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How Long Before Botox Results Can Be Seen?

asked 3 years ago by pegob in nj
Latest answer by Edwin C. Pound, III, MD
Question viewed 152,415 times
Tags: results

How long after receiving Botox do you see the full benefit? Also, how many times can one receive this? I know it is every 4 months, but is there a limit to how long one can keep getting botox?

66 answers to How Long Before Botox Results Can Be Seen?

+1

Botox Benefits after 1 Week

Usually, Botox results can be seen after several days. To be safe, the product should be in full effect after 1 week. As for the amount of times that you can have Botox, there is no limit currently. Botox has a better safety record than Aspirin, but there have been cases where a patient will grow resistant to Botox after repeated use. There is no harmful effects in these cases, just a lack of results.
Harold J. Kaplan, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.celibre.com

+6

Repeat Botox treatments are safe and can delay features of aging.

The science of how and when Botox works has been thoroughly investigated. Although some effects are noticed in 3-4 days, the peak effect is not until 10-14 days. For patients that are new to Botox or having a new area treated, I like to see their results at 2 weeks to determine if any additional treatment is required. Once an optimal outcome is established then we plan for maintenance treatments every 3 - 4 months. Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin do not last longer than this however with regular... more
Mathew C. Mosher, MD

Vancouver Plastic Surgeon
+5

Botox Results

Botox results should be seen anywhere from 3-7 days. I don't believe there is a limit for the length of time that a patient can keep receiving Botox.
David Alessi, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+5

Botox results seen in 4-5 days

Botox takes around 4-5 days to start working, reaching it's peak in around 21 days and starts to wear off at 90 days.
David Finkle, MD

Omaha Plastic Surgeon
+5

Botox takes effect quickly

For most patients, the effects are seen within a few days up to two weeks. The results last around 4 months, based on the national average.
Lori Stetler, MD

Dallas Dermatologic Surgeon
+5

Botox

Botox works by weakening the muscles, therefore it usually takes 5-7 days to see the full effects. However, it vary's pt to pt, we have many say that they see results in 1-2 days, others a full week. Most of my repeated pt's botox results last 3-4 months, some need touch-ups in between. There has been no limit set to the number of times botox can be used .
Hannah Vargas, MD

Kansas City Facial Plastic Surgeon
+4

Botox effects

Usually botox takes 3-5 days before effects are recognized.  If you don't see results after one week, you may have antibodies to the toxin or may need addtional units.
Christopher K. Livingston, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+3

Botox works by 3 or 4 days

Most patients notice significant results by 3 or 4 days.  The full effect of relaxing the targeted muscles is in place by 2 weeks. Deep skin wrinkles caused by the dynamic effect of the muscles (such as deep frown lines) can gradually improve over time, in addition to the early effect seen shortly after treatment. There are currently no data to suggest a limit to the number of times a patient can undergo Botox injections. Mark Lucarelli, MD, FACS Madison, WI more
Mark J. Lucarelli, MD

Madison Oculoplastic Surgeon

www.UWHealth.org

+3

Botox starts to work in 3 or 4 days and peaks at 2 weeks

Most patients will see the results of their Botox injection begin to appear after 3 or 4 days and continue to improve until about two weeks, when the results are at their maximum. The effect will gradually wear off over the next 4 months or so. Once the Botox effects begin, the areas treated, i.e. the frown lines, crow's feet etc., will appear more relaxed and in fact the whole face starts to benefit as patients take on a less stressed and more rested appearance. It's subtle but... more
Arie Benchetrit, MD

Montreal Plastic Surgeon
+3

Botox Works Quickly

Botox generally starts to work 3-4 days after injection and can take up to 10-14 days to fully set in.  Botox will start to gradually wear off after 3-4 months. 
Grant Stevens, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+3

Botox starts right away but takes time to reach full effect.

The beginning of Botox's effect on weakening muscles of expression can be felt right away, sometimes within a few hours, but it continues to increase its effect over the first week or two. The best way to actually get the most for your money, is to USE your muscles after the treatment, believe it or not. This allows the Botox (or Dysport) to be more actively taken up, and more effective. Full effect should be seen in a couple of weeks, and I have seen Botox last anywhere from 2 to 4... more
Jessica J. Krant, MD, MPH

Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon

www.ArtofDermatology.com

+3

Full Botox benefit at 2 weeks.

