In this article, we want to answer the question: How long does Botox last?
What is Botox?
Botox is used to improve the appearance of wrinkles on areas of your skin. It works by blocking certain nerve endings that allow your muscles to contract, leading to a reduction in wrinkles when they are relaxed. Botox can also be used to help those with excessive sweating (aka Hyperhidrosis). The effects on your skin generally lasts for about 3-4 months but each patient has their own experience and may notice longer lasting effects.
How Long Does Botox Last?
The answer to the question “How long does Botox last” will vary from person to person and depends on a number of factors including how much is injected and the area being treated. It also depends on the potency (strength) of the Botox.
The original Botox was very strong, but not all areas required this high amount, so weaker solutions were developed to treat problem areas. The stronger (more potent) the solution, the longer it will last. Now, some doctors are requiring more powerful solutions because they know that many patients like to use less Botox and feel that the effects wear off too fast. On average, a doctor will recommend a minimum of 6 months’ worth of Botox for permanent results.
However, most patients who have had Botox for a while will eventually need more than 6 months worth of Botox to get the same effects as they did in the early days. This is because your body builds up a resistance to it over time, so it takes more and more each time you get it in order to make the results last.
How to Make Botox Last Longer?
While there is no surefire way to make Botox last longer, there are things you can do to help it last as long as possible. The first step is choosing a doctor who uses the right potency of Botox for your needs and will give a longer lasting solution. This probably means using stronger solutions, possibly more than what your doctor is used to (therefore they might be nervous) – you should discuss this with them.
To make the results last longer, try to limit the amount of Botox you use. If you think you might like longer lasting results, limit your initial dose and ask to have your next one done again in a few months. If your doctor is still uncomfortable with this, it may be best for you to find someone who can do it right for you and give good results.
Another way to make Botox last longer is by using a lip balm that will help lubricate your skin. You should start using it at least 1 month before getting Botox so that it can build up in your skin before you Botox. Any lip balm is fine. You can find them at any drugstore or department store and they all have the same thing in them, beeswax and some sort of oil (jojoba, almond or petroleum).
These help to keep your skin moisturized throughout the day. You want to apply the balm lightly (as with any other lip product) because you don’t want to use too much. You can apply it on your face and in the creases of your lips to keep them moisturized and help the Botox last longer.
After getting Botox, it is a good idea to use a good quality moisturizer. The best thing you can buy for an anti-aging product is a hydrating cream (especially if you have dry skin). It does not matter what brand you use, they all work the same way in moisturizing your skin. The reason why people say that some work better than others is because they use different ingredients in them. The best ingredient is Hyaluronic Acid (HA). It is good for all skin types, and works by binding to water molecules and holding onto them. This helps your skin retain its moisture for longer.
However, no moisturizer will make the effects last longer than it should. Using the right amount and then not overdoing it is how you should use it to make the effects last longer.
Once you have had Botox, you may still see wrinkles, but they have been reduced by about 50%. Some people will stop there and be happy with that, while others will go back to their doctor for more. However, if you keep getting more Botox, your body will get used to it and eventually stop working. The same thing will happen if you get a higher potency solution. So, while the effects last longer, usually on the 2nd or 3rd injection (depending on the area) you may need as much Botox as your body thinks it can handle.
How to Know that Botox Has Worn Off?
The easiest way to tell that Botox has worn off is by touching your face and feeling if it is wrinkly or not. Another way is to look in the mirror and see if you still have wrinkles. There is no other way to tell if it has worn off. For some people, they may notice that their forehead wrinkles have softened and for others, their crows feet may not be as deep. But, most of the time, it is simply by touching your face or looking in the mirror.
Botox Risks
There are potential risks with any type of treatment and Botox is no different. Typically, Botox is very safe and there is a low risk of side effects. Side effects come from injecting too much Botox or the wrong type (too strong). The potential side effects for Botox include:
- Headaches
- Tingling or numbness in the face or jaw for up to 24 hours after treatment
- Double vision or drooping eyelids lasting up to 3 days following treatment. In severe cases, these effects can last longer and if they do, you should contact a doctor.
- Swelling at the injection site lasting up to 2 days after treatment. If you have swelling and it lasts more than 2 days, contact a doctor
- Temporary muscle weakness in the treated area (in most cases this lasts less than 24 hours)
Overall, Botox is very safe and it is unlikely that you will experience any of these side effects from using Botox. You should always speak to your doctor and wait for their recommendation before you use Botox. It is always a good idea to check out reviews from others who have used it and those that have had the same treatment.
To summarize, “how long does botox last” is a common question that people ask. Botox is a great treatment to reduce and eliminate wrinkles but it is also temporary (about 4 months). It does not eliminate wrinkles forever (unless you want to go back for more). Worse case scenario, you can have 2 or 3 injections over the course of 6 months and keep on schedule with your appointments so that it lasts as long as possible. The most important thing is for you to consult with a doctor and be sure that you are getting the right treatment based upon your face’s needs.
You may also want to take a look at our article “How Long Does Botox Last in Forehead“.