Yes, while generally considered safe, long-term Botox use can lead to disadvantages like muscle atrophy (weakening/wasting of muscles), changes in facial expression, thinner-looking skin, and in rare cases, toxin spreading to other neurons, causing issues like droopy eyelids or swallowing problems, though most short-term side effects (headache, bruising) are temporary. The biggest unknown is very long-term effects, as trials are usually short, but some studies show muscle changes can persist years after stopping.
Long-term effects
A 2022 review study found that people who regularly received Botox injections showed changes in their muscle composition, function, and appearance up to four years after their last injection. "If you didn't use your abs [abdominal muscles] for 10 years, they would waste away," says Mosahebi.
“This reflects a broader shift towards proactive skin health,” De Souza says. “People are taking charge of their skincare journey with long-term regeneration and vitality in mind.” Perhaps it's not that Gen Z don't want Botox, it's that they actually don't need it.
What happens is that your face simply returns to its natural expressions and lines. In fact, many patients appear slightly younger than if they'd never had Botox, because the repeated relaxation of muscles may have prevented deeper lines from forming over the years.
The Bottom Line on Botox
Risks aside, it's worth noting that those 65 and up might not receive the results they're looking for after receiving Botox, which is one reason the FDA lists this age as their recommended cut-off. Ultimately, the decision to receive or reject Botox at any age rests with you and your doctor.
A common concern is whether your skin will sag after you stop Botox treatments. The good news is that Botox itself does not cause sagging, nor does stopping it lead to sagging skin. However, it's important to remember that the aging process continues, regardless of whether you've had Botox or fillers in the past.
If it's right for you, The Look of 3® is an opportunity to be treated in 3 areas, with 64 units, at least 3 times a year. For moderate to severe forehead lines, frown lines, and crow's feet in adults. *Treatments should be spaced 90 days apart.
Spoiler alert: It's still YOU—just smoother, fresher, and more youthful! ✨ When done right, Botox doesn't freeze your face; it softens lines, prevents deep wrinkles, and keeps your skin looking effortlessly refreshed. After a decade of consistency, you won't look “done”—you'll look like the best version of yourself.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Botox for Older Adults
Some rare but potential risks for patients over the age of 65 include: Reactions At the Injection Site—Bruising, pain, and swelling around the injection site are the most common side effects of a Botox treatment.
The researchers found that the paralyzing effect of Botox on the face inhibited sensory input to the brain in this area, thus altering brain mapping of the hands. Researchers theorized that loss of movement in the face caused by Botox injections could affect touch sensation in both hands.
Additionally, if Botox were to enter the bloodstream in excessive amounts, it could potentially put a strain on the liver. It's vital to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any procedure to ensure it's safe for your specific medical circumstances.
Botox itself does not cause a pillow face. However, when combined with filler, improper placement, or overuse of either treatment can result in an unnatural appearance.
A good price to pay for Botox typically ranges from $10 to $20 per unit, but the total cost depends on how many units you need. Most people require 20 to 60 units for common treatment areas like forehead lines, crow's feet, and frown lines.
From 2025, following a landmark decision by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), new regulations for aesthetic injectables will ban nurses from prescribing botulinum toxin remotely face-to-face consultations will be mandatory before treatment.
Overuse of Botox can sometimes lead to a less expressive or “frozen” appearance, something most individuals wish to avoid. Additionally, frequent and high-dose treatments can sometimes lead to Botox resistance, meaning the Botox results could become less dramatic over time.
An alarming amount of Gen Z is terrified of aging. This is no news to the chronically online, or the frequent Sephora shopper. The target audience of the beauty industry has been slowly narrowing in on a younger and younger audience for decades.
Botox over 50 works beautifully when used strategically. But it's not a one-size-fits-all fix—it thrives when it's customized. What it can do well: Softens expression lines (forehead, between the brows, crow's feet)
Exposure to light is a top cause of premature aging: Sun exposure causes many skin problems. Ultraviolet (UV) light and exposure to sunlight age your skin more quickly than it would age naturally. The result is called photoaging, and it's responsible for 90% of visible changes to your skin.
Do jowls from Masseter Botox go away? Yes, if jowling does occur, it is usually mild and temporary. As the effects of Botox wear off—typically within 3 to 6 months—the muscle regains its strength, and the skin may return to its original position.
If you decide to take a break from Botox, your facial muscles will gradually regain their full movement. This means: Lines and wrinkles that were previously softened will slowly reappear. Fine lines may become more noticeable again, depending on your skin's natural elasticity and aging process.
These exaggerations of wrinkles may be caused by hyperactivity and overcompensation of untreated muscles. With the increasing availability of diverse botulinum toxin for cosmetic purposes, physicians and patients should be aware of this temporary change after therapeutic injections.