How long does Botox last? What determines how long it will work for each person?
How Long Does Botox Last?
Doctor Answers 213
Botox works by irreversibly binding to receptors that send nerve signals for muscles to contract. But, since your body makes new receptors and neurotransmitters all the time, each patient will have different lengths of effective paralysis. 2-6 months is the range; average is 3-4 months. But wait, there's more!
To complicate the matter further, Botox (and Dysport, another company's botulinum toxin) is a labile protein, meaning it is sensitive to heat, excessive agitation, and time. Careful reconstitution, use while fresh, and keeping it refrigerated is essential. Beware offices or spas that advertise Botox days (especially if it's Friday)--they are simply trying to use up their reconsituted Botox so it won't sit over the weekend and lose effectiveness. Particularly beware of Monday morning Botox in such centers!
Then there's the skill and accuracy of the injector. Since Botox works where it's placed, simply shooting in a blob of liquid Botox in the general vicinity of the target muscle is a waste (of your money)! The most experienced injectors are plastic surgeons who actually operate on the target muscles in patients having forehead or brow lifts, facelifts, and eyelid surgeries. In my humble opinion, non-surgeon doctors and nurses can become experienced Botox injectors over time without operating on these areas, but consider who is best trained and experienced in the anatomy of the treatment areas.
Remember: the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen
To complicate the matter further, Botox (and Dysport, another company's botulinum toxin) is a labile protein, meaning it is sensitive to heat, excessive agitation, and time. Careful reconstitution, use while fresh, and keeping it refrigerated is essential. Beware offices or spas that advertise Botox days (especially if it's Friday)--they are simply trying to use up their reconsituted Botox so it won't sit over the weekend and lose effectiveness. Particularly beware of Monday morning Botox in such centers!
Then there's the skill and accuracy of the injector. Since Botox works where it's placed, simply shooting in a blob of liquid Botox in the general vicinity of the target muscle is a waste (of your money)! The most experienced injectors are plastic surgeons who actually operate on the target muscles in patients having forehead or brow lifts, facelifts, and eyelid surgeries. In my humble opinion, non-surgeon doctors and nurses can become experienced Botox injectors over time without operating on these areas, but consider who is best trained and experienced in the anatomy of the treatment areas.
Remember: the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen
Web reference: http://www.mpsmn.com/face-procedures/other-face-procedures/
Botox can last typically 3-4 months. The results may longer-lasting if more units are used.
The number of units not the volume injected that has direct correlation with the effectiveness of your Botox injections.
Your Plastic Surgeon can also create longer lasting results if you have these muscles injected regular lay. This is because the Botox will have more impact on the muscles that are still not fully active. Also, you learn to animate and use different muscles. This also makes your result more pleasing.
Hope this is helpful.
Dr. Sajjadian
Botox Cosmetic lasts a variable amount in each person. I usually tell my patients that it will last somewhere between 3 and 6 months.
People with heavier frown lines tend to have stronger muscles and in turn tend to see the motion of the muscle return quicker than those with less bulky muscles in the area between the brows. In some men and even some women with prominent muscles, it may only last 2-3 months.
You will typically see a return of the movement of the muscle prior to the deepening of the furrows caused by the contraction of that muscle. At that time, it is best to get back in for another treatment of Botox Cosmetic. This way you are not letting the furrows or lines to continue to worsen.
You might also like...
Botox Pictures
Photos from the community
The longevity of "Botox" effects and other Botulinum toxin products that are chemically similar such as "Xeomin" and "Dysport" will depend of many factors including anatomic location of injection, (forehead injections for "worry lines" typically last somewhat longer than for "crow's feet"), the degree of muscle use, the number of units injected ( 22 units injected into the frown lines or "11's" will last longer than 11 units ) and to some extent the age of the patient.
Typically the visible effects with optimal dosing will last close to 4 months although this may be shorter or longer depending on the above factors.
Some patients will notice increased longevity of effects after they have been injected repeatedly into the same areas (the muscle mass shrinks with repeat injections and there is some "unlearning" of the repetitive subconscious muscle contraction as with spontaneous frowning).
Typically the visible effects with optimal dosing will last close to 4 months although this may be shorter or longer depending on the above factors.
Some patients will notice increased longevity of effects after they have been injected repeatedly into the same areas (the muscle mass shrinks with repeat injections and there is some "unlearning" of the repetitive subconscious muscle contraction as with spontaneous frowning).
Botox generally last 3-4 months but this is not entirely accurate. Patients new to Botox will generally start to see a return of paralyzed muscles at 6 weeks. I recommend a touch up for new users at about this time. After the touch up they generally get 4 months of effect. I generally recommend every fourth month treatments for the first 2 years. Once the muscles have but habitually paralyzed it will take less Botox and less frequent injections. There are many patients who only get Botox twice a year once they have been using the product for many years.
When injected properly by a board-certified dermatologist or facial plastic surgeon at an acceptable dilution and with proper technique, Botox should last about four to five months. Occasionally it may last a little longer than 5 months, but it should last at least four months. We offer all our Botox patients a courtesy follow up visit at 1-2 weeks after the initial treatment to check the areas and see if any additional Botox is needed (at no additional cost). Patients really appreciate this. Click on the link below for before and after photos of patients receiving Botox for dynamic wrinkling.
Web reference: http://www.barnettdermatology.com/treatments.php?id=37
Botox generally lasts 3-6 months and will wear off gradually. The longevity of the Botox will vary from patient to patient.
I have found that when my patients first start using Botox or Dyport, they typically return for treatment about every 3-4 months. However, with time, they are able to stretch out their injections to 6 months or more as they retrain themselves not to make the repetitive facial motions (such as frowning) which create the wrinkles in the first place. Be sure to consult with a reputable facial plastic surgeon, plastic surgeon, or dermatologist to ensure that you are being treated with the appropriate dosage, dilution, and in the correct treatment areas. Don't be afraid to ask how many units your physician is using per area.
When you request a Botox treatment, you should probably ask how many units you are receiving and how the bottle was reconstituted or mixed. This info will allow you to predict how long the blockade will remain. For individuals who have a moderate thickness of their scowl muscles the blockade can be 3-4 months. Other individuals whose forehead lines are very fine can occasionally get up to 6 months. It also depends on how much you exercise. I have extremely fit patients who are "gym rats", doing hard cardio 5-6x/week. The uniformly report that the longevity of botox is lower. Good luck.
The length of time that Botox will last depends on a number of factors including:
- How it is mixed
- The patient's physical responsiveness to the product
- The method that Botox is injected
- How it is stored
For most patients, it will last 3-4 months.
Web reference: http://www.drkrisreddy.com/west_palm_beach_botox_palm_beach_gardens_bocaraton.html
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
You might also like...
Related Content
How Much Does Botox Cost?
286 doctor answers
How Long Before Botox Results Can Be Seen?
230 doctor answers
How can I avoid Botox Side Effects?
116 doctor answers
What Are the Best Botox Alternatives?
93 doctor answers
Ask a Doctor
Get personalized answers from board-certified doctors. For free.
