There are no long-term or life-threatening risks associated with botulinum toxin treatments for any cosmetic purpose. Working with a reputable and experienced injector can help reduce the risk of potential complications, as Botox is an FDA-approved low-risk treatment with an excellent safety record. Immediate side effects of injections may include flu-like symptoms, nausea, headaches, and in rare cases, the skin may look thinner. Temporary side effects of injecting Botox around the eyes include pain, drooping eyelids, and fat lumps.
As you age over time, you may reach a point where other treatments may be beneficial, either in place of or in addition to routine BOTOX injections. While there is some known information about how Botox could affect you in the long term, more research is likely to be needed if it is going to continue to be a treatment for regular use. This study aimed to review serious and long-term adverse events associated with the therapeutic and cosmetic use of botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a tool for many plastic surgeons to remove facial wrinkles as people age.
Muscle thinning and weakening (atrophy) occurs because Botox temporarily restricts communication between muscle and nerves, eliminating the muscle's ability to generate tension. So while you might not be as expressive as you would otherwise be, you might not get the lines and wrinkles that drive you to look for Botox in the first place either. Long-term data show that when used correctly, the chances of long-term Botox complications are low, even in cases of multiple injections. When Botox is injected into the salivary glands, it reduces drooling, but it also weakens the body.
If you stop BOTOX treatments after many years of regular injections, the only effect will be that your wrinkles will return, albeit a little more slowly than if you hadn't been using BOTOX.
