The effects of Botox injections can last anywhere from two to six months, with the average being three to four months. But why does Botox eventually stop working? The answer is simple: your body produces new neurotransmitters all the time, so the “blocking” effect of Botox gradually fades away. This means that the muscles are no longer inhibited. For most patients, Botox usually lasts three to four months, but it is not uncommon for it to last two to six months. If the effects of Botox wear off after six weeks, it may be due to a few different factors.
Receiving too little Botox or not injecting it directly into the muscular abdomen can result in a shorter duration of effect. However, some patients may still experience shorter results even when the dosage and injection techniques are appropriate. At our San Francisco Bay Area office, we also recommend patients try Dysport, an alternative brand of botulinum toxin to Botox. Although Dysport is comparable to Botox, some patients may prefer one over the other. For best results, visit a board-certified plastic surgeon.
The treatment will last approximately 18-24 months and the fullness gradually begins to soften, making the change in appearance almost imperceptible. When considering whether or not to let Botox go away completely before coming for a post-treatment, many patients are still unsure what to do. Area loading may not allow the provider to customize the dose of Botox for the action of the face and muscles. If you let the Botox disappear completely before your next treatment, the injector will have to start from scratch. If you are satisfied with your original results, then it is best to re-treat the area just before the Botox wears off. Once you start receiving Botox injections, you should generally maintain your results by getting treatments every four or six months.
Additionally, you should avoid strenuous physical activity, massages, facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasions, or any facial treatment 24 hours after your Botox injection. We have found that Jeuveau sets up the fastest, Dysport is the one that lasts the longest and Botox tends to need the least amount of touch-ups. Therefore, if you want to see any permanent and lasting effects of your Botox treatments, you should take this approach. Let it go away and in about four months everything will be back to normal before you put on Botox. When injected for cosmetic reasons, Botox usually lasts four to six months on average; however, you can expect your first treatment's effects to wear off faster.
