Botox Resistance:
Why Your Neurotoxin Injections Might Not Be Working and What to Do
Have you ever felt like your neurotoxin injections aren’t giving you the results you expected? At BEAUX Med Spa, we understand this concern. Throughout my 15-year career in the beauty industry I’ve encountered this issue with clients from time to time. While it’s not very common, it is possible. Some clients report that their line-smoothing neurotoxins, like Botox Cosmetic, Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify, or Jeuveau, seem to “stop working” over time. Let’s explore why this might happen and what you can do about it.
How Neurotoxins Work
Neurotoxins, derived from clostridium botulinum, work by blocking the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, preventing muscle movement and thus reducing the appearance of expression lines. However, they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some reasons why they may not seem to work as effectively for you.
Reason #1: Frequent Injections
Frequent exposure to neurotoxins can lead to resistance. If you get injected every three months, the drug is completely out of your system, and your next injection works like the first. However, some clients prefer “Baby Botox,” receiving fewer units every four to six weeks. This increases the risk of developing immunity to the neurotoxin. To minimize this issue, space your treatments out every three to four months.
Your body can also develop antibodies to the accessory protein in Botox Cosmetic and Dysport, which might resist the active molecule. The only product on the market that doesn’t have this issue is Xeomin, which is a pure form of the drug without binding proteins.
Reason #2: Natural Resistance
A small percentage of the population (about 4 percent) is naturally resistant to neurotoxins. This means the injections might have no effect at all.
Reason #3: Natural Aging Process
Over time, you might perceive a lessened effect of neurotoxins due to the natural aging process. Even though the neurotoxin is still working, you continue to age, which can make the results seem less dramatic than when you first started.
Reason #4: Expertise of the Injector
The effectiveness of neurotoxin injections also depends on the skill of the injector. If the injection misses the strongest part of the muscle or concentrates between areas of muscle, it can be less effective. Always ensure you’re treated by a qualified and trained professional to achieve the best results.
Can You Reverse Botox Resistance?
While you can’t necessarily reverse Botox resistance, there are strategies to overcome it. Switching to a different type of botulinum toxin, such as Xeomin, Dysport, or Jeuveau, can help. You might also consider using a different strain of neurotoxin, such as botulinum toxin type B, though it’s not as commonly available and doesn’t last as long.
Taking a zinc supplement may also help neurotoxins last longer. A small study suggests taking zinc four to five days prior to and on the day of your injection can help the toxin bind to its target more effectively. Another option is to take a break from neurotoxin injections for six to 18 months to allow your body time to clear any circulating antibodies.
Conclusion
While neurotoxin resistance isn’t very common, it can happen. At BEAUX Med Spa, we’re here to help you navigate this issue and find the best solution for your unique needs. Whether it’s spacing out your treatments, switching neurotoxins, or adjusting your injection strategy, our experts are dedicated to ensuring you achieve the best possible results. If you have concerns about your neurotoxin injections, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for personalized advice and care.
