How Long Can You Safely Receive Botox Injections?

January 16, 2019

With more and more people beginning Botox injections earlier in life to prevent lines and wrinkles from forming in the future, you may be faced with an important question of just how long you can safely receive these injections without complications and while still expecting them to work well. Before starting your treatments, you will want to know this important information because you certainly do not want to be surprised 20 years down the road by how your skin responds to your previously fabulous treatment. Of course, because Botox has only been used for approximately 30 years, there are not a lot of studies that have been performed looking into this. However, here are a few facts that are known about this matter.

Long-Term Effects of Botox Injections

With long-term use, you will eventually not need as much Botox as you once did. Plus, you will not need to receive injections so frequently. You may eventually be able to go eight months or more between injections, and even when you do not receive treatments regularly, you may notice that your frown lines are not quite as expressive as they once were. This happens because your facial muscles are basically retrained with long-term treatment. In fact, the wrinkle-forming muscles will gradually atrophy over the years through lack of use. However, your face overall should still look completely natural but soft and unlined.

Most people do just fine getting Botox for 10, 15 or even 20 years. Although they may eventually notice a few changes with their skin, such as a possible thinning of the skin, the overall effects are quite positive with the skin appearing younger and smoother overall. Because the dose of Botox that is used for cosmetic purposes is quite small, you have far less to worry about in this case than you would if you were receiving Botox long-term for a therapeutic purpose, such as to treat migraines.

We recommend that you discuss any concerns you may have with Dr. Tavoussi at your appointment. By setting your mind at ease about your questions, you will feel much better about your future treatments. In general, it is far better to have Botox treatments long-term than to have them once or twice and give them up. The small doses that we use are completely safe and are designed to keep your face looking as natural as possible.