What Happens If You Stop Botox Injections?

Botulinum Toxin, more commonly known as Botox, remains the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure all over the world. In North America alone, more than 7.6 million individuals had Botox fillers in 2019. Most individuals who have had Botox before are recommended to stick to an injection routine to achieve lasting effects. But for some, seeking continuous injections is not a sustainable option for several reasons. The question is, what happens if you stop Botox injections? 

To have a clear understanding of the effects of Botox on different individuals, let’s look at the reasons why some people would choose to pause their Botox intake. 

What Happens If You Stop Botox: The Why

Because it offers natural-looking results, the effects of Botox are globally applauded. There are countless success stories that narrate the positive reactions of other individuals upon seeing a person who has had Botox injections. The results of Botox typically last for four to six months, which is why most patients dedicate a Botox routine to keep its results. 

The popular belief is that those who seek Botox injections are older adults between the age of 30 to 60. However, according to reports, Millennials aged 17 to 40 years old are now pursuing Botox injection appointments with medical professionals. The widening span of its demographic is the reason why the global value of Botox continues to rise each year. 

Because of its popularity and benefits, many are wondering what could be the reasons to stop or pause Botox fillers. Here are some examples:

Pregnancy

Pregnant women are advised to stay away from cosmetic procedures, including Botox injections, to avoid potential complications. Botox injections are also prohibited for women who are breastfeeding.

Health Complications

Some individuals might be able to follow a Botox routine and then suddenly develop an unrelated health condition. Conditions such as neurological diseases, diabetes, heart diseases, glaucoma, or signs of infection near the injection area should avoid Botox injections.

Development of Allergies

While Botox does its beauty-enhancing effects on the skin, a person can still develop allergies from unrelated, external sources, such as food or exposure to certain chemicals. Botox is not recommended for individuals who are taking strong medicine that can cause potential complications in the future. 

Relocation

There is a certain amount of trust that happens between a patient and the medical professional administering Botox fillers. A common issue of individuals pausing a Botox routine is relocation to a different area, and the client’s unwillingness to try out other Botox clinics. 

Financial Issues

Being unable to financially attend to a Botox routine is a common reason to stop setting appointments. It is understandable that while Botox injections are not particularly expensive, there are some other responsibilities that need to be prioritized. 

Now that we’ve found out the reasons for stopping Botox injections, let’s discuss the aesthetic answers to the question, “what happens if you stop Botox?”

What Happens If You Stop Botox: Effects on the Face

It is common knowledge that Botox works by preventing muscle movements that create lines on our faces. A Botox routine will keep the muscles soft and unformed and will continue to do so with multiple injections. As a result, Botox creates a smooth surface on the skin that makes you look radiant, young, and fresh. Repeated Botox treatments can result in long-term improvement in the affected areas of concern, and can ultimately halt the signs of aging.

So, What Happens If You Stop Botox?

There is a common misconception of what happens if you stop Botox. Some think that the wrinkles would develop more dramatic and deeper lines, while some believe that the puffiness around the eyes would worsen. Before jumping to conclusions, it is important to know that the aging process does not stop even if an individual has a regular Botox routine. Botox works on weakening the muscles under the skin, so if a person stops Botox intake, the muscles would slowly go back to their normal state.

Botox is responsible for smoothing out wrinkles, minimizing pores, and keeping the skin radiantly glowing. While Botox does its work on weakening the muscles responsible for exhibiting wrinkles and lines, the muscles have not had years to develop a deeper appearance. 

It is expected that the skin would return to its original state and the wrinkles would slowly reappear when Botox injections are halted. This is an expected result even for those who have a regular Botox routine and suddenly decide to quit.

What Happens If You Stop Botox: Untreated Concerns

The popularity of Botox is not confined to its aesthetic benefits, with doctors prescribing it to treat depression, excessive sweating, back pain, migraines, and 793 other known medical issues. There are more facial and physical concerns that can be treated from getting Botox fillers, which can all be halted if Botox injections are stopped. 

Here are some concerns that can be untreated if an individual decides to stop Botox injections: 

Smoker’s Lines

The fine lines that appear on the side of the mouth are what many cosmetic professionals refer to as “smoker’s lines.” Botox can significantly decrease the appearance of smokers’ lines. However, if Botox treatment is stopped, the lines can reappear after six months.  

Square Jaw

Botox injections are also effective treatments for “square jaw,” or the appearance of an angulated chin. Botox injections can be performed in conjunction with the high-level procedure as it gives the upper cheek more definition and volume. 

Hyperhidrosis

Botox is popularly used in the treatment of Hyperhidrosis,  more commonly known as excessive sweating. Botox works by temporarily blocking the signals sent from the nerves to the sweat glands, which prevents sweating in the treatment areas. Common treatment areas for this concern are on the hands, feet, back, and underarms. If a person going through this treatment stops taking Botox injections, he or she can re-experience excessive sweating.

Crow’s Feet

Crow’s feet, or the lines formed on the side of the eyes, is a common facial concern treated by Botox. Botox works by softening the muscles around the area that produce lines, and once treatment is stopped, the lines can re-appear. 

Migraines

Time Magazine has reported the efficacy of Botox in preventing chronic migraines. After proven clinical trials, individuals who use Botox to treat migraines receive 31 injections in different areas on the head and the neck. When administered regularly, the effects of Botox in eliminating migraines can last for three to six months depending on the severity of the condition.

This is a particularly different treatment scenario compared to those asking the question, “what happens if you stop Botox?” from a cosmetics perspective. To answer the question, the migraines would most likely come back.

Call Us Today and Find Out What Happens If You Stop Botox

If everything we’ve discussed still seems unclear to you, give us a call. Our highly trained staff are more than happy to explain and discuss any questions you might have about pursuing a Botox treatment plan. At McLean Clinic, we value clarity, and satisfaction for all of our clients, and it is our duty to provide top-notch transparency paired with our cutting-edge cosmetic surgery innovations. 

Contact us today and schedule a consultation for Botox fillers. Dr. McLean will thoroughly explain its benefits, risk factors, and what happens if you stop Botox injections.