Botox injections remain incredibly popular among men and woman. In 2013, half of all non-surgical or minimally invasive cosmetic procedures performed were Botox, according to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Whether you’re considering getting the injections for the first time, have been getting them for years, or are thinking of switching from a similar product such as Dysport to Botox, you might be wondering if it’s possible to have too many injections.
The answer depends on how frequently you receive the injections and how much is injected each time. Working with a board certified plastic surgeon who has experience injecting Botox will help you avoid any complications or risks that can come with having too much of it.
Frequency of Injections
The effects of Botox aren’t permanent and usually wear off after a few months. Many patients find that their results start to fade around the three-month mark. Some find that the results last for six months or in some cases, a year. If that happens, it is not because of the Botox itself, but because the muscles have retrained themselves and don’t move the way they did pre-Botox.
Although some patients might be concerned about having several Botox injections each year, it’s usually recommended that they get the treatment every three or four months. Ideally, you’ll have a repeat treatment before the effecs of the injection wear off, so that the facial muscles treated remain weak and the wrinkles don’t have a chance to return.
If you can’t have Botox three or four times a year, you’ll still see results from once or twice yearly injections. In many cases, though, you’ll see the greatest improvement in your wrinkles with more frequent injections.
Amount Injected
When it comes to the amount of Botox injected into the treated area, too much of a good thing is possible. Having too much of the substance injected at one time can put you at risk for side effects or complications. One side effect is having the Botox travel from the injection site to another part of your face. The migrating Botox can cause symptoms such as a drooping eyelid or a "frozen" look on your face. Although unpleasant, these side effects are temporary and should wear off within a few days.
Since knowing the right amount to inject is critical, it’s important that you find an injector who is trained and experienced with the procedure. There should be no guesswork involved during a treatment with Botox. You want a medical professional who knows exactly how much to inject and where to inject it.
Developing a Resistance to Botox
Another common worry that people have about Botox is that their bodies will become immune to it and that the injections will stop working over time or they’ll need more and more injections to get the same results.
While resistance to Botox is possible, it is very rare. The body builds up an immunity to the substance by producing antibodies that block it any time it’s injected. That can happen, but hardly ever does.
Usually, there are a number of other reasons why a person might not see the results he or she expects from Botox injections. One is that the injector is using a solution that is too dilute, so that the Botox isn’t strong enough to work properly. Another is that the Botox is past its expiration date and its potency has worn off, or it wasn’t stored properly and became weaker. A final reason is that the Botox wasn’t actually Botox, which can happen if you see an injector who’s not a licensed medical professional.
If you believe that you’ve developed an immunity to Botox, have been seeing a medical professional for your treatments, and would like to get results again, you can try switching to a different brand of botulinum toxin, such as Dysport. Although the two injections provide similar results, they are slightly different. You might start getting results with Dysport after not seeing them with Botox.
When it comes to Botox, Dysport or any other type of anti-aging injection, the most important thing to do is to see an experienced medical professional for the injections. Dr. Jessica Kulak is an aging face specialist and board certified facial plastic surgeon who performs Botox injections at the Naderi Center in Virginia and Maryland. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kulak, call (301) 222-2020 for an appointment in Maryland or (703) 481-0002 for an appointment in Virginia today.
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