How long does it take for botox to attach to the nerve?

Question

If I massage the area the next day? Would I have caused the botox to migrate or not work? In the area I was treated for the 11 lines, I had 25 units and it did not get rid of them but has dropped an eyelid and brow. The dr said it was properly injected and that most likely when washing rash and rubbing area moved it but I was beyond careful for the first 24 hours?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Botox if injected properly goes directly into the muscles.  Massaging, movement, exercise doesn't change the chance of migration -- which in my opinion is due to technique or frank bad luck.  Botox takes 10-14 days to work and will be gone in 3-4 months.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I tell my patients to avoid massage, exercise, facials and touching the area for the remainder of the day of the injection. There is also, no laying down for 3 hours. It takes 3 hours for Botox to do it's magic. Hope this helps,

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Greater than 3 hours after treatment, there is little risk of anything you do causing migration.  Potential migration has more to do with dilution and injection technique than it does your activity level hours after treatment.

David C. Yao, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for asking. Treatments like Botox and Dysport setup mostly in hours but there may be ongoing effects a bit longer. I advise patients to avoid significant rubbing, massage and similar positional activities for a day or so. The full onset of these products can be seen a week or so out from the treatment. It is quite uncommon to have a dropped position of an eyebrow or eyelid if the product is placed properly and the product did not drift or move outside the treated area. There may be treatment options if an eyelid or brow is dropped. Talk with your doctor about possible options. Best wishes

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

The Botox does not usually migrate after several hours even if your rub. With that said, if the Botox happenes to be injected at just the right plane it can migrate laterally and effect the muscle which lifts the brow or eyelid. It is probably not the doctor's fault, because he gave you the proper dose in that area. There is always the chance that your physician was inexperienced and simply injected the wrong location. Many questions about Botox on RealSelf deal with getting the best price. This is why you should select an advanced injector rather than the cheapest. Do not worry, the droop will resolve within a month. Good luck.

How long does it take for botox to attach to the nerve?

Answers (9)