Why is my Botox Only Lasting 4 Weeks (50 Units on 33 Year Old)? Doctor Answers, Tips
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Why is my Botox Only Lasting 4 Weeks (50 Units on 33 Year Old)?

I have twice had Botox on my frown lines and on each occasion It's lasted only 4 weeks. I've been very happy with the results but not sure why it wears off so quickly. I'm 32 and have had 50 units each time. I'm a runner, could it be exercise related?

20 Doctor Answers | Asked by Missmenag
+1

50 Units High Dose by Villar

You most likely have developed Antibodies to the Botox which is rare but occurs. In our experience, 10 units will treat the glabellar lines in 90% of patients when properly injected. The maximum recommended dose is 20 units for the glabellar area in the Botox insert. "Distant spread of toxin effect" is being reported. Try another product such as Dysport. Increasing the dosage may not be prudent. BOTOX® molecules attach to a nerve ending membrane. They are... more
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Possible Injector Inexperience

It is most likely the amount used for the specific area that makes the botox appear as it is “worn off.” The peak effect of botulinum toxin is 2 weeks, and from there new nerve endings start to sprout to regain normal activity, but wrinkles from movement take about 3 months to be seen again (if the right amount is used to begin with) and full movement typically comes back shortly thereafter. Antibodies can occur, although usually in those who have had large doses used for other... more
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Why is my Botox only lasting 4 weeks?

The amount of time Botox lasts will not be related to exercise. In general, the Botox lasts for 3 months on average. If you do not feel that the Botox is lasting long enough, you may want to ask your provider about Dysport. It has a faster onset than Botox and lasts slightly longer. I hope this helps, and best of luck to you.

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+1

Botox and longevity

Depending on placement and technique, this has been know to happen for some people, a shorter efficacy than what's expected for cosmetic Botox. Sometimes we recommend trying a different neuromodulator - or waiting a little longer between treatments to avoid potentially building up a tolerance to the product.
+1

Duration of Botox

Make sure you are seeing an experienced injector preferably a board certified doctor in plastic surgery or dermatology. It has been my experience that some people do develop a tolerance to Botox or the other neuromodulators and it is more common in more athletic active patient's possible due to a higher metabolic state in there body were they break the substance faster. There is a theory about possibility of antibody's to Botox but not sure if it has been proven. Good luck more
+1

Botox Resistance

Botox "wears off" gradually; it's not working one day and gone the next. Usually at four weeks post treatment this process loss of treatment effect has not begun. That said, I have had a couple male body builders who were quite resistant to Botox. They required more and did not last long. The usual explanation is anti-Botox antibodies. I've wondered if something about this activity, bodybuilding, has an effect on all muscles including the facial muscles even though they are not the ones... more
+1

Duration of Botox in a runner

People who exercise more, especially if it involves facial straining (e.g. weight lifting), tend to have a shorter duration of Botox effect. That said, make sure you have an expert injector such as a dermatologist to ensure you're receiving the correct dosage, injected into the correct anatomic muscles, and at the right depth. Another option is to consider a different botulinum toxin such as Dysport or Xeomin which may give you a longer effect. Dr. Benjamin Barankin, Toronto Dermatology Centre. more
+1

You may have developed antibodies to the Botox

The time that Botox lasts will vary person to person but it should last more than 4 weeks. Some will develop antibodies and will need to switch to another neurotoxin like Xeomin or Dysport.
+1

Why is my Botox Only Lasting 4 Weeks (50 Units on 33 Year Old)?

I have seen Botox last for a very short period as you describe, but it is rare and I have no good explanation. What I find interesting is that 50 units were injected into the frown lines. In most people, that is a lot for that area. Before deciding that Botox doesn't work for you, I would suggest you have another experienced MD injector treat you.
+1

BOTOX Not Working?

I always tell patients that a unit of BOTOX is kind of like a milligram (mg) of ibuprofen. For example, let’s say you have a headache—some individuals can take 200mg of ibuprofen and the headache goes away. Others may have to take 800mg of ibuprofen before they have relief from the headache. BOTOX is similar—some patient’s frown lines respond well with 25 units of BOTOX—whereas others may need closer to 50 units to achieve a pleasing result. Men typically... more
+1

Botox should last longer then four weeks.

Dear Missmenag, Botox comes in a bottle where a dilutent is added to it then drawn into a syringe for injection. If the provider is over diluting the Botox then it weakens it's effects. If it is not opened fresh each day and is stored improperly these will also play a part in it's longevity. I would seek a different provider and see if you have the same results. If the results vary then that will be your answer. If they remain the same then I would suggest switching products to Dysport... more
+1

Botox

This sounds unusual. First of all, 50 units is much more than what most board certified physicians would inject for frown lines. Secondly, if fresh, properly stored, and properly diluted preparations of Botox are used, it should last more than 4 weeks. You may want to try another Botox administrator/clinic/office to see if that makes a difference.
+1

50 units of Botox for four weeks

Four weeks is not a long time for Botox to last and 50 units in one area is a lot of Botox for anyone, especially someone your age. I would probably try seeing another doctor just to see if same thing happens again to be sure that this is not something to do with your consumption of this product
+1

Botox in forehead

I have found very active athletes chew up filler and botox faster than average atheletes. You may want to try dysport.
+1

Proper storage and handling of Botox

50 units is twice the standard dose for treating the glabellar frown lines, and should certainly last more than 4 weeks. A number of variables could be at play, including reduced Botox activity due to improper storage and handling. Trying another office may be the best way to single out the issue.
+1

Botox only lasting 4 weeks.

A whole lot of variables can come into play making Botox less effective and lasting only a short time. Placement is essential. The product must be directly in the muscle in order to be effectively taken up by the muscle. Age of diluted product and accuracy of dilution is also a factor. Old Botox solution or a weaker dilution than described will cause fast recovery. Remember it is all about placement and correct dosage. There are a few people who develop... more
+1

Botox Results

Some people do have shorter lasting Botox results than others. But, this does seem rather odd. Botox is very technique dependent. The efficacy also depends on the way Botox has been reconstituted You might try finding a different plastic surgery or dermatology practice in your area that performs a lot of Botox. By going to the Botox Cosmetic Website you can find the top provider of Botox in your area. The top providers will be listed in order. You can check exclusively in... more
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Botox Lasts Only 4 Weeks?

Hi Missmenag. The issue could be you, but more likely it's the product or the technique. It's possible that the practice you are going to is storing the product incorrectly which is leading to it being less effective. It could also be that this practice is purchasing from overseas and the storage/shipping procedures of the seller may be inadequate. In either case, we would suggest trying a new office. 50 units is way too much for the area between the eyes and it... more
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These numbers don't add up

Fifty units is a lot for just that one area! Secondly - lasting only 4 weeks is an extremely short duration. I think you might wish to try getting your treatment from another source one time and see if you have a better result.
+1

Why does my Botox wear off quickly?

Sometimes it does have to do with very high metabolisms. 4 weeks is a very short amount of time though. You could try Dysport and see if that lasts longer on you; the products are very similar, but just different enough that it can make a difference for some. Also, you really had 50 units for just your frown lines? That is A LOT, and more like the amount for a full treatment of the frown lines, forehead, and crow's feet. If you really had 50 units just to your frown lines, it causes me to... more
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Comments (1)

Missmenag 20 Feb 2013
Many thanks for all the replies, much appreciated.

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