What Happens If You Stop Getting BOTOX^® Cosmetic or Fillers?

Many people who enjoy the rejuvenating effects of BOTOX^® Cosmetic and dermal fillers wonder what might happen if they decide to pause or stop their appointments. These non-surgical treatments have become some of the most popular aesthetic procedures available because they can deliver noticeable yet natural-looking results with little to no downtime. But life circumstances, budget changes, or simple curiosity may lead patients to ask: Will my face look worse if I stop? 

To help clear up the myths and set realistic expectations, Dr. Albert Cytryn, an experienced oculoplastic and facial plastic surgeon, shares what you can expect if you decide to discontinue your injectable treatments.

How BOTOX^® Cosmetic and Fillers Work

Before discussing what happens when you stop, it’s important to understand how these treatments work.

• BOTOX^® Cosmetic: A neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes targeted facial muscles, softening dynamic wrinkles such as crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead creases. Results typically last three to four months.
• Dermal Fillers: Injectable gels (such as those made of hyaluronic acid) that restore lost volume, smooth deeper lines, and enhance facial features like the cheeks, lips, and jawline. Depending on the product, results can last anywhere from six months to two years.

Both treatments gradually wear off as the body naturally metabolizes the product, which means results are not permanent.

What Happens If You Stop BOTOX^® Cosmetic?

If you’ve been receiving BOTOX^® Cosmetic regularly and decide to stop, the treated muscles typically regain their normal activity. Over time, this allows wrinkles and lines to reappear. However, there are a few important points to keep in mind:

• Wrinkles Return Gradually – The effects don’t vanish overnight. As BOTOX^® Cosmetic wears off, muscle movement slowly comes back, and lines usually reappear over the course of several weeks to months.
• You Won’t Look “Worse” Than Before – One of the biggest misconceptions is that stopping BOTOX^® Cosmetic will make your wrinkles deeper or more pronounced. This isn’t true. Your face will simply return to its natural state. In fact, some patients notice their lines appear slightly softer than before because the treated muscles were relaxed for a period of time.
• Aging Will Continue Naturally – Without BOTOX^® Cosmetic, you’ll continue to age at the same pace you would have if you’d never received treatment. Wrinkles may become more noticeable with time, but that is due to the natural aging process, not the absence of injections.

What Happens If You Stop Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers can add volume and structure, which helps soften wrinkles, enhance facial contours, and restore a more youthful look. If you stop getting fillers, here’s what you might expect:

• Gradual Loss of Volume – As the filler material breaks down, the treated areas slowly return to their previous appearance. For example, plumped lips generally shrink back to their natural size, or fuller cheeks will gradually lose their roundness.
• No “Collapse” Effect – Some worry that their skin will sag more dramatically after fillers wear off. This is a myth. Once the filler is gone, your face often looks as it did before treatment, taking into account any natural changes from aging.
• Skin Quality May Improve Slightly – Some fillers, particularly hyaluronic acid-based ones, are designed to stimulate collagen production and hydrate in the skin. This means that even after the filler has dissipated, your skin may retain a slightly healthier, more refreshed look compared to before treatment.

The Psychological Factor

For many patients, the biggest change after stopping injectables is psychological. Since BOTOX^® Cosmetic and fillers can make you look more refreshed, youthful, and confident, it may feel like a significant shift when those results fade. Some people notice fine lines or volume loss more acutely after discontinuing treatments—not because they’ve worsened, but because they’ve become accustomed to looking smoother and more rejuvenated.

Can You Restart Treatments After a Break?

Absolutely. Whether you pause for months or years, you can return to BOTOX^® Cosmetic and fillers when you’re ready. Many patients go through treatment cycles depending on life events, budgets, or personal preference. Dr. Cytryn frequently works with patients to design customized treatment plans that fit their needs and timeline, ensuring results remain natural and harmonious.

Alternative Options

If you decide not to continue with injectables, there are other ways to support your appearance and skin health:

• Medical-grade skin care to improve tone, texture, and hydration.
• Laser skin resurfacing to address pigmentation, fine lines, and collagen stimulation.
• Surgical options, such as upper eyelid surgery, lower blepharoplasty, or a facelift, for more dramatic revitalization if desired.

Dr. Cytryn offers both non-surgical and surgical facial rejuvenation, giving patients the flexibility to explore options that best match their goals.

Final Thoughts

Stopping BOTOX^® Cosmetic or dermal fillers will not make your face age faster or look worse. Instead, your appearance will simply return to its natural state, with aging continuing as it normally would. Many patients appreciate the flexibility of these treatments: you can pause, restart, or combine them with other rejuvenation strategies as your needs change.

If you’re considering starting or restarting injectables, or if you’d like to explore alternatives, consulting with a qualified provider like Dr. Cytryn is key. Dr. Cytryn, a skilled oculoplastic and facial plastic surgeon, has extensive experience helping patients achieve natural-looking results with both surgical and non-surgical treatments. His personalized approach ensures that whether you continue with injectables or move toward other options, your treatment plan is tailored to your unique goals.

Interested in learning more about BOTOX^® Cosmetic, fillers, or other facial rejuvenation options? Contact our office to schedule a consultation and discover the best path forward for your needs.