Patients may begin noticing Botox treatment’s effects a few days after the injection. This article discusses how long it takes for Botox to kick in, why it takes time to work, and the frequently asked questions about Botox injections.
The main reason clients get Botox treatments is to improve their facial appearance; the botulinum injection masks fine lines and wrinkles that appear with age. These features are mainly visible when we show facial expressions like crying, smiling, laughing, and frowning. These facial expressions are caused by muscle contraction. Botox reduces muscles’ activities and smoothens and reduces wrinkle appearances in different face parts. A Botox treatment restores a youthful face devoid of wrinkles and fine lines.
The effect of Botox injection is not immediate; the drug requires time to settle and start working. Changes are noticed on the treated area approximately five days after injection. Some patients can notice results 10-14 days after injection, while in most cases, a full result is seen after 30 days.
The following factors affect how soon the botulinum toxin injection produces results; include:
The Area Being Treated
Some facial areas have stronger muscles than others. For example, the forehead area has stronger muscles than the area around the eyes. It, therefore, takes longer for Botox to start working in areas with stronger muscles than those with weaker ones.
The Volume of Injection
The more Botox injected, the sooner it starts to work. Cosmetic doctors should be careful about the amount they inject to avoid overcorrection.
Physical Activities after Injection
If you engage in physical activities after treatment, you might end up waiting longer to see the effects; Botox is sensitive to strenuous physical activities that cause movement of muscles. It can also reduce the longevity of the treatment.
The most common areas for Botox injection are the forehead, the area around the eyes, and the area between the eyebrows. In areas where lines and wrinkles are deeper, it takes longer to see the initial effect of Botox, unlike in areas with fine lines. The concentration of the product injected affects the final result of the treatment. Large muscles receiving smaller units may appear to kick in slower than weaker muscles receiving more units.
How Botox Feels When It Starts Working
After the first treatment, some patients report a slight sensation that subsides 1 to 2 weeks after the injection. The feeling can also be described as heaviness in the area injected. Heaviness indicates the disappearance of wrinkles. After a few months, Botox begins to wear off; this is signified by a re-emergence of wrinkles in the treated area.
Why Botox Takes Time to Work
It takes time to see partial and full results after injection. According to Park &Ahn (2021), Botox binds at the connection point between nerves and the muscles called the motor endplate. It binds to a specific protein called Snare at the motor endplate. With time, the toxin reduces the contraction of muscles. Wrinkles and lines start to smoothen and disappear.
Factors Influencing How Long the Effect of Botox Lasts
Your Body’s Metabolism Rate
People with a higher metabolism rate will experience a shorter effect of Botox that those with a lower rate of metabolism. The average result lasts about 3-4 months after treatment.
The Size of the Wrinkles
Patients with fine lines enjoy a longer effect than those with deep wrinkles.
Your Physical Exercise Levels
People who exercise more make Botox wear off faster. This includes activities performed in the gym.
The Quality of Botox
Sondh& Parle (2017) stated that Botox substance should be stored properly away from heat to remain fresh. If not stored properly, it becomes less effective after injection.
Competence of the Cosmetic Doctor
Skilled cosmetic doctors identify muscles requiring injection and place the drug into the intended area; they know the patient’s facial anatomy.
Amount of Botox Injected
The amount of Botox required for injection is determined by the area to be injected. Large areas with deep wrinkles would require more Botox than smaller areas with fine lines.
The Frequency of Botox Injection
How often you have injections affects the longevity of Botox. Continuous injection prolongs the effect.
Gender
Biello et al. (2021) showed that male patients have stronger muscles than female patients The effect of Botox in females can last longer if injected, for example, on the forehead area, than in men’s forehead area.
Some people may experience a shorter effect of Botox when stressed or ill.
Frequently Asked Questions about Botox Injections
Can You Get Botox Injections under the Age of 18 Years?
It is illegal to receive Botox injections when under 18 years.
How Much Does Botox Cost?
The cost of Botox varies depending on the amount needed and the service provider’s experience. On average, the price ranges between 100 to 350 pounds per treatment. This treatment is cheaper than surgery and affordable to many clients.
Can Botox Treatment Be Reversed?
Kattimani et al. (2019) state that, at the moment, there is no antidote to Botox; therefore, it cannot be reversed. Once it kicks in your body, you have to wait for the toxin to wear off.
Conclusion
Although additional injections help maintain Botox’s effect, regular Botox treatments can affect how long the effect lasts. It is, therefore, important to get fewer injections to get the same effect. Patients should find a qualified cosmetic doctor to minimize the chances of complications and side effects. A good cosmetic doctor analyses your face and identifies the areas that need an injection. The information enables the practitioner to determine the right dosage to administer in the injected area. You must have a consultation appointment with your doctor to understand the procedure.
References
Biello, A., Oney, R., & Zhu, B. (2021). Botulinum Toxin Treatment Of The Upper Face. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.
Kattimani, V., Tiwari, R. V. C., Gufran, K., Wasan, B., Shilpa, P. H., & Khader, A. A. (2019). Botulinum toxin application in facial esthetics and recent treatment indications (2013-2018). Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry, 9(2), 99.
Park, M. Y., &Ahn, K. Y. (2021). Scientific review of the aesthetic uses of botulinum toxin type A. Archives of Craniofacial Surgery, 22(1), 1.
Sondh, D., & Parle, A. (2017). Anti-wrinkle agents-A way of regaining beauty. The Pharma Innovation, 6(6, Part A), 7.
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