How long is too long to have Botox touch up?

Question

Just over 2 weeks ago I received Botox in my forehead. After 2 weeks my forehead muscles have weakened, however, I still have full movement between my brows. My physician said that I may need another 5 units as a touch up (I originally had 25 units). I am unable to get an appointment for another 3 weeks, so the touch up would be 5 weeks after the initial injection. Will results look uneven as the Botox wears off due to the gap between initial injection and touch up? Thank you!

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

It is possible that you could need a touch up. By waiting another 3 weeks, it won't necessarily become uneven, but it may just mean that you'll require a higher doseage/more of a touch up than initially discussed as each week that goes by, the Botox will start to wear off. You may find that another practitioner could do this if you cannot wait so long. However, your original practitioner may have taken the safest approach in initially giving you a lower dose because there is always the possibility of drooping and sagging if too much Botox is injected. It would be best to learn more about your practitioners availability since it appears that they get booked up quite quickly. Next time you visit, book your touch ups or next appointment immediately to avoid disappointment and find out why it is that you can't be seen within 3 weeks...ideally, follow ups should take priority over consultations etc. to ensure proper aftercare of the patient.

Rajat Gupta, MD, MS, DNB · Answer

You can get it anytime. But after 6-9 months, I don’t expect it to keep giving the results that you got after the Botox. Botox is very temporary and starts losing it effect 6-9 months after the procedure and wrinkles & fines lines start to appear again.

Stephen Giordano, DO · Answer

It is my opinion that a provider should always make time to take care of patients, especially if it is a follow up to a procedure he/she already performed.  I recommend you state your concern about a 3 week wait for something so simple, or find another qualified provider who can serve you better.  But to answer your question more directly, getting the touch up at 5 weeks will still work fine.  Botox typically lasts 3-4 months.  However, once the initial 25 units wears off you will likely see movement which mean you will likely only have a couple months of Botox effect left once the touch up is completed.  Best of luck,  Dr. Giordano

Peter Hyans, MD · Answer

Waiting 5 weeks for a touch up should be fine.  Botox wears off gradually so adding 5 units should not make it look uneven.  When the Botox wears off have the whole area retreated with 30 units if that amount gives you the desired result.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Most injector will have you come in for a follow up after 2 weeks. This is to evaluate your results and to determine if any touch ups are needed. This will also help avoid any such gaps between results and treatment. I hope this helps.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question lgf326. Botox is a purified protein used to address wrinkles associated with
facial expression. Full effects are typically seen by 2 weeks. We have patients return at that time if more product is needed. Sometimes for various reasons this is pushed out a few more weeks, which is usually not a problem. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Most injector will have you come in for a follow up after 2 weeks. This is to evaluate your results and to determine if any touch ups are needed. This will also help avoid any such gaps between results and treatment. I hope this helps.

Kristin J. Tarbet, MD, FACS · Answer

The time between your injections would be fine for a touch up. I don't think you should have any concerns regarding that.

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

As long as your "touch up" is within 6 weeks of your initial treatment, I don't think that there will be any problem. Hope this helps.

Melda A. Isaac, MD · Answer

Typically results will not look uneven if you have a touch up within 6 weeks of your full treatment.  I am surprised that you cannot be seen for a touch up for 3 weeks, unless it is your schedule that limits the appointment schedule!  Hope this helps.

How long is too long to have Botox touch up?

Answers (20)

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