Hi! 1) After Botox injections, you begin to see the result in 2 days, maximum result in 2 weeks, and mostly gone in 4 or 5 months.  2) There are many patients who have had Botox injections for 10 years safely. 3)  Result in the neck is seen more quickly.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+3

Onset of action of botox

Many botox initiates will claim that they see the effect, as soon as the fluid is injected into their lines. This is merely an optical illusion caused by the plumping effect. The average female patient will require 3-5 days to appreciate the blockade. A male patient who has thicker skin and stronger muscles may take up to 10 days. It is my early impression that dysport's blockade is slightly quicker, but I have only started with a small set of patients, in order to evaluate this newer... more
Lavinia Chong, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+3

Botox result usually shows after 3-4 days

Occasionally, I have a patient tell me that their Botox effct began shortly after leaving my office. This is wrong. If you put any type of fluid in the skin, including saline, it has an effect on the nerve endings. The actual effect is usually 3-4 days later, although some patients do report a weakening the day following adminstration. Usually, the effect peaks after 7-10 days. However, occasionally it takes longer. For instance, I had Botox placed in myself once and it took two weeks before... more
Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Virginia Beach Dermatologist
+2

How Long Before Botox Results Can Be Seen?

Great question. The time of onset can vary, but typically patients see the results of Botox within 3-5 days. One competing product called Dysport (from the makers of Restylane) typically works 1-2 days earlier. Because of the delay in effects of neuromodulators, patients should give plenty of time between their treatment and when they want it to work. This is especially true if there is a special event that they are attending (wedding, party, reunion, etc...) I have personally not... more
Michael M. Kim, MD

Portland Facial Plastic Surgeon

tinyurl.com

+2

Timeline for Botox Results

The average patient will notice a change in 2-3 days, with full results showing around day 7. There is no maximum number of treatments an individual could have, but results tend to wear off in 3-4 months depending on the person or area treated, at which time patients find it desirable to return for re-treatment.
Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+2

Botox Effect Takes a Few Days

You should wait at least five days to see the effect of your Botox treatment. Sometimes it can be a little longer. I prefer to use the minimum to get the desired relaxation and wait two weeks. You can always add a little more, but you can't "subtract."
Alexander Lewis, MD

Walnut Creek Dermatologic Surgeon
+2

How long before Botox works?

Botox inhibits the enzyme at the junction between the nerves and striated muscles. It usually takes effect 3-5 days after it is injected. I am convinced that Dysport has a shorter onset of action (works sooner) but I do not know if it lasts any longer than Botox.
Lawrence Kass, MD

Saint Petersburg Oculoplastic Surgeon
+2

Botox onset & repeat treatments

You will feel a volume effect and some early changes the day of injection, but actual muscle relaxation will take between 3 to 7 days typically and up to 14 days for full effect. I have been treating spasm patients with Botox since the 1980's. Administered properly, you can safely continue receiving treatments for years. What you should expect with time, as you get older, your dosage will gradually increase to obtain the same effect. For the... more
Kathleen F. Archer, MD

Houston Oculoplastic Surgeon
+2

How long before Botox works??

In my experience, the patients begin to see improvement in the first 3-5 days which increases over a total of two weeks before they see the desired result.  I have everyone return at 2 weeks to reassess their treatment and if necessary add a tiny bit more since it is very easy to add a little bit more and impossible to remove.
Theodore Diktaban, MD

Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Botox begins working within days

For most patients, some softening of lines can be seen within 2-4 days, with maximum benefit at 2 weeks. I agree with other answers that it is a good idea to re evaluate at 2 weeks to see if there is a need for additional injections.  There have been some early reports in the literature that the newer product Dysport can begin working in a shorter period of time, and some of my colleagues have noted this anecdotally as well. Time will tell.....
Travis L. Shaw, MD

Richmond Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Botox Wrinkle Treatment

Botox shows some initial weakening of the lines and wrinkles when first injected but the effects peak between 5-7 days.  There really is no limit to how long you can receive Botox treatments....but the vast majority of my Botox/Dysport patients are on a the following schedule: initial Botox or Dysport treatment complete treatment at 1 month to further weaken muscle causing unwanted line and wrinkle follow up treatments at 6 month intervals
Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Botox: time until results are seen

After Botox, there are immediate results and long-term results. The immediate results occur in less than a week, the muscles relax and the lines/wrinkles ease. The long-term results occur months after treatment. The lines that are no longer being folded into the skin everyday, start to fade as the body has a chance to repair them. There is no limit to the number of times you can do Botox. You are correct that it is approximately every 4 months, but some... more
Todd Minars, MD

Miami Dermatologist
+2

Botox general info.

