Has Botox Stopped Working for You? Here’s Why — and What to Do About It

If you’ve had anti-wrinkle injections for years and suddenly feel like they’re “not working anymore,” you’re not alone — and it doesn’t always mean your body has stopped responding. There are several possible reasons, and most are easy to fix once you know what’s going on.

1️⃣ Your body may have built a mild tolerance (rare)

In very rare cases, the body can develop antibodies to botulinum toxin type A — the active ingredient in Botox®, Azzalure®, and Bocouture®.This happens when the immune system recognises the protein as foreign and blocks its action at the nerve ending.It’s uncommon (only around 1–3 % of clients) and more likely if treatments are:

• Given very frequently (less than every 3 months)

• Done with very high doses

• Using older formulations that contain more complexing proteins

If you suspect this, switching brands — for example to Bocouture, which is a “pure” toxin without complexing proteins — can often restore results.

2️⃣ It might be technique or dilution differences

If you’ve changed injector or clinic, results can vary. Each practitioner dilutes and places toxin slightly differently, and every face has subtle variations in muscle pattern. Even a small change in depth, dose, or injection point can alter how long your results last.

At Laser & Skin Belfast, our Advanced Nurse Injector tailors every treatment precisely to your muscle strength and symmetry to ensure consistent results each time.

3️⃣ Your muscles may have adapted

Over time, repeated treatments can cause certain muscle fibres to weaken while others start compensating — a bit like when you work out one muscle group more than another. This can make it look as though your Botox has “stopped working” when, in reality, your expression pattern has changed.A careful reassessment and minor adjustment of injection points usually brings everything back into balance.

4️⃣ Lifestyle factors can shorten Botox results

Several things can make Botox wear off faster:

• High-intensity exercise or weight training

• Stress and poor sleep

• Smoking or excessive sun exposure

• Illness, certain medications, or nutritional factors (like low zinc)

Small changes in self-care can help maintain longer-lasting results.

Bottom line

Botox rarely “stops working” permanently. In most cases, it’s about timing, technique, or biology, not true resistance.If you’ve noticed a change, book a free consultation at Laser & Skin Belfast — we’ll review your treatment history, assess muscle movement, and create a refreshed, personalised plan that restores your smooth, natural result.

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