Study shows Botox can stop working after repeated use

Think you’re having a down day? What if the botulism you inject in your face stops working?

Studies are now showing that some people who get Botox injections for a long time, over 10 years, may see a decrease in the drug’s effectiveness to freeze the face. The drug is essentially a neurotoxin that “freezes” the muscles of the face reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and preventing new ones from forming. It usually lasts a few months, but over time the effects may be lessened and not last as long.

The Daily Mail reports that German Scientists have found “that one in 200 Botox users developed antibodies, making the treatment less effective over time.” Furthermore, the larger the dosage people receive, the more they are likely to stop responding.

Dr Kuldeep Minocha, who specializes in injections said “The results can wear out a bit quicker because their body seems to get used to it and recognises it as a foreign body, and breaks it down quicker.” Another scientist wrote in British Medical Journal’s online forum Open that many injections can lead to “can trigger an immune response… which might lead to non-responsiveness to treatment.”

I’m not a doctor, but given that Botox is a toxic, it sounds right that our immune system would fight it. And if our immune systems are fighting it, is it really something we want to be injecting in our bodies?

While sometimes this resistance is caused by developing antibodies, there are also other issues in Botox-land. Some clinics are actually diluting their Botox supply with saline, and fraudulent versions of Botox, which are not regulated, have been found in the U.S.

Even if you are getting the good stuff and don’t see decreased effects, Botox could be affecting your emotional health. Last year a study found that injections that freeze your facial expressions could make you “more bitchy” because how we feel can be effected by our ability to make facial expressions. A more recent study found that this theory can apply to depression. When you smile even a fake smile, studies have should that it lightens your mood and lessens stress. The problem with Botox is that it can effect the part of the face that crinkles near the eyes when we smile. It causes “crow’s feet,” but maybe crow’s feet are worth it if you’re really enjoying your life.

*Note* The above photo is one Teri Hatcher shared via Twitter a few year ago to prove she wasn’t on the ‘tox.