BOTOX Cosmetic results will last 3-4 months for the majority of people. Individual patients may find their timeline is shorter or slightly longer (up to 6 months), depending on individual factors and the number of units used, but you can generally count on 3 months.
The duration is simply the nature of how neuromodulators work. The effect is not permanent, but instead gradually wears off, allowing the nerves to once again signal the muscles to pinch, pull and bend the skin as you make certain facial expressions, which leads to frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles.
The makers of BOTOX recommend 20 units for the glabella (the area in between your eye brows), 24 units for the crow’s feet, and 20 units for the forehead. People often use less units, or the amount of active ingredient in BOTOX, for cost savings and for a “softer look.” If you are getting less than 3-4 months duration out of your BOTOX, you may want to talk to your injector about increasing the number of units used at each treatment session.
Is there anything you can do to maintain the results? Scheduling regular injections every 3 months will help you maintain your smooth, relaxed results (rather than allowing full return of movement and starting from scratch). Increasing the number of units used also increases the longevity of your results. However, the powerful ingredients in BOTOX® generally run their course regardless of any lifestyle factors. Having said that, the following actions will help you maintain healthy, youthful skin, which will complement your BOTOX® results:
- Protect your skin from UV damage. Ultraviolet light from the sun and from tanning beds causes skin to sag and wrinkle. It also causes brown spots, sunburn and dehydrated skin. BOTOX® actually targets wrinkles caused by muscular contractions, but preventing sun damage-related wrinkles will complement your BOTOX® results.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking is horrible for your skin. Your injectable results will look their best if you avoid this unhealthy habit.
- Stay hydrated, eat healthy food and get good sleep. A healthy lifestyle shows up on your skin. Nourish your skin from the inside out by treating your body well.
Ready to schedule your BOTOX Michigan Cosmetic appointment in Ann Arbor, MI? Please call Michigan Center for Cosmetic Services, at 734-971-0262, to arrange your appointment with experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jessica West. Whether you are wondering if BOTOX in Michigan is right for you based on how long it lasts, or are curious to find out all of your options for non-surgical rejuvenation, Dr. West is here to help you choose those treatments that will achieve your goals.
Author: Dr. Jessica West
Dr. Jessica West is the Medical Director for the Michigan Center for Cosmetic Services in Ann Arbor. Dr. West is double board certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and by the American Board of Otolaryngology & Facial Plastic Surgery. She is known for her superior aesthetic results, strong attention to detail, artistic eye, and honest expert opinion in regards to both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
