Botox is widely known to be incredibly effective in reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Here’s the thing, though: Injections aren’t exactly cheap or a one-and-done procedure.
So before you invest in Botox, you might do some light math and wonder how long the results last so you can make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. We talk a lot about injectables in our work, and what we hear all the time is that people want to know how to extend the time between treatments as long as possible.
We asked dermatologist Dr. Stacy Chimento to find out how long Botox lasts, how to prolong the results and how often you really need touch-ups.
What is Botox?
“Botox is a drug made by a type of bacteria known as Clostridium botulinum,” Dr. Chimento told us.
The injection works by preventing your muscles from receiving nerve signals to inhibit movement, thus eliminating the wrinkles and fine lines that often form as a result of repetitive (think: squinting), according to Dr. Chimento.
The benefits
In addition to reversing the signs of aging, it is also worth noting that Botox is not only used for cosmetic purposes. Injections into a patient’s armpit can reduce hyperhidrosis—or excessive sweating—and injections into the head and neck can help relieve migraines, Dr. Chimento noted.
Results
After the injections, Dr. Chimento suggested that it usually takes two weeks for Botox to set in. Once complete, results can last anywhere from three to six months, though he said most patients can expect it to last about four months.
Your next question might be, “Should I get my next treatment right at the end of the four months?” The answer is that it totally depends on your face, age and the severity of the condition you are dealing with.
“I usually recommend that patients pay attention to where the Botox was injected and pay attention to when it starts to wear off,” Dr. Chimento said before adding that she usually recommends patients come back around three to four months.
How to prolong results
Apply sunscreen daily
Wearing SPF is important to stay protected from harmful UV rays and also prolong the effects of Botox. According to Dr. Chimento, applying SPF can make the treatment last longer because UVA and UVB rays from the sun can “penetrate the skin and impair the longevity of the Botox treatment.”
She recommended applying SPF every morning and avoiding long periods of sun exposure. Also, grab your shades on those sunny days because too much squinting can cause the treatment to wear off quickly or even create more lines.
Invest in Anti-Pollution Skin Care
Anything else that can harm the results of botox? Free Radicals. Dr. Chimento suggested using an antioxidant serum to “neutralize free radicals” and protect your skin from pollution.
Look for products with ingredients that “plump” the skin
If you’re looking for more ways to maintain treatments, Dr. Chimento recommended looking for products that contain collagen and peptides to “plump” the skin, as well as help the Botox work properly for longer periods of time. She likes it SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore because it “contains different cellular lipids such as ceramides and fatty acids to encourage natural cell reproduction.”
Frequent questions
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How much does Botox cost?
Depending on the doctor, the area injected and how much is used, the cost of Botox can range from $280 for horizontal lines or crow’s feet to $480 for vertical lines such as frown lines.
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Can Botox Last Longer The Longer You Take It?
Typically, the results from Botox don’t last as long after the first treatment compared to subsequent treatments. However, for best results, proper aftercare is key.
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What are some Botox alternatives?
Other injectables—like Daxxify—as well as non-invasive treatments like wrinkle patches and jade rollers are popular alternatives to Botox.
