Will I Get More Wrinkles if I Stop BOTOX® Treatments?

A single treatment with BOTOX is not a permanent solution to reducing wrinkles. While it works well to relax the facial muscles that cause horizontal lines on the forehead and Crow’s feet around the eyes, patients typically see the effects for anywhere from 3 – 6 months before they need a touch-up.

Patients at Sereno Santé near San Jose, CA often come to board-certified anesthesiologist Dr. Maia Chakerian with questions about BOTOX and when wrinkles may return. Below, you’ll find an explanation of when and why you may see wrinkles if you stop using BOTOX.

How does BOTOX affect the face long term?

While some patients believe that BOTOX can make wrinkles worse in the long run, it’s important to remember that we get more wrinkles as we age. Not only will the effects of the botulism toxin wear off and bring your original wrinkles back, but you can expect to see new wrinkles that would have appeared regardless of the treatment used. That’s just the reality of getting older.

Sereno Santé patients can ask Dr. Chakerian for her expert opinion about the BOTOX regimen that’s right for them. This may depend on several unique factors, including your habits (such as sun exposure) and your age. She can also recommend alternatives to BOTOX – both other wrinkle relaxers as well as dermal fillers – that can help reduce wrinkles.

What happens if I stop using BOTOX?

When patients stop getting BOTOX touch-ups, wrinkles do come back, but it doesn’t necessarily make wrinkles worse. Wrinkles return because the muscles that were immobilized by the toxin regain their ability to move.

When BOTOX wears off, the chemical signals that were previously blocked and prevented muscles from contracting will be able to reach the nerves again. That allows the muscles to contract once again, and cause the dynamic wrinkles originally targeted by BOTOX.

When dynamic wrinkles return, they may make other wrinkles you’ve accumulated become more visible. Or you may simply notice new wrinkles more as a result of seeing the dynamic wrinkles return.

BOTOX does not directly cause new wrinkles to form. However, if you attempt to make facial expressions that normally use the muscles paralyzed by BOTOX, you may inadvertently create new wrinkles. That’s because other muscles in the face may compensate, causing wrinkles to form in different places.

What are my options if I want to stop using BOTOX and avoid more wrinkles?

Just because wrinkles can return doesn’t mean BOTOX doesn’t work. Getting touch-ups every 3 – 6 months can preserve youthful skin. However, for those who don’t respond well to BOTOX, Dr. Chakerian may recommend another wrinkle relaxer, such as XEOMIN®.

If static wrinkles are an issue (these are wrinkles that appear on your face no matter what expression you’re making), a dermal filler such as JUVÉDERM® may be the answer.

Get BOTOX treatment in San Jose, CA

Dr. Maia Chakerian is an experienced, board-certified anesthesiologist who offers a range of anti-aging and wrinkle-reducing treatments at Sereno Santé near San Jose, CA.

Patients who want to discuss their options and find out if BOTOX or another wrinkle treatment is right for them can schedule a personalized consultation. The results of BOTOX don’t last forever. Find out more about how to maintain your results and deal with other wrinkles that appear after BOTOX.