Repeat botox now? Should I do it now before it wears off entirely or wait? What would provide the best result?

Question

I am 57 yrs old and have frown lines/creases between my eyebrows (an inherited trait from my mom) to the extent that my relaxed expression appears unhappy. I had my first botox injections (3), 12units, 6 weeks ago and its already wearing off. My daughter's wedding is 3 mos away and I want to repeat the treatment but it's costly. Should I do it now before it wears off entirely or wait until closer to the wedding? What would provide the best result? I've also read about other injectables similar to botox.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Injectors will have varying opinions on the best time to have treatment before a special occasion.  Having Botox about six weeks before your event will allow time for you to see your final result as well as receive a touch up if needed.  Treatment for the glabella area (between brows) is generally 20 units or more.  The reason your treatment may be wearing off quickly could be related to underdosing.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

12 units of Botox to relax the frown lines is a fairly low dose.  You likely would get a longer result by having a higher dose injected.  I commonly use 20 units to treat the frown area.  I would recommend waiting until about 2 months before your daughter's wedding, and then have the area treated again with the higher dose.

Katrinka L. Heher, MD · Answer

Botox actually starts to wear off around 6 weeks.  I usually recommend Botox 3-4 weeks before the wedding.  It’s nice to have some leeway in the event that you have some bruising or need a small touch up to make it perfect.  this will make it exactly 3 months for you which is the perfect interval.  Best of luck!

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

Most people would benefit from more than 12 units of Botox for their frown lines.  The treatment usually last about 4 months.  A cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon can assess your muscle movement to determine the amount that would be best for you.  If you will only have one more treatment for the wedding, do it about one month beforehand, so adjustments can be made at 2 weeks if necessary.

Linda J. Banta, MD · Answer

Botox should last 3 to 4 months,  12 units is  a very low amount for glabellar area.  Usual treatment is 20 to 25 units with additional on the forehead.  Make sure your provider is using fresh botox and have it injected again about 4 weeks prior to the wedding.

Repeat botox now? Should I do it now before it wears off entirely or wait? What would provide the best result?

Answers (10)

Answer: Botox for frown lines

Answer: Botox for frown lines

Answer: Botox wearing off after 6 weeks.

Answer: Botox wearing off after 6 weeks.

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Repeat botox now? Should I do it now before it wears off entirely or wait? What would provide the best result?

Answers (10)

Answer: Botox for frown lines

Answer: Botox for frown lines

Answer: Botox wearing off after 6 weeks.

Answer: Botox wearing off after 6 weeks.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.