Is it normal for Botox effect to last 8 months?

Question

I have done a Botox treatment in my forehead and cheeks and I heard the effect should be completely gone by 6 months, now it's been 8 months , the effect has reduced but I can't use those muscles as before as the Botox impact is still powerful, is this normal? What should I do?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I have been injecting Botox for cosmetic reasons since 1991, eleven years before it received its FDA approval for this purpose. I have literally treated thousands of patients during that time and have seen tremendous individual variability in the duration of the response. While the majority of people treated can expect between three to six months of effect, there have been some that only get two months of optimal effect and those that have retained benefits for between six and nine months and even up to a year. More recently some research suggests that the effects of Botox may be prolonged significantly if an individual is treated with an initial series of about five or six treatments spaced at a fixed four month interval (rather than simply returning whenever there is a return of wrinkling). This confirms my personal experience with Botox and I routinely discuss this approach with all new patients interested in starting Botox treatments.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Botox treatments generally last between 3-4 months. It is rare that the botox would last for 8 months but everyone will metabolize the product at different rates.  If botox lasts longer for you i would consider that a positive result.  Best of luck .

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

In general, the effects of Botox last for an average of 3-4 months. if the Botox lasts for 8 months, it is not necessarily a bad outcome. Every patient metabolizes the toxin differently, and variable results are often noticed. The things that may influence the duration of the Botox treatment are as follow:1) Amount of Botox injected2) Technique of the injector3) Location of the Botox that is injectedIs the Botox affecting you negatively in any way? The results are always temporary, and the muscles in the treated areas should go back to normal in time. I hope this helps, and good luck.

Robert Heck, MD, FACS · Answer

Botox typically lasts 3 months. If you are getting 8 months out of your Botox, you are very fortunate. It does depend on how much Botox is injected and what muscles are injected. It sounds like you have a great result.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! When injected properly by an experienced provider 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. However, the repeated use of Botox makes each application work better so it is normal for it to last up to 8 months. Best of luck!

Joseph A. Eviatar, MD, FACS · Answer

Botox can last a varying amount of time. It really depends on the area. I've seen patients that have some effect from Botox (especially after repeated injections) for much longer than the normal 4 months. Under the arms, Botox can last from 6-8 months. Duration of action often depends upon how much is injected and which muscles it's injected into.

Richard Strecker, MD · Answer

Botox results so vary from person to person. Typically they say that it should last between 3-4 months, but the fact that yours has lasted longer is not necessarily a bad thing, it just means that your facial muscles have really reacted to the product. It's actually good for you financially (as long as your happy with your results) and you may not need as many treatments as many other patients need per year to maintain a desired result.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

By 8 months the botox should have worn off.  Most of my patients state that they need more by 3-4 months.  It should get better with time.

Stanley P. Gulin, MD (retired) · Answer

Results do vary among our patients, some have been shown to last up to 4 months. Your own results lasting 8 months is a positive result.  Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any other concerns.

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

You are lucky if you have longer duration of Botox (as long as you like the effect).  Eventually the effect will go but longer duration is a plus and saves you money.  I have seen a wide variation in duration of effect and 3 to 4 months is  just an average.   Some will keep the effect longer and unfortunately some shorter.  There is nothing to worry about.   Just inform you next doctor about the longer effect.  My Best,  Dr C

Is it normal for Botox effect to last 8 months?

Answers (11)

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