“Can you become immune to Botox?” is a common question that clients frequently ask us. There is a small minority of people who feel that Botox treatments are less effective over time, and wonder about possible immunity or resistance to treatment.
Technically, your immune system can develop antibodies to anything that is injected into your body. However, studies have shown that this phenomenon is exceedingly rare in the case of Botox, and that the vast majority of patients can be treated very effectively at the exact same dosage of Botox over many years.
There are several factors that can cause the body to metabolize the Botox molecule faster, therefore removing its effects earlier than we would like. The most common of these is vigorous exercise.
Exercise acts to increase the metabolic status of the body in general, which aids in everything from weight loss, fat reduction, and cardiovascular health. However, that increased metabolism can also result in the Botox molecule being removed faster from the nerve-muscle junction, where it blocks the signal and relaxes the muscle.
Additionally, there are some fairly uncommon hormone imbalances that can also affect metabolism and have the same effect on Botox. Most problems with decreased effectiveness of Botox can usually be dealt with by slight adjustments in the Botox dosage or repositioning of the injection sites to stronger parts of the muscle treated.
Another rare phenomenon is slight variations in Botox relative strength in different batches or lots of the Botox when produced. We have seen correction of a one-time event of decreased effectiveness by using a different lot number.
So, to answer the above question directly, immunity to Botox is possible, but extremely rare. Remember, however, that all of the staff at Maine Laser Skin care are committed to your total satisfaction with your Botox results.
If you find that effectiveness of your treatment is not to your liking, however small that may be, we will “tweak” the treatment and make it right. We stand behind our work. With tens of thousands of successful Botox patients treated since the inception of Maine Laser Skin Care in 2003, we have the experience to analyze your goals and achieve the desired effect.
Now that the COVID-19 quarantine restrictions are currently lessened, we will gladly see you by appointment for an introductory consultation, or to restart your Botox journey. Feel free to call us in Augusta at (207) 873-2158 or in Scarborough at (207) 303-9125 to reserve your spot.
Until then, please continue to stay home as much as possible, stay safe, and wash your hands. We will all get through this together.