Thanks to its wrinkle-reducing abilities, BOTOX is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments at our Tallahassee plastic surgery practice and around the world. While many people embrace this treatment in their 40s and 50s, some people start it as early as their late 20s to keep signs of aging at bay for longer. But is it safe to use for the long term? Or are there any negative effects you should know about?
In this blog post, we’ll discuss long-term BOTOX use, its effects on your skin over time, and the surprising benefits of maintaining regular treatments over the years.
Will BOTOX Weaken My Muscles Over Time?
One concern some people have is that regular BOTOX use will cause their treated muscles to weaken or atrophy over time. There is some truth to this.
It is true that your muscles may weaken from restricted use if you keep up with regular treatments over many years. This is why people who stay on top of BOTOX treatments find their results last longer and longer between appointments, which turns out to be a benefit.
The same is true for Dysport®, Jeuveau®, and XEOMIN®, other neurotoxins that work in the same way.
What Happens if I Stop BOTOX After Several Years?
There is a common misconception that wrinkles come back more intensely when you stop using BOTOX and that the effect gets worse the longer you have BOTOX in place. However, the opposite is true. If you stop your treatments, you will still look younger than you would have if you had never used BOTOX.
One study of twins found long-term BOTOX use delayed the onset of wrinkles in the long run, effectively slowing the aging process. This is because it prevented the repeated contractions of the specific muscles that cause crow’s feet, forehead lines, frown lines, and other dynamic wrinkles.
You can stop BOTOX at any time and resume it at any time without adverse effects. The longer it is in effect, however, the more preventative benefits you’ll enjoy. Learn all about preventative BOTOX in this related blog post.
Is It Safe to Use BOTOX Long Term?
There are no known negative effects of long-term BOTOX use, as long as you always work with an experienced and credentialed injector.
As you continue to age over time, you may find you need to supplement your BOTOX results with other anti-aging procedures, including dermal fillers such as JUVÉDERM® or surgical options such as eyelid surgery. When you maintain a close relationship with your injector, he or she will provide personalized recommendations for you as they become appropriate.
Have More Questions?
If you would like to speak with one of our Tallahassee plastic surgeons about BOTOX and other anti-aging treatments that may benefit you, please contact us online or call 850.629.6975 to get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.
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