Why Some People Are Immune to the Effects of Botox Injections

Botox injections are the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedures performed worldwide. Yet it doesn't work for everybody. Botox injections are quick, low on the pain-and-suffering scale, relatively inexpensive (when compared to surgery), and require no downtime. All this, and results too.

As with any cosmetic procedure, there is a downside. Botox injections are not without risk, and the effects last only a short time (three to four months is the norm).

But what if Botox simply doesn’t work for you? Some have had success with their first, second, and sometimes third treatments with Botox, only to reach a point where the effects are either greatly diminished or entirely absent. Others appear to be immune to the effects of Botox from the start. 

When Botox Doesn't Work

It is a little-known fact that some people can become resistant to the effects of Botox. It was once thought that the product wasn't working because of improper storage, or injector error involving not using the correct technique or dosage.

The patient's own antibodies were never questioned, and so the typical protocol at that point is to simply offer more injections. As a result, the immune patient then ends up spending even more money on a treatment that just doesn’t work for her.

What the Makers of Botox Say

Since the explosion of Botox use, researchers and healthcare providers are realizing that resistance to Botox can develop and, even that there may be some who are completely immune to its effects.

According to a representative from Allergan, the company that makes Botox, "Occasionally some patients may develop an immune response to BOTOX/BOTOX Cosmetic that may reduce the effectiveness of treatment."

They note that the protein complex in their product may stimulate neutralizing antibodies in some patients. Produced by the immune system, these antibodies inactivate Botox.

Allergan notes that this happens more often in people who get frequent Botox injections or when used in higher doses, such as when treating cervical dystonia (although this is still a minor concern).

The packaging for Botox and Botox Cosmetic notes that this immune reaction is a risk. The label advises using the lowest effective dose and have as long between injections as feasible.

To put it plainly, Botox resistance (immunity) does occur in some patients. According to those who do recognize the phenomenon of Botox resistance, the numbers are low—about 1% to 3% of patients who are injected will develop toxin-blocking antibodies.

These rates were seen in studles of patients were receiving Botox for cervical dystonia. Other studies of those receiving cosmetic botox had no reports of immune response.

There are also studies that are looking at how age and frequency of treatment may affect a person's ability to develop Botox resistance.

If You Think Your Botox Isn't Working

Keep in mind that the success of Botox injections is in fact highly dependent on technique, and it is also entirely possible to get a “bad batch” that is less than fresh (and, therefore, less effective).

If you try Botox and it doesn’t seem to work for you, talk to your healthcare provider. They may be willing to inject you again for free if you didn’t get results the first time. If it happens again and you are still determined to have a line-free forehead, try seeing a different healthcare provider.

If you still don’t get results, then you just may be one of those rare people who is “immune” to Botox. If that turns out to be the case, then you can thank your amazing immune system, and you could always try learning to accept and embrace those little expression lines, or you could consider trying one of the many alternatives to Botox.