I consider Botox or Dysport, the best investment a woman can ever make for her facial skin. The wrinkles that appear on the face are partly due to the muscles of facial expressions. Botox (or Dysport) will relax these muscles and preserve the skin. The earlier you start the better the skin will remain. Botox can be used indefinitely. It does not accumulate in your tissues, and has been used safely for over 20 years. No expensive anti aging moisturizing cream can even come close... more
Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+2

Botox® results in days.

Most people see results in 5-7 days, though some patients tell me they start to notice the effect the next day.
Mario Loomis, MD

Middletown Plastic Surgeon
+2

Botox results usually at 3-5 days, but if result is inadequate wait 2 weeks

While the result is usually seen at 3-5 days, final evaluation should wait 14 days. If the result is inadequate: More Botox may be needed if there is still too much voluntary motion If the muscles are blocked, the problem may be furrows and that is the time that filler can be added The visible "wrinkle" may be due to the fact that the base of the wrinkle is a lighter color and is visible due to that rather than motion.  Treatment is then laser to blend... more
Nathan Mayl, MD

Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgeon
+2

Botox results seen in 5-7 days

Botox results are seen in 5-7 days. The peak effect is seen at 1 month. A gradual return of function is seen at 3-4 months.
Edward J. Gross, MD

Orlando Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Botox Results

Botox Cosmetic results can generally be seen anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks following treatment. In our experience, the results have a longevity lasting anywhere from 6 weeks to 5 months, depending on several factors which include, but are not limited to, how quickly your body metabolizes the toxin. Best of luck!
Glenn Vallecillos, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+2

Botox Benefits

For most patients, the effects of Botox become apparent in terms of diminished muscle activity within 2-3 days. The effects gradually wear off over the following 2-3 months, and generally there is no residual muscle paralysis after 3-4 months. For this reason, most patients return every 3-4 months for re-treatment. Some patients seem to require less Botox at subsequent treatments, perhaps because there is some muscle atrophy as a result of loss of nerve stimulus due to the Botox. There is... more
Athleo Louis Cambre, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Results of botox

In general, Botox/Dysport tends to work within three to five days following injection, a week at the outside. If it isn't working after a week then it isn't working and you probably need a touch-up. Botox/Dysport usually lasts three to six months. Once it degrades, it is gone and there is no residual effect. You can have Botox/Dysport for as long as you want to since there are no known long-term effects that would prevent you from doing so. There is also... more
Edwin C. Pound, III, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

BOTOX

Botox is a toxin that is injected in small amounts into muscles in the upper portion of the face to smooth the lines and wrinkles caused by contraction of these muscles during frowning or squinting. Horizontal forehead lines, vertical lines between the eyebrows, and crows' feet around the eyes can all be significantly reduced by injecting small amounts of this substance into the underlying muscles. Treatments take ten to twenty minutes and results can be expected in three to five days.... more
Gregory A. Wiener, MD, FACS

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

How long untill Botox results can be seen...

Botox injections for wrinkles in the forehead, between the eyes, and the crows feet is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures. Most patients see results within a few days or so, but it can be different from person to person. Botox can last anywhere from three to six months. I have many patients that have been getting Botox injections for many years, and there are not any known problems with long term use at this point in time. Be sure to consult... more
Andrew Miller, MD

Edison Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.associatesinplasticsurgery.com

+1

Botox Results

In most patients, the effects of Botox injections is evident within 3-7 days. You will be unable to move the group of muscles that were treated, ex. inablity to frown, but the wrinkles already established because of the previous working of these muscles that damaged the collegen in the skin, and produced a permanent crease, will be still visible.
Kris Conrad, MD

Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox Kicks in Quickly, But Full Effect Takes Up To 1 Week

Typically one begins to feel the effects of Botox or Dysport within a day or two, but the full effect can take up to one week. To shorten the onset of action and to enhance the effects, I prescribe a series of post-treatment muscle exercises for the treated areas. On average, botox lasts anywhere from three to five months when injected properly.
Channing R. Barnett, MD

New York Dermatologist
+1

Botox can last between three to six months depending on the area

Botox takes approximately 5 to 7 days to start working but the full effect of Botox takes two weeks. You can get Botox as needed. There is no "limit" as to these injections for facial wrinkles since tiny amounts are injected at a given time. Since Botox can wear off, depending on the area and depth of wrinkles, at even three months, you can repeat treatment at that time if you need it to have the desired results.
Michele S. Green, MD

New York Dermatologist
+1

How Long Before Botox Results Can Be Seen...

