We take a deep dive into the long-term effects of the anti-aging needle.
The advent of this treatment pretty much revolutionized theanti-agingindustry.
Ahead, were diving into both the positives and potential negatives, according to doctors.
Photo:Yulia Reznikov/Getty Images
What Is Botox?
Botox is a key in ofinjectable neuromodulatorthat temporarily weakens or paralyzes muscles.
Other examples include Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau, and they all work similarly.
Within two weeks patients notice a relaxing of their fine lines and active wrinkles.
They will also notice asmoother appearance to the skinwith diminished pore size and sweating.
Generally speaking, consistent neuromodulator injections can help you look more youthful even as the clock continues ticking.
Galaria says this occurs because the muscle has weakened and is less apt to wrinkle.
With consistent ongoing usage, you may find relief from those painful headaches.
(Some experience the opposite effect where they need less over time, as mentioned above.
Every patient is different.)
Very rarely, tolerance to Botox can develop over longer-term use.
This is thought to be triggered by the development of neutralizing antibodies in the body.
This occurs because the muscle is being underused.
For many practitioners and their patients, this is considered a positive since it means fewer wrinkles.
Galaria adds that this may be accompanied by unnatural motion limitations.
This is considered a pro for some and a con for others.
You may notice some swelling or light bruising around the injection sites, as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Botox itself will not age you over time.
However, it is possible that long-term use can alter facial muscles' appearance and expression.
However, when done properly, Botox can help prevent wrinkles and maintain a youthful appearance.
No, Botox-induced muscle weakness is only temporary.
Rivkin A, Binder WJ.Long-term effects of onabotulinumtoxinA on facial lines: a 19-year experience of identical twins.Dermatol Surg.
2015;41 Suppl 1:S64-6.
“Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery.
2022;2022:3284446. doi:10.1155/2022/3284446
“Botox for Excessive Sweating.”
Baylor Medicine, Healthcare: Dermatology.
National Human Genome Research Institute.
2022;46(1):385-394. doi:10.1007/s00266-021-02483-1
Bochowiak, K. et al.
“The whole truth about botulinum toxin a review.
“Advances in Dermatology and Allergology.
