Hi, I just received my first Botox treatment on Tuesday for my 11 lines (20 units) and forehead (6 units). I understand it can take up to 2 weeks to see results; however, my question is does Botox work quicker in weaker muscles vs. stronger muscles? My forehead is wrinkle free now; whereas, my glabella, which has a stronger muscle, still shows minimal results. B/C of this, my eyebrows are doing weird things when I raise them (upside down V shape). Will this even out?
Answer
Every patient is different. Some patinets see an effect after 24 hours and some take up to a week to see results. It all depends on your skin and your metabolism. Also, sometimes, the forehead or around the eyes will take effect before the glabella. So, you really should give it about a week to 10 days to take full effect.
Good Luck.
Dr. David Shafer, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
the dose of the Botox is critical and the doctor may have to learn what the most appropriate dose for the glabella is. You may see more improvement without any further units of Botox being injected just by waiting up to weeks or more. The glabella having a stronger muscle mass may just need more units and can't show its effect as quickly as the thinner forehead muscles.
Dr. Ron Shelton, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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Hi Nonny. If your forehead is looking good after several days and your 11 lines are not, we would be concerned. The interesting thing is that the dose in the glabella seems appropriate while the dose in the forehead seems to be too little - unless you had very mild forehead lines.
If you are still able to contract (frown at the 11 lines) after a week call your injector as they may have missed the mark.
Dr. Harold J. Kaplan, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
There is no evidence to suggest that Botox works faster in one area than another. I have found that each patient is different.
Dr. Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
You are correct in assuming that Botox works quicker in smaller muscles. So it does make sense to wait a full 2 weeks before deciding on the final results of your injection. That being said, don't delay returning to your doctor to have them evaluate the final results. Sometimes just a small "boost" to an area can fix problem results. Your doctor also took notes on how you were injected, so they may change the pattern of your injection based on the results you had. The key is returning to them for follow-up!
Dr. Theda C. Kontis, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon