Can You Really Lose Muscle From Too Much Botox?
- Emmaline Tsui
- Jun 16
- 4 min read
Ok, let’s talk Botox. It’s the go-to injectable for freezing expression lines, but what happens when you rely on it a little too much? While it can be helpful in small, strategic doses, regular and excessive use over time can come with consequences that not enough people are talking about.
As I always say, I'm not against Botox, but it's just not something that I want right now. Plus, I think it's that thing where when you're in the industry, you see things go wrong maybe more than others and so it kind of puts you off after hearing so many horror stories.
So, To Answer The Question... Can You Really Lose Muscle From Too Much Botox?
Yes, yes you can.
Botox works by temporarily paralysing muscles, which prevents them from contracting—and when a muscle doesn’t contract for long enough, it starts to atrophy. Think of it like putting your arm in a sling: if you don’t use it, it weakens. Over time, this can lead to a loss of muscle volume and tone in the face.
This kind of atrophy is especially noticeable in people who have been having Botox consistently for years without breaks. You may start to notice a flatter look to the face or—ironically—deeper-looking hollows in areas where the muscle mass has thinned.
The Protruding Forehead and Heavy Brow Look
This is what I always talk about and what scares me a little. The other lesser-known side effect of overdoing Botox is a change in facial proportions. A forehead that’s been overly frozen can start to protrude, especially if the muscles beneath the brows are too weak to offer any resistance. This creates that heavy, weighed-down look that some people describe as “a hooded brow” or “sad eyes.” Movement is essential to maintain balance and keep the face looking alive and expressive.
Natural facial movement isn’t the enemy of beauty—it’s what gives you character. It’s what makes your smile look genuine and your eyes light up when you laugh.
So if you’re wary of the ‘frozen’ effect or just want to support your skin more naturally, here are my top three alternatives:
If You Don’t Want to Go Down the Botox Route…
1. Skinade Collagen Supplement
This isn’t just a pretty bottle—it’s clinically backed, and I’ve recommended it to countless clients. Skinade works from within, stimulating your body’s own collagen production, improving skin elasticity, and reducing fine lines. When taken consistently for 90 days or more, it helps firm the skin and adds back that plump, hydrated glow you might be missing.
I drink Skinade now around five days a week. Once you have taken it for 90 days consecutively you can drop to a maintenance dose (5 days a week) and it has helped my skin stay healthy and plump. The main reason I take it though is because it contains nearly 7 grams of protein per bottle (and I'm all about the protein at the moment!)
2. SkinBetter Science LINES
This is your no-needle alternative to injectables. The LINES treatment uses targeted delivery technology to fill the appearance of deep expression lines—think crow’s feet, forehead creases, and smile lines. It contains injectable-grade hyaluronic acid, neuro-calming peptides and collagen-supporting ingredients. I apply this to targeted areas daily and my skin looks visibly smoother without losing its natural expression.
I have to say this is a game changer for me when it comes to my forehead and between my brows. Yes it is a higher price point but you only use the tiniest amount of product so it really lasts. Clients love it too! Click here to order.
3. Calecim Professional Multi-Action Cream
This powerhouse cream uses stem cell-derived proteins to help restore skin firmness and definition. It improves facial contours (yes, even the jawline) and helps rebuild skin volume over time. I love using this twice a day and I swear it's helped really soften my skin and smooth my forehead lines. I apply the LINES first from SkinBetter and then apply my Multi Action Cream afterwards.
Don’t Underestimate Daily Facial Massage
If you want to keep muscles active and lift the face naturally, a bit of facial massage goes a long way. I use my Fluorite Gua Sha and Gold Globe Massager daily to stimulate circulation, reduce puffiness, and keep muscles toned. Think of it as a mini workout for your face. Plus, it feels like heaven after a long day.
I like to have a massage medium on the skin so either my Cleansing Beauty Balm or The Face Oil to give me a little bit of 'slip' when I'm using it - only a small amount though, we don't want any oil slicks!
What To Use Alongside Your Botox (Should You Choose To Have It)
If you do choose to go down the injectable route — whether that’s Botox, fillers, or skin boosters — I always recommend supporting your results with SkinadeMD® INsupport™. It’s a targeted nutraceutical drink that works from the inside out to help you get the most from your treatments. Designed specifically to complement injectables, it enhances the effects of both botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid fillers, while also supporting your skin’s own collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production. It helps reduce common side effects like bruising, swelling and inflammation, meaning you can bounce back to your normal routine faster.
At the end of the day Botox isn’t “bad,” but it’s not the only option—and it definitely shouldn’t be your only anti-ageing strategy. Repeated overuse can lead to changes in facial muscle mass, exaggerated features like a protruding forehead, and brows that feel heavier than expressive.
The key is balance. A little movement is beautiful. Maybe don't go overboard with your injectables and allow your face to 'come back' after having them. Get some movement in your face before it becomes completely paralyzed again!
If you’re unsure what’s best for your skin right now, I offer online skin consultations where we can talk about what you’re using, what your goals are, and map out a plan that’s suited to your skin, your face and your lifestyle. Alternatively you can fill out my Skin Check-In form and we can create a full skincare plan for you.
Thank you so much for reading,
Emmaline
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