Over the past few decades, BOTOX has become one of the most popular cosmetic treatments. Its powerful anti-aging effects have made it a staple in cosmetic surgical offices across the world. While the benefits of this powerful treatment are well-known, many ask the question; what happens when BOTOX treatments are stopped?
Stopping or pausing BOTOX treatments
Every now and then, things come up in life, such as breastfeeding and pregnancy, that require a patient to take a break from their Botox treatments. Naturally, lines and wrinkles start to form again during the period of time when treatment has ceased. Once the BOTOX treatments are resumed, however, smoothness is restored.
Patients who decide to swear off BOTOX forever will find that their wrinkles steadily return. While the skin is no longer benefiting from Botox treatments, it is important to note that the wrinkling process merely resumes from where it left off. In other words, patients will not suddenly develop years’ worth of wrinkles.
The long-term effects
The short answer to the original question is that patients will develop the wrinkles and hollows they would have had if they had never received Botox injections. In other words, the common fear that patients’ faces will become drastically wrinkled if they discontinue their BOTOX treatments is not exactly correct. Having a good understanding of how BOTOX actually works gives us insight into the effects of quitting the injections.
Understanding the science of BOTOX
It’s important to remember that BOTOX is a neuromodulator, meaning that it temporarily blocks nerve activity. When patients receive Botox injections, the signals between their nerves and their facial muscles are severed. As a result, the facial muscles stop contracting, leading to decreased activity in the face. The decreased muscle movement ensures that the wrinkle-forming process is dampened.
Ceasing the use of Botox means that these facial muscles will start moving as they did before starting treatment. Patients will still look years younger than their actual age, as the aging process was delayed throughout the time they were receiving treatment. Naturally, the overall longevity of these younger looks will depend on how long the patient was receiving BOTOX injections and how early in their life they began treatment.
What is the takeaway?
Patients that are considering starting BOTOX injections, or are currently receiving them, may wonder about the repercussions of stopping treatment. It is important to understand that BOTOX is simply a neuromodulator, and ceasing treatment does not have any adverse effects on the face, such as accelerated aging. Patients who would like to try out BOTOX for themselves can rest assured that it is a totally harmless process that they can change their minds about at any time.