Please Tell Me It's Possible That I've Reached Max. Botox Effect Within 3-4 Days?

Question

I am a 30 year old woman who just got botox in my crows feet. Even from day 2, I could tell I was going to hate the results. It's been 4 days now and, already, I can't smile. My mouth moves but by eyes are completely impassive. I've read most people experience the maximum "benefit" after 14-21 days.... but please please tell me it's possible that, if I began to feel the effects quickly, this is as bad as it's going to get?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Some patients do not obtain further benefit from Botox after the first week, possibly even after five days, whereas others do need up to two weeks to see maximum improvement.  If one is unhappy with the results of cosmetic Botox it doesn't mean that your doctor couldn't do it differently the next time as long as you see them now during your dissatisfaction rather than when it wears off and your doctor couldn't determine what should be done differently. Botox injections need to be customized to the specific anatomy, needs and desires of the individual patient.

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

Some patients experience a rapid onset of the Botox effects. I usually tell patients they should achieve this at about a week. Some sooner and some later. Discuss the dose of Botox used with your physician and perhaps use less in the future.

Meghan K. McGovern, MD · Answer

Some patients notice the changes from Botox more quickly than others. I have also seen that, in some patients, the change seems more significant when it first 'kicks in' and then softens a bit as well, so it ends up looking more natural in the long run after your muscles 'get used to it' - so try to be patient with your results and let things settle in. Often, the change is difficult for people in the beginning. The good and bad news about these products is that they wear off...you aren't stuck with it forever! If it does not settle in and become more natural to you, you may wish to lower your dose if you decide to do it again. I would also agree that you should show your injector your results, so (s)he can evaluate it with you and you can decide together what to do differently in the future - perhaps schedule an appointment with him or her in a couple weeks so it's had time to settle in (but before it's all worn off...better to see what's going on so it can be customized for you, in my opinion).

Sheri G. Feldman, MD · Answer

Give yourself a bit more time before you judge your results.  Normally I tell my patients to wait 2 weeks before they achieve the maximum effect from Botox, but everyone is different.  Because it is your first time, you are not used to the effect that altering one muscle group might have on the others around it.  If you have questions about your results though, please return to your injector to be evaluated.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Many first time Botox patients state that they see their maximum results before the time period we normally mention. This is because your body isn't used to the product and so it absorbs it quicker. If you aren't happy with your results, though, go back and see your injector.

Please Tell Me It's Possible That I've Reached Max. Botox Effect Within 3-4 Days?

Answers (5)

Answer: Maximum Botox Effect

Answer: Maximum Botox Effect

Answer: 1st time Botox patients can respond faster

Answer: 1st time Botox patients can respond faster

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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Please Tell Me It's Possible That I've Reached Max. Botox Effect Within 3-4 Days?

Answers (5)

Answer: Maximum Botox Effect

Answer: Maximum Botox Effect

Answer: 1st time Botox patients can respond faster

Answer: 1st time Botox patients can respond faster

Browse related questions

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.