Does Botox stop working? Are you tired of hearing that Botox stops working after a while? Don’t believe the myth! In this article, we’ll dispel the misinformation and present scientific evidence that proves Botox remains effective even after multiple treatments.
Plus, we’ll show you why all neurotoxins act similarly and why Botox has been a trusted cosmetic treatment for years. So – let’s keep those dynamic wrinkles at bay!
Recap: How Botox Actually Works
As you probably know by now, Botox is a neurotoxin that blocks the nerve signals that cause your muscles to contract.
When injected into the muscles that create wrinkles, it temporarily paralyzes them and reduces the appearance of those fine creases. This paralysis effect typically lasts for 3-4 months, after which the muscles gradually regain their movement, and your wrinkles may begin to reappear.
Fighting Dynamic Wrinkles
Neurotoxin treatments are a recommended treatment in cases of dynamic wrinkles that occur due to muscle movements such as
- smiling (you just have to, don’t you?),
- laughing (it’s good for your mental health),
- squinting (your eyes cannot always see things clearly), and
- frowning (well, you surely have someone or something to frown at occasionally!).
And, sadly, the results of all this activity show on your face. So – neurotoxin treatment is pretty important aesthetically.
The most frequently occurring dynamic wrinkles on your face will appear as
- crow’s feet,
- forehead lines, and
- frown lines between the eyebrows.
Of course, Botox is not the only neurotoxin available for cosmetic use, and the choice of which one to use depends on individual preference and the recommendation of a qualified provider.
However, that brings in the myth we mentioned… that Botox will stop working after a time.
The Million-Dollar Question: Does Botox Stop Working?
Did someone tell you that prolonged use of Botox leads to the development of resistance to neurotoxin treatments?
This would, of course, mean that
- Botox becomes ineffective after prolonged treatment, and
- you’d be wasting your time (and money!) continuing to use it for those wrinkles you hate to see.
But is that true? The answer is: No!
With science on our side, let’s discuss why Botox does not stop working.
Understanding the Immunogenicity of Botox
Perhaps the peddlers of myths don’t understand long words! Seriously, though, immunogenicity refers to the ability of a foreign substance to enter the body and cause an immune response.
Botox and similar products can potentially trigger antibody formation with repeated injections (be it for aesthetic or therapeutic purposes).
In such cases, two types of antibodies can form:
- neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) that can affect the clinical performance of a toxin product
- non-neutralizing antibodies (non-NAbs) that are not expected to affect the core toxin protein
Scientists have studied the immunogenicity of neurotoxin products, like Botox, by measuring antibody formation after injection.
The thing is: All manufacturers acknowledge the immunogenic potential of their toxin products, and Botox has been shown to have very low immunogenicity. So, it doesn’t stop working in the way implied. Is perhaps envy creeping in to fuel rumors?
Busting the Myth: The Low Immunogenicity of Botox Confirmed in Clinical Trials
In general, then, formation of NAbs (the neutralizing ones that might affect performance) is expected to be rare in response to Botox treatment.
Moreover, the evidence supports that patients rarely develop NAbs when treated with toxin products for aesthetic uses.
So, let’s look at those clinical trials…
Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated that NO patients receiving Botox treatment for glabellar lines (forehead and frown lines) and lateral canthal lines (crow’s feet) developed neutralizing antibodies.
- Over 900 patients across three lateral canthal line trials were studied for immunogenic responses to Botox, and all showed that no patients developed NAbs.
- In another trial, 718 patients received Botox treatment for moderate to severe glabellar lines. All patients remained clinically responsive for the duration of treatment, and none had detectable levels of NAbs after treatment.
Why are we emphasizing these points and dispelling the myths surrounding neurotoxins, and Botox in particular?
Simply put, you deserve to be sure that Botox (and other similar products) are reliable and effective options for reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles long term.
Long-Term Botox Treatment Effective for Wrinkle Reduction
Not only do the studies above prove the low immunogenicity of Botox, but other studies prove its effectiveness over time. Meaning: Botox doesn’t stop working!
Researchers from UCLA School of Medicine studied the efficacy of long-term Botox treatment on imprinted facial lines in identical twin sisters for 13 years.
During this time, one sister received regular Botox treatment, while the other received minimal treatment.
In the end, facial lines were not evident in the regularly treated twin but were evident in the minimally treated twin. This confirmed – in a genetically matched setup – that Botox is well tolerated and safe for wrinkle reduction and prevention.
So, we’ve answered the question the rumor attempts to perpetuate: Does Botox stop working?
But maybe you have a final question…
What Happens if I Stop Using Botox?
While some people may believe that discontinuing Botox will result in the sudden appearance of wrinkles, the benefits of sustained use of the injection can last long after you stop using it.
In fact, over time, Botox helps to
- train your facial muscles to move less (which means less wrinkle formation),
- stimulate collagen and elastin production, and
- improve your skin’s brightness, smoothness, and elasticity.
What more can you ask? We cannot NOT smile, frown, or squint throughout life!
So – because of those benefits, using Botox for years can delay your aging process. You might even need less Botox maintenance over time. And even if you decide to stop it completely, you will still enjoy these anti-aging effects!
Say Goodbye to Wrinkles
If you’re considering Botox treatment for the first time or looking for a new provider, we encourage you to ignore the myths and contact us at Evexias Denver to discuss your options.
As a licensed and experienced provider, we can help you determine if Botox (or perhaps Xeomin) is the right treatment for your specific concerns, and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
We can help you achieve a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance and boost your confidence with Botox treatments for as long as you need or want them. Take the first step toward your desired look today!
