Deep rhytids are best treated with combination approach of botox, filler, and skin resurfacing.  Usually, the overall quality of skin will improve with continues use of neurotoxins as the underlying cause of the issue is addressed.  As with most issues, a combination approach Is generally recommended.  I recommend a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.  Good luck!

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

When your Botox wears off, it will not make you look older than before you had it.  In fact, continued use of Botox can prevent lines from forming, so that if you decide to no longer use Botox, you will still look younger than if you had never used it.

Wayne Wertheim, MD · Answer

Even after Botox your skin continues to age (unfortunately). When the Botox wears off your skin will return to the pre-botox state. In some case the skin may look better as some muscles may have atrophied a bit. There are no studies that show there is any degradation or exacerbation of "aging" after Botox

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