The length of time that it takes for Botox to take full effect differs from person to person. Some patients see results within 3-4 days and other patients it may take up to 10-14 days to see results. The results typically last 3-4 months.
Robert Heck, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

No known limit on Botox injections

Most patients after Botox injections start to see results in 2-3 days and maximum results in about one week. At this time there is no known limit on how many Botox injections you can get. Many patients have gotten Botox religiously every 3-4 months for 7-8 years without any negative repercussions.
James McMahan, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Don't panic if at first you are a little swollen!

You may be swollen and bruised after the injections are placed accordingly, but these are not your results. The effects are usually seen 4-7 days after, but the ultimate peak of the product’s full potential is seen around week 2.
Yael Halaas, MD

Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Average Times for Botox Results to Appear

In my practice, I'd estimate that about half of my patients see results within a few days, and the other half can take up to a week to see the full effect. It really depends on the person. I rarely hear about patients for which it takes longer than a week to see results, unless they are among the very small percentage of people for whom it doesn't seem to work at all for, and for those cases, I've had good results with Dysport.
Steven Svehlak, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

How long to see results after Botox

Botox works by getting taken up by the muscle cells therefore it takes 3-4 days to see the effect. By 1-2 weeks, you should see maximal benefit. Botox has been used by medical professionals since the 1970s and no limit to the number of times it can be used has been demonstrated.
Kristin Egan, MD

Manhattan Beach Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox Results

Most patients will notice some results from Botox Cosmetic in 3-5 days. Maximum benefit can take 10-14 days.
Michael Sullivan, MD

Columbus Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox Results

It can take up to 10 days to see the final results of Botox, however you should start to see these results within 3-5 days.  Dysport works faster and results begin to be seen in a day. Again, you should wait 10 days to see your final results. There is no limit to the amount of times that you can use these products.
Jacob D. Steiger, MD

Boca Raton Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox takes a few days to start working

Botox takes a few days to start working.  You should start to notice an effect by 3-4 days and then after 2 weeks, you should know the final result.
P. Daniel Ward, MD

Salt Lake City Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox results within a few days

While the effects from Botox can be seen within a few days, it can take up to two weeks for the final result. It usually lasts for around 3 to 4 months, although many of my patients have seen improvement for longer.
Ryan Greene, MD, PhD

Fort Lauderdale Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox starts to work after 3-5 days

Its peak effect is reached after 2 weeks. The relaxing effect against wrinkles lasts about 3-6 months.
Robert Kasten, MD

Mainz Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

BOTOX takes effect quickly and lasts 3-4 months

You may see some effects of BOTOX 3-4 days after the date of injection.  It generally takes 14 days to see the full effect of BOTOX.  It lasts 3-4 months, although I have had patients in whom it lasted longer than this.  I am not aware of any limit to the number of times one can receive BOTOX over a lifetime. 
Adam D. Schaffner, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox acts quickly and lasts for about 3 months

Botox usually starts working in several days but can take up to 2 weeks for the full effect.  The duration of the treatment varies from person to person, but on average is 3 months.  Botox treatment can be repeated when needed for as long as needed.  There does not appear to be any risk to repeated treatments over years of time.
Elizabeth Lee, MD

Bay Area Plastic Surgeon
+1

When does Botox start working?

Botox will start working in 3-4 days.  It can last anywhere from 3-9 months.  There is no residual effect from Botox.  You can get Botox for a long time without lasting effect.
Sugene Kim, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

When does Botox kick in?

It generally takes 3-6 days for Botox to kick in and have its effects on the targeted muscles.  As you know botox is not permanent.  Its effects generally last for 3-6 months.  Most patients return every 4 months or so for additional treatments.
C. Bob Basu, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox - Results

It usually takes about 4-5 days for Botox results to show.  Botox usually lasts about 4-6 months depending on the person.  There's no set limit for how long people can keep getting Botox.  As long as it's indicated for your particular anatomy, there's no harm in getting it routinely.  Some people do develop a tolerance or resistance to Botox and need to switch to another strain of Botox. Dr. Cat Begovic M.D.
Catherine Huang-Begovic, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox usually begins working at 3-5 days post-injection.

