Side Effects of Prolonged & Repeated Injection of Botox?

Question

I am 56 years old and had my first botox injection on my face. My concern is if I get my botox fix every 4 months from now onwards, can my facial muscles take the repeated injections and will I end up with a dazed looked permanently because I no longer am able to control my facial expression. If this happens after my rountine 4 monthly injections, it will be how many years later before this will happen? Thanks for your advice.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The treatment is not designed to remove control of your muscles of facial expression.  It is designed to soften the pinch at the eyebrow that makes us look cross.  At age 56, BOTOX may not be all that effective and you might actually be a more appropriate candidate for surgery.

Sabrina Fabi, MD · Answer

There are no real side effects to having Botox done every four months. Many people get Botox done repeatedly for years and have no complaints. In a recent study looking at patients who had Botox for an average of 9 years regularly, over 90percent were happy with how they looked and reported looking up to 7 years younger than their age.A “dazed” look should never occur with properly done Botox injections. If you find that your expression looks unnatural, it is due to poor injection technique or over-injection and you should find a new injector with more experience achieving a natural look. I recommend  visiting a board-certified dermatologist for Botox injections.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

I have had many patients that I have treated twice to three or more times per year with Botox for the last and have not seen any that had prolonged relaxation. The muscle wakes up four to five months after the last treatment. There have been no cases of muscle atrophy in the face that I have seen.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

You should not have any issues from properly injected Botox that is performed for many years. Many people have already experienced this with great results and really no problems. Seek a true expert like a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, and you should not run into any issues. Dr. Benjamin Barankin, Toronto Dermatology Centre.

Michael Bowman, MD · Answer

Patients tends to find that when Botox is used regularly that their treatment duration gets longer (you might find the results lasting for 5-6 months instead of 4 months).  In addition, because the skin is no longer being wrinkled on a regular basis, it helps prevent new wrinkles from being formed.  There is no expected long term sequelae from Botox injections other than the ones mentioned above.  

	 

	A "dazed expression" would only be due to poor injection technique or improper dosing of the medicine rather than any problem with long term use.  Properly done Botox should look natural.

Side Effects of Prolonged & Repeated Injection of Botox?

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Answer: Side effects from prolonged Botox

Answer: Long term Botox causes better results

Answer: Long term Botox causes better results

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Side Effects of Prolonged & Repeated Injection of Botox?

Answers (10)

Answer: Side effects from prolonged Botox

Answer: Side effects from prolonged Botox

Answer: Long term Botox causes better results

Answer: Long term Botox causes better results

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.