Botox is a popular cosmetic treatment that has been used for years to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dynamic lines. It is a temporary solution that begins to take effect within 3-4 days after injection, with full results visible after 7-14 days. The duration of the effect depends on the area treated, the dose of Botox, and the frequency of injection. Oscar Trujillo, a facial plastic surgeon at Columbia University's Irving Medical Center, explains that most patients will see results within 10 to 14 days, but they should wait the full 14 days to see maximum results.
Melanie Palm, a certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, adds that the higher the dose administered in an area, the longer the effect will be on the muscles. Botox has been used to treat conditions such as hyperhidrosis, migraines, TMD (or disorders that result from problems with the jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles), and more. When treating with less Botox on the forehead, the duration of action is somewhat lower, but the results are more natural. The only risk that is different when injecting Botox into wrinkles under the eyes is that the injector must be very careful with the dosage, placement and selection of the right candidate.
With repeated treatments, the muscles will atrophy, provided there is no prolonged period between the time when the effect of Botox wears off and the next injection. We spoke with Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of clinical and cosmetic research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, and Dr. Annie Chiu, a certified dermatologist and founder of The Derm Institute, to find out what exactly is Botox, why some people may not be satisfied with the results and how to fix a “bad Botox session”.
It is important to note that Botox can take up to two weeks to take full effect. Therefore, if you are considering getting Botox injections for a special occasion or event, it is best to plan ahead and get them at least two weeks in advance. Additionally, it is important to note that Botox can have an effect on your baby if you take it while pregnant or conceive shortly after treatment. Eyebrows can be matched with pencil, powder or eyebrow gel, and styling the hair to complement the facial structure can be a quick and temporary solution while you wait for the effects of Botox to wear off.
She goes on to say that other ways your botox experience can go wrong is if you give yourself too much botox and create a look too frozen, or if some of your muscles turn out to be stronger than others, causing asymmetry.