Thank you for your inquiry. Botox usually begins working approximately 3-5 days after the injection. Some considerations are how many units you receive (I usually do not recommend less than 30 units). It should last 3-4 months.
Peter Schmid, DO

Longmont Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Seeing a Botox result

Botox usually will take affect within a week from the initial treatment. Maybe sooner if you are a frequent Botox user.  
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox info

Botox results usually appear within 5-7 dyas after treatment.  It will usually last 3 -4 months and I usually have patients come back at that point for further treatment.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

When does botox start to work

Botox usually takes about 4 days to work.  At 10 to 14 days you should see the results and if not, that is the time to call your practitioner.  It will gradually wear off, and is usually gone by 3 to 4 months.  People who are very active, (in the gym twice a day) and those with lots of facial expression tend to wear off faster.
Jeffrey Roth, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox results usually take 3-7 days to be fully seen

As stated, the effects of Botox treatments usually take 3-7 days to be seen.  However, I do have patients that tell me that they have seen results within the first couple days.  I tell my patients (especially my first time patients) that it may take up to 10 days to see the full effects.
Steven E. Rasmussen, MD

Austin Dermatologist
+1

Botox begins working within 3-5 days after injection.

Botox's full benefit generally oocurs in 3-5 days after treatment.  However, it may take up to 2 weeks to see the full result.  We instruct our patients to be patient for about 10 days.  If there is a question at this time, then we ask them to see us in the office. There is not a limit to how much Botox you can have.  Patients have been treated for years for a variety of medical disorders which use large doses of Botox than we typically use for facial wrinkles... more
Jon E. Mendelsohn, MD

Cincinnati Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.351face.com

+1

3 days or longer to see the initial effect of Botox

I routinely tell patients not to expect any change after Botox for at least 3 to 5 days.  It often looks it's best at 2 weeks and eventually wears off at 4 to 5 months at which time the procedure can be repeated.
Darrick E. Antell, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox Results in 7 - 10 days

The average patient will start to see Botox results in as few as five days following injections.  However, the maximum effect is usually seen in seven to ten days.  Gradual return or "wearing off" of the product is seen in three to four months in most patients.  
Rod J. Rohrich, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

When Botox starts working

Botox starts working within 48 hours and has maximal effect in 7-10 days. It then lasts 3-4 months.
Chris Thiagarajah, MD

Washington DC Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Botox effects can be seen in 2 to 5 days

The onset of action for Botox typical takes 2 to 5 days to be evident.  For shallow creases along the forehead and glabella (frown lines) the onset is rapid.  For deeper creases in these areas it may take 1 to 2 weeks to see an effect.  The mechanism of action for Botox is to weaken the muscles underlying facial creases.  Once the muscle is weaken, the creases will smooth out over time.  For lifting of the brow the effect is typical quicker and results can be seen in... more
Neil J. Zemmel, MD

Richmond Plastic Surgeon
+1

Onset of action from botox

Most patients start to see the effect of botox by the 5th day, but some take as long as a week or two to see the maximal effect. It usually wears off by the fourth to fifth month.
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist
+1

Botox works in 3-5 days

Botox, in general, begins to work as soon as 3 days. In some individuals they will begin to see the effects in 24 hours whereas others take as long as 2 weeks for the full effect. On average, in our patient population, we've seen the Botox take effect between 3-5 days. There is no limit to how many times you can get Botox; however, the aging process does continue for all of us and we may have to offer other procedures to you to continue enhancing your upper face as... more
Mike Majmundar, MD

Atlanta Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox timeline

After Botox injections, you will start seeing results in 2-3 days with maximum results in 2 weeks.  The Botox wears off in about 3-4 months.  I have many patients who have been getting Botox for 5-10 years now.
Mandy Lynn Warthan, MD

Dallas Dermatologist
+1

Botox results for wrinkles on the face

Botox selectively inhibits acetylcholine release at the neural synapse. When injected, the botox binds to the receptor and prevents the release of acetylcholine. However, there is still remaining acetylcholine that has already been released. It takes about 5 days for the remaining acetylcholine to be used up. So, it takes about 5 days for the effects to take effect.
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Long term use of Botox and time of onset

Botox has been in use for well over 30 years. Some of the advocates of the cosmetic uses, namely a husband and wife physician team, recently reported a well tolerated and excellent safety record of many patients receiving Botox over a 15 year period. To date, there have been no recommendations regarding limitations on the long term use of Botox. With regard to time of onset following injection, the package insert describes a 3-5 day period. However, I have injected and observed many patients... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox works within 3-4 days; less time in some people

The onset of muscle paralysis by Botox injections is usually at full effect about 6 or 7 days after the injections. Typically, you will see a change in 3-4 days and feel a little tightness of the overlying skin. When you try to frown or move the area of the face that was treated, you can tell the effect in the mirror. Some patients report a bit of muscle slow down as if it is working as soon as 1 day after the injection. Botox should last around 3-4 months. If you are routine about... more
Jennifer Walden, MD

Austin Plastic Surgeon

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