How Long Does It Take for Botox to Work and How Long Does It Last

Botox injections work by slowing or stopping the activity between the nerves and the muscles they cause to contract. The onset of the chemical used varies from application to application and person to person. You may see results nearly immediately, or it may take a little time. Botox is often used in conjunction with fillers which may speed the appearance of results.

How Long Does It Take for Botox to Work?

So, how long does it take Botox to work? The answer depends upon the individual, the area treated the depth of the indentation being treated and a number of other factors. The nerves affected have what is known as “binding sites” which allow the chemical to adhere to their surface and inhibit activity. The more binding sites your nerves contain, the faster the results will begin to show. In general, you should begin to see results between 24 and 72 hours, but some patients may not see full results for five days or more.

How Long Does Botox Last?

One of the advantages of Botox show up when patients ask how long does it last? The results from Botox can last for up to six months to a year. It is recommended that you allow four months between treatments on average, to allow for the fullest development of the results. It will take time for your skin to develop new collagen and fill in the depressions caused by the muscles contracting. Once the muscles have fully relaxed, the depressions will smooth and soften on their own.

What Areas Can Botox Treat?

Typically the face is treated with Botox. Forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and other mild to moderate wrinkles respond best to the treatment. The smaller the wrinkle, the faster you’re likely to see results. If you’re planning to get Botox treatment prior to a special occasion like a class reunion or wedding, plan well in advance and have the treatment up to two weeks before the event, to allow time for reduction of mild swelling and redness, and for the treatment to have time to fully develop.

Why does Botox take time to work?

It takes time for the effects of Botox to reach its peak. Once the initial inflammation and redness dissipate, however, you’ll see results more quickly. The delay is due to your body reacting and adjusting to the neurotoxin used for injections, which is normally inactive, and paradoxically, non-toxic.

How long does Botox take to work on crow’s feet?

With the prevalence of Botox injections for crow’s feet as a gauge, results from this outpatient procedure are relatively quick and successful. It typically takes about 3 days for noticeable results, when the muscles around your eyes begin to relax. Injections for this small area generally need to be repeated every 3 to 4 months.

Does Botox wear off quicker with exercise?

Working muscles around the injection site inadvertently as you exercise seems to cause Botox to break down more quickly. This is due to increased metabolism, and some receiving Botox, says that sun exposure also contributes to faster breakdown. Therefore, if you are exercising vigorously on a regular basis, the effects of Botox may wear off at a faster rate than with someone less active.

Can you feel Botox wearing off?

As with the results, sensations due to the breakdown process after a Botox treatment will vary from patient to patient. Typically, those receiving Botox don’t report any sensation at the time for their next treatment approaches, although some have reported a tingling sensation. If this occurs well before your next scheduled treatment, however, you should contact your injection practitioner.

Can you see Botox results immediately?

Expecting immediate results from Botox injections will leave you disappointed. Expecting relatively quick results, on the other hand, is realistic. If you have a special occasion for which you’re refreshing your face, it’s wise to get the injections at least 2 weeks before the event. This will allow for the reduction of swelling and redness, as well as your body’s adjustment to the Botox.

Does Botox stop working?

Botox stops working in the sense that it breaks down over time, becoming increasingly less effective at relaxing the targeted muscles. You will begin to see the effects wearing off within several weeks after your first treatment, but breakdown will take longer after each treatment.

How long does Botox last on the forehead?

When first getting Botox on your forehead, your practitioner will need to begin with a lower dosage to determine the number of units that work best for you. This means you may not get maximum results until after a few treatments, with return visits after 2 to 3 months being common.

How long after Botox can you lay down?

For the most part, you can go about your daily routine right after Botox injections. However, you shouldn’t lie down for at least 4 hours afterward. This common act can cause pressure on treated areas, as well as accidental rubbing or migration of the Botox. For added protection, schedule treatments early in the day to allow extra time for initial healing.

A picture of Patrick J. O’Neill, MD wearing his doctor attire.

About the Author

Upon completing medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC, Dr. O’Neill completed nine years of residency training. These nine years included a full general surgery and a plastic surgery residency, both at the Medical University of South Carolina, and a hand and microsurgery fellowship at the Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery. Dr. O’Neill has extensive certifications, training, skills, and knowledge that make him a successful physician who can carry out your next plastic surgery procedure. His expertise and technique will result in the beautiful and natural look you desire post surgery.

Board Certified:
American Board of Surgery
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Sub-Certification in Hand and Microsurgery

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