Facial Injections: Info, Prices, Photos, Reviews, Q&A

Botox is a purified protein used to address wrinkles associated with facial expression. There have been two pivotal studies on Botox, one for the vertical lines seen between the brows when one frowns and another on the crow’s feet seen around the eyes when one smiles.

These studies demonstrated that when 20 and 24 units, respectively, are used in these areas the peak effects are seen 14 days after the treatment and most people enjoy their results for 3-4 months.

Some new data have shown that when higher doses are used patients enjoy their results for longer times without additional adverse events. (Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD, Encino Physician)

Quarterly Botox Injections Produce the Best Results

Botox results vary by person, depending on frequency of treatment and severity of frown lines. My practice’s most satisfied Botox patients generally plan quarter visits. Sporadic or one-time use of Botox will not produce the long-lasting results most patients seek.

Botox has a positive, cumulative effect over time. Regular use is advised to prevent the return of muscle movement – which causes furrows and lines. My nurse injectors have over 30 years of cumulative experience.

Botox is one of the most commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals in the world, but an uncommon touch is required to see the best results. (Peter J. Capizzi, MD, Charlotte Plastic Surgeon)

Depends on the dose

I like to give more conservative doses of botox that do not completely paralyze the expressive muscles, but weaken the depressors and frowning muscles. Since the result of botox is dose-dependent, the results of these conservative doses do not last as long, but the cost of each injection is also less.

In the end, you have to decide if you want to be paralyzed, which can last up to 6 months, or look really natural which will last 3.5-4.5 months in my hands. I have patients schedule 3 times per year and keep their natural results without them completely wearing off. (Michael H. Swann, MD, Springfield Dermatologic Surgeon)

Typical Botox Results Are 3-6 Months, But Many Factors Affect This

This is a tough one — there are many factors at play here. For the majority of people who are getting injected in the frown lines, we expect Botox to last 3-6 months, with most saying that 4 months is the norm.

Over time, and with repeat injections, this may do better — but things like genetics, environment and most important to me skill of the injector all play here. Get injected by a skilled injector to get the best results. (Michael Gold, MD, Nashville Dermatologic Surgeon)

Botox usually lasts 3-6 months…

The average person hangs on to Botox for about 3-6 months. The same is true for Dysport. There are rare occasions when I get a patient that can go even longer between getting treatments. The norm, though, is more like 3-4 months.

Getting the full amount needed for each area will help it last too. Some patients like to break up a certain amount between their frown, forehead, and outer eyes to save money, for instance. This causes the Botox to wear off more quickly than if you just treat one or two areas fully. (Juan A. Brou, MD, Oklahoma City Plastic Surgeon)

The effect of Botox depends primarily on the amount injected, the locations and the depth of injections, the general health and age of the patient and the location that was treated and the skin of the doctor doing the treatment.

The duration of effect will last differently depending on the areas treated. The frown lines tend to last the longest. (Mariusz Sapijaszko, MD, FRCPC, Edmonton Dermatologic Surgeon)

Botox lasts 4 to 6 months.

Depending on the patient, technique and the number of units that was injected, the effect of Botox will last 4 to 6 months. After that, muscle contraction will happen again if the patient wishes to frown or squint, for example.

However, the movement is not as frequent and the muscles exhibit what we call ‘behavior modification’. Therefore, patients may wait a little longer for their next Botox injection if they desire, based on their muscles having ‘forgotten to frown’ for additional period of time even after the Botox wears off. (Leyda Elizabeth Bowes, MD, Miami Dermatologic Surgeon)

Botox typically lasts 3-4 months on average for each patient. It works by relaxing your muscles that forcefully contract causing crow’s feet and frown lines. I always tell my patients if they are consistent doing their Botox every 3-4 months eventually it does last longer because your muscles are now weaker. (Daniel Careaga, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)

Botox – how long does it last?

Botox typically lasts for 3 to 4 months, depending on the area that is being treated. Forehead lines do not usually last as long as frown lines. It does vary from person to person, depending on the strength of the muscles and the dosage used.

Please have your treatments with an experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon for the best possible results. (Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, Toronto Dermatologist)

Botox longevity

Botox can last between 3 and 6 months, depending on the strength of one’s muscles, but most people get about 4 months of effect. It is key to have your injections performed by a licensed, certified and properly trained injector.

The injector must know the anatomy of facial muscles and where to inject for maximum results. (A board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist will be able to give you the most benefit. (Your own personal result may also be dependent on the depth of your frown lines as well as muscle strength). (Rod J. Rohrich, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)

Duration of cosmetic benefit after BOTOX® mainly depends on dose, exercise and frequency

The duration of cosmetic benefit after BOTOX® depends on dose [higher doses tending to produce longer lasting effects]. Exercising the muscles during the first hour or two after injection [for example, frowning if you have had the frown lines treated] can improve uptake of BTX-A by the nerve endings on the treated muscles, speeding up the response to BOTOX® and sometimes prolonging the duration of cosmetic benefit.

This happens because when muscles are working hard the receptors on the ends of the nerves which are driving the muscles expose more of the SV2 receptors which BTX-A binds to. On the other hand, heavy exercise of the facial muscles [for example, if you take up weight lifting] may REDUCE the duration of action of your BOTOX®.

This is because strong, repeated attempts to activate BOTOX® treated muscles can [over a period of weeks or months] speed up the return of the muscles to their pre-treatment state.

If you have another BOTOX® treatment of the same area before the previous treatment has worn off [for example, having your frown lines treated every three months for the first year or two] you may notice that the duration of cosmetic benefit becomes longer, as your brain loses its bad habit of over-driving the treated muscles.

This is why, after a couple of years of REGULAR treatment, some patients can go 4, 5 or even 6 months between treatments. (Kevin C. Smith, MD, Niagara Falls Dermatologic Surgeon)

Botox generally lasts about 3 months

Botox lasts longer is some patients than in others. In general, 3 months is about the average. It appears that Dysport (the new Botox) lasts even longer.

What is really interesting though is that muscles being treated by Botox or Dysport may be made to weaken permanently if you don’t allow the it to wear off completely in between treatments.

In my experience, if patients come back to be during the first year to be retreated as soon as the frown just starts to return, not waiting for the full frown to come back, they may go as long as a year between treatments in the second year on.

So I recommend sticking with it and being really diligent for the first year, it will pay off in longer lasting treatments to follow. (Elizabeth Slass Lee, MD, Bay Area Plastic Surgeon)