How Long Does Botox Last? - Healthline

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HealthlineSubscribeHow Long Do the Effects of Botox Cosmetic Last?

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Lana Bandoim — Updated on