Our outlets will be closed from 26 Mar (Tue) to 27 Mar (Wed) for our annual team bonding event. We will resume operations on 28 Mar (Thu).
Our outlets will be closed from 26 Mar (Tue) to 27 Mar (Wed) for our annual team bonding event. We will resume operations on 28 Mar (Thu).

Dr Vera Toh: Will I look worse than before if I stop getting botox and fillers?

Botox & Fillers Injections Singapore

Many individuals in Singapore preserve their youthful appearance through cosmetic treatments like Botox and fillers. These injectable treatments are well-known for their ability to reduce the signs of ageing, enhance facial contours and reduce the appearance of wrinkles

However, it’s natural to wonder what might happen if you discontinue these treatments. In this article, we’ll find out how Botox and fillers work to prevent ageing, what happens when you stop getting them, and whether you’ll look older if you stop Botox.

What is Botox?

Botox is the shorthand for a substance called botulinum toxin, which is a neurotoxin that is purified and can be used for cosmetic purposes to temporarily relax facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Botox can be used for:

 

In small doses, botox (or micro botox/baby botox) can even be used to minimise pores and smoothen skin.

What are Fillers?

Conversely, fillers are substances injected beneath the skin to boost volume and plump up areas that have lost their youthful fullness. These substances can be made from various materials, such as hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, or poly-L-lactic acid.

Fillers address concerns like wrinkles, lines, sagging skin, and loss of facial volume. Some areas that are commonly injected are the cheeks, chin, and nose.

Now that we have a basic understanding of Botox and fillers let’s explore what happens when you decide to stop these treatments.

What happens when you stop Botox and fillers?

The effects of discontinuing Botox and fillers can vary from person to person, and several factors come into play. Here are some of the critical considerations.

Return of muscle activity

Botox reduces wrinkles by temporarily suppressing the nerve signals that cause muscle contractions. Once you stop Botox, the muscle activity in the treated areas gradually returns to normal, and fine lines will naturally form again.

Gradual fading of fillers

Fillers are designed to provide volume and plumpness to specific areas of the face. Over time, the filler naturally breaks down and is absorbed by the body. If you choose not to continue with filler treatments, the added volume will slowly diminish, and your face may return to its pre-filler appearance.

Natural ageing process

The ageing process continues, even if you’ve had Botox or fillers in the past. As the years go by, your skin will naturally lose collagen and elastin, essential for maintaining youthful firmness and elasticity. This ongoing ageing process can lead to the development of new wrinkles and sagging skin.

Does stopping Botox, and fillers cause more wrinkles?

The concern that often arises when considering stopping Botox and fillers is whether it will result in more wrinkles than you had before. The answer is more complex, as it depends on various factors.

Treatment duration

Being consistent with Botox and fillers for a long period of time also translates to being used to the positive effect it has on your features. Stopping these treatments will not make you look older or worse than you did before you started these treatments. What may happen is that you have just gotten used to a more lifted look and hence notice the difference after stopping these treatments.

In fact, you will continue to look better than someone of the same age who has never done Botox or fillers before as you have slowed down the ageing process during the period of treatment. These injectable treatments in no way cause more wrinkles to develop with time.

Individual factors

Your genetics, lifestyle, and overall skin health play a significant role in how your skin responds to the cessation of these treatments. Some individuals have naturally good skin elasticity and may experience fewer visible changes, while others may notice more significant effects.

Maintenance and skincare

Maintaining a robust skincare routine is crucial to preserving your skin’s health and appearance after stopping Botox and fillers.

Regular use of sunscreen, moisturisers, and products containing ingredients like retinol and antioxidants can help protect and rejuvenate your skin.

How can I tighten my skin without Botox?

If you’re considering discontinuing Botox and fillers but still want to maintain a youthful appearance, there are alternative skin treatments in Singapore to explore. Here are a few options.

Profhilo

Profhilo improves skin laxity by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. Unlike Botox and fillers, this injectable treatment doesn’t provide immediate volume but focuses on increasing skin elasticity, firmness and hydration.

Its formulation of high-concentration hyaluronic acid spreads and diffuses beneath the skin’s surface, covering a broader area than traditional fillers. This dual-action approach addresses skin laxity and improves overall skin quality, providing a lifting and hydrating effect.

Fotona 6D Pro Facelift

Fotona 6D Pro Facelift is a non-invasive laser treatment that can help you look younger, lifted, and contoured. 6D refers to the six technologies that address various skin levels and concerns. It combines surface smoothing with deep tissue tightening and collagen stimulation to provide a comprehensive approach to firm, tighten and lift your skin.

Ultherapy

Ultherapy is a non-invasive ultrasound treatment that lifts and tightens the skin. It encourages natural rejuvenation by sending energy to the skin’s deeper layers, boosting collagen production, and providing a youthful appearance. Ultherapy can be particularly effective for areas like the neck and jowls.

Beyond Botox and fillers

Botox and fillers are still popular anti-ageing treatments. We recommend them for their high efficacy and safety for long-term use. Botox, in a study, was shown to effectively treat involuntary facial movements in 90% of patients.

Should you decide to stop Botox and fillers treatments, the effects of discontinuation can vary. While muscle activity may return, and filler volume may fade over time, this doesn’t necessarily mean you will automatically develop more wrinkles than before.

Taking good care of your skin through a consistent skincare routine and exploring alternative treatments like the ones we mentioned can help you maintain a youthful appearance.

The best course of action should be based on your preferences, so consult a qualified medical professional to make informed decisions.

Our doctors at SL Aesthetic Clinic are experts in aesthetic treatments and can help you discover the best treatment plan to align with your goals.

Book a consultation today and learn more about Botox or other treatments and our prices.

Like what you read? Share them!