A dermatologist clarifies the actual timing of a Botox injection and how long it should actually last.
Details provided by a board certified dermatologist Dr. Samantha Elliswho is based in California and often takes to social media platforms to share her extensive skincare wisdom with viewers.
In the videowhich was posted on TikTok, Dr. Ellis broke down the actual timeline of a Botox injection, revealing how many months it would take to work.
Botox, or also known as Botulinum Toxin, is a cosmetic injection that works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles, which prevents movement. It is often used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and aging.
Dermatologist Dr. California-based Samantha Ellis took to TikTok to explain the exact timing of a Botox injection
In the video, Dr. Ellis explained exactly how long a facial Botox injection should take
“If you feel like your Botox doesn’t last long or wears off too soon, this video is for you,” Dr. Ellis began.
“And what I’m about to tell you, and show you, is something I discuss with my Botox patients in the clinic many times a day as a cosmetic dermatologist,” he continued.
The dermatologist then drew a chart showing spots labeled two weeks, six weeks, and three months.
He instructed that this chart was how people should think about their Botox injections.
“So this time point on this chart represents two weeks after the initial Botox injection,” Dr. Ellis explained, gesturing to the chart.
“That’s when it’s most effective and you’ll have the least movement on your face.”
He explained that this “maximum hold” would last until about six to eight weeks after the initial injection.
“This point right here, about eight weeks after the Botox injection, is when a lot of people start going, ‘Um, my movement is coming back, my Botox shouldn’t last a full three months like I was. promised,” said Dr. Ellis, referring to the point on the chart where a downtrend began.
Dr. Ellis showed a chart that explained the timing of a Botox injection, noting it at two weeks, six weeks and three months
He explained that two weeks after your injection was when the botox was “most effective” and you had some movement
He explained that this “maximum hold” would last until about six to eight weeks after the initial injection
However, the timing of the injection is not so simple, the expert explained.
“But here’s the thing, when dermatologists or other injectors talk about Botox lasting three months, what we mean, and maybe we should be more clear about this, is that the Botox will kick in after a couple of weeks, plateau for six weeks or so, and then they slowly wear off,” he said.
‘So by the time you get to the three month mark, your Botox is basically gone.’
However, Dr Ellis further argued that some people – the “lucky ones” – can go four, five or rarely six months from their Botox injections.
“But, that means if your Botox lasts five months, it usually starts to wear off about halfway through that five-month period, and then it slowly, slowly, slowly returns to your original muscle movement,” he said.
So Dr. Ellis explained that the next time you wonder if your Botox is wearing off too quickly, you should ask yourself where you are on the timeline.
“Think about it, you’re six to eight weeks from your injection site?” asked.
“If so, some movement is required at this point,” concluded Dr. Ellis.
Dr. Ellis said that “if your Botox lasts five months, it usually starts to wear off about halfway through that time.”
In the comments section of Dr. Ellis, many users weighed in on their own personal experiences with their botox injection schedules
In the comments section of her TikTok post, many users appeared to compare how long their own Botox injections took.
“I’ve been doing Botox for 13 years,” claimed one person. “Whatever they do now, it doesn’t last as long as it used to. Mine was 6 months, now it’s 3.’
“Over time the wrinkles on my forehead have actually gone down drastically [with] Botox. I’m very happy with even that [three months] out now,” another typed.
“Mine was gone!… completely gone in 6 weeks,” wrote another. “Even the doctor was surprised. He asked if I had any medical conditions. Waste of $500! ‘
Another echoed: “You’re right. It also depends on the lifestyle. Excessive sweating, smoking/vaping, squinting, alcohol are factors that affect how long it lasts.”
In March, plastic surgeon Dr. Beverly Hills-based Sarmela Sunder revealed that there were actually ways to “change the duration” of Botox injections.
He explained that taking a zinc supplement could make the effects of the injections last a little longer.
But for those who weren’t happy with the look of their injections, he also recommended ways to make them disappear.
“If you want your botox to go away faster, try exercising more,” she explained in the clip.
“There is evidence that a higher metabolic rate makes your Botox wear off faster.”
Dr. Sander even suggested going to a sauna or steam room, as this can increase blood flow to the area.
