What could be possible reasons for my botox not working?

Question

I've used botox with wonderful results. Suddenly it stopped working. I've since went to other drs. too and the botox do not take effect. The last dr. I've been to, used botox and not Dyssport. It took effect on my crows feet area but not my frown and forehead. She injected more botox after 2 weeks, she thought perhaps she used too little units. After another 2 weeks she injected more, and now after another 2weeks, it seems that it still hasn't taken effect. Am I resistant all of a sudden?

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to Botox. Developing a resistant to Botox is rare, although it is possible. Typically more units are recommended to achieve your desired goal. Also, depending on the dilution of the Botox could have an effect as well. To be sure, 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.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. If you have had injections administered by a few doctors and have had no results, it can be possible that you are resistant. It may help to inject a larger amount. Always see a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Regards,

Suzanne Bruce, MD · Answer

Thank you for reaching out with your question. As others
have said, it is rare for someone to develop a resistance to the effects of
BOTOX. The situation you've described is a bit unclear. If you've had BOTOX
injected by different providers, it may be that the technique used by one
injector is the reason for BOTOX not working the way you expected. It's
difficult to provide any definitive answer without knowing a bit more about
your case or conducting a personal assessment. If you haven't tried either
Dysport or XEOMIN, which are both similar products, that may be a good place to
start. Good luck.

Lee B. Daniel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Although
not a common occurrence, it is possible to develop antibodies to the
neurotoxins in BOTOX®. This can result in a resistance to the product and cause
it to not be as effective as it normally is. You could try alternative
neurotoxins such as Xeomin® or Dysport® but I suspect you would have the same
resistance. As others suggested, you could stop using BOTOX® for a year or more
and then try it again to see if you get better results.

Victor Chung, MD · Answer

Developing a resistance to Botox is a rare occurrence. I have personally have never seen it, as the patients I see have all responded to a reinjection with more units of Botox. It is described as occurring in patients who have had many, frequent, and high-dose treatments. The idea is that your body has produced antibodies that inactive the medication by binding to it. Some recommend switching from Botox to Dysport or Xeomin. Some recommend taking a break from injections. Neither are supported by published research. I would recommend collecting all of your records and reviewing them with a trained specialist in your area. They can help confirm the resistance to Botox.

What could be possible reasons for my botox not working?

Answers (9)