Few cosmetic treatments are as well known as Botox. This neuromodulator was FDA approved for cosmetic use in 2002 and for the last twenty years, it has grown into the most popular aesthetic treatment in the world. Not only is Botox used by older individuals to diminish facial lines, more and more younger people are beginning a neurotoxin regimen to maintain a youthful appearance. The question is, does Botox cause damage to the face if used for years on end? Here is what we know about this top cosmetic product.

What Is Botox?

First off, let’s look at what Botox is and how it works. The main ingredient, botulinum toxin type A, is what makes these injections powerful as a cosmetic treatment. This neurotoxin is responsible for blocking communication from the nerves to the muscles. For lines and wrinkles in the face, this involves targeting the muscles that create crow’s feet around the eyes or the frown lines on the forehead. An experienced injector will carefully place the injections to relax the specific muscles that are creating the undesired muscle contraction and creases in the skin.

 Botox injections take a few days to take effect. In less than a week, the targeted muscles will begin to relax. If used as a wrinkle treatment, the effects can last about 3-4 months before the muscles will begin to contract again. Long-term users of neuromodulators may have a few treatments a year to maintain their smoother appearing face. The concern by some people is that using neurotoxin treatments may cause permanent damage to the face. While there are some known side effects from using Botox injections, most are positive effects when it comes to maintaining a more youthful appearance.

Common Side Effects of Botox

Neuromodulators cause a slight paralysis to the targeted muscles, which is how they smooth dynamic lines and wrinkles. Neurotoxin injections are also used to affect muscle size – masseter reduction can be achieved by using Botox. Muscles that do not contract as often will shrink in size, which can be good or bad, depending on the effects that you want to achieve. Here are some of the common side effects that using a neuromodulator treatment regimen can have on your face.

Weakened Facial Muscles

The muscles in your face are the same as any other muscle. The less they are used, the weaker they will become. This can be a good thing when you want to slim a wide jaw or smooth neck cords – neurotoxin injections can weaken or shrink muscles that you want to become smaller. However, it is important to maintain your vital facial muscles.

 Poorly performed neuromodulator injections can result in frozen muscles that can atrophy. This is an avoidable side effect – an experienced cosmetic injector knows how to achieve the desired effect without risking muscle atrophy. Our injectors at Arcadia Wellness Center are amongst the best in the Phoenix area – not only are we trusted by our clients, but we have also trained many injectors in the area on how to properly use cosmetic injectables safely and effectively.

Skin Changes

There are some rare neurotoxic side effects that can impact the skin. Some patients using Botox have experienced thinner, discolored, or uneven skin from their treatments. While not common, these effects are usually linked to uneven injections that can be avoided by an experienced injector. Individuals with genetically thinner skin are more prone to these types of effects. They can be combatted with collagen induction therapy or filler injections that can add volume to the skin, which we offer at Arcadia Wellness Center.

Muscle Changes

The use of Botox can change the way your facial muscles work. Your muscles may contract less over time, even if it has been several months since your last neurotoxin injection. The muscles adapt over time, which can have benefits for preventing lines and wrinkles from occurring.

 Neuromodulators train the muscles to not contract, which is how the lines and wrinkles are smoothed away. By not creating these creases, treatments can prevent certain lines in the skin from forming or becoming deeper. Over the years, you may not need treatment as often since the muscles are trained not to contract. This offers the dual benefit of reducing and preventing wrinkles long-term and minimizing your treatment costs.

Permanent Facial Changes

Whether you use Botox a few times or consistently for several years or longer, there are permanent effects on your face. While the relaxing effects of neuromodulators are temporary, there are permanent benefits for your skin. The relaxation of the targeted muscles changes how your face ages. Even if you stop using neuromodulator injections, you will have the benefit of slowing the aging process during your treatment. The months of not creasing the skin from muscle contractions are useful for reducing lines and wrinkles on your face in the long run. 

For the individuals that start Botox treatment when they are younger, they can have permanent facial changes that could benefit their aging process. While the targeted muscles may be weaker from not contracting, other muscles compensate and become stronger. The “damage” done to the targeted muscles is actually beneficial when it comes to reducing facial lines and wrinkles. Many individuals will look much younger for longer due to their preventive Botox regimen.

Choosing the Right Injector

Can Botox cause damage to your face? Some people have had poor side effects from neuromodulator treatments, but they are more likely caused by the injector than the product. Trying to save money on the treatment by going to cosmetic injection parties or using a poorly trained injector can increase the risk of undesirable side effects. Choosing a highly qualified medical professional to perform your injections can greatly reduce the chance of any negative side effects.

 Working with an experienced injector to perform your cosmetic injections can ensure you are receiving the right dosage and placement. This can give you lasting results without damaging your facial muscles or skin. Combining Botox with other cosmetic treatments to maintain your skin elasticity can give you long-term anti-aging effects that will keep you looking more youthful as you get older. At Arcadia Wellness Center, our injectors are very experienced and know the best techniques to ensure our patients get the best results from their cosmetic injections.

Beautiful Results from Botox

Neuromodulators like Botox and Dysport can have a dramatic effect on the face. Whether you want to erase existing creases in your skin or slow the aging process, you can have safe and effective results if you choose a qualified professional to perform your treatments. We have patients at AWC that have come to us for many years for their Botox injections and enjoy a more youthful appearance from their treatments. Negative side effects are very rare, and most can be avoided when you choose the right injector.

 To learn more about Botox and how it can help you maintain a more youthful appearance, contact our team at Arcadia Wellness Center in Phoenix, AZ. Our staff can schedule a cosmetic consultation to discuss neuromodulators and other treatments we offer. It is always our goal to ensure our patients are well-educated on their treatments and how to get the best possible results from their cosmetic procedures.