How long does it take for wrinkles to fade after first botox injection?

Question

I got my first procedure done today (Botox 26 units) and the RN said it would take an entire year to see any of the wrinkles disappear. After reading about other people's experiences it sounds like they are seeing much faster results, within a few weeks. I get that my muscles won't move and it will take time to see the lines fade but a whole year? I'm 40 and at this point I only have lines on my forehead so it's not like I'm in bad shape. How long before the crease in between your eyes is gone?

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Dynamic rhytids (the wrinkles that occur when you make facial expressions) will soften within a day or two, and will fully soften by a week.  For the creases that have become imprinted into the skin and become static rhytids (wrinkles that still remain when the face is at rest) it will take time and/or fillers for the creases to soften.

Ava T. Shamban, MD · Answer

Botox works by relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles.
 After a few days after your Botox injection, you'll notice the muscles in
the treated areas will not move as much -- this peaks at 2 weeks.  From
that point on, the wrinkles in the treated areas will begin to soften and
slowly decrease in appearance over the following weeks and months.  The
key to is to have you Botox done regularly, so the muscles remain consistently relaxed as
time passes.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Hi.  Typically, you'll see that the injected area contracts less in about 7-10 days, with good effect by 3 weeks.  Shallow wrinkles caused by animation will go away in this first month or so.  Deep wrinkles, however, may persist for a long time - months.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Any wrinkles from movement will improve with botox injections and stay improved for 3-4 months.  they go back to their normal state after the botox was injected.  Sometimes less, sometimes more depending on the person and their musculature and daily activity (ie amount of expressivity).  Best, Dr. Emer.

Jennifer Reichel, MD · Answer

The amount of time it takes for "Static" wrinkles (those that are present when your face is a rest) to fade depends on how deep the lines are before you start doing Botox. Everyone is different, and while age does matter, you could be 40 or 45 with a deep wrinkle, or 60 with hardly any wrinkle. The best time to start using Botox is when you see that line with your face at rest. Most patients will need to have Botox done every 3 to 6 months. If you are 40 years old, and the line between your eyebrows is not too deep, it shouldn't take a whole year to see it disappear. Still, remember the line won't go away immediately. I recommend you continue to stay on top of your treatments - when you can totally make the movement again, it is time for the next treatment.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. Generally, the onset of Botox is between 3 and 5 days. Maximal activity occurs in the first 2 weeks, and then fades over 3 to 4 months. Dynamic wrinkles (those caused by the movement of specific muscles) will lessen with Botox treatment. Static wrinkles (those that are "ironed in" to the skin surface over time or have resulted from sun damage, etc.) may or may not respond to Botox. In certain areas, repeated treatments can lessen these. However, static wrinkles typically require either fillers or resurfacing (e.g., laser, peels, etc.) for significant reduction. Take care.

Cody A. Koch, MD, PhD · Answer

You have asked an excellent question.  To be honest the answer is different for everyone.  The biggest factor is the nature of the wrinkles themselves.  Very shallow and minor wrinkles may respond within a few weeks.  Deeper wrinkles may take months to soften and if too deep may not resolve completely.  Filler may be necessary to further treat these wrinkles.  Another factor is getting the appropriate dosage.  If the muscles are not treated adequately and some movement is maintained the results will be suboptimal.  Best of Luck,Cody Koch

Henri P. Gaboriau, MD, FACS · Answer

The RN may be talking about a different outcome than you do. The immediate effects of Botox should appear from Day 5 to Day 10. This is when you will see those forehead lines smoothing out. But when the effects of Botox will wear off (Month 4 in average) those lines will come back. Usually after 3 sessions of Botox injections, the muscle looses some of its strength and the lines do not come back. In my experience it usually takes around 4 to 5 sessions. So you are both correct!

Peter J. Jenkin, MD, FAAD · Answer

Botox works by weakening the muscles it's injected into.  If you weaken the muscles causing the creasing in the skin (frown lines, crow's feet) those creases will eventually improve or resolve.  It takes a week for the botox to start working and then it takes several weeks for the creases to resolve afterwards.  It should not take anything close to a year to see results.  However, the botox wears off in 3-4 months so it does need to be repeated 3-4 times a year to maintain the good results.  Good Luck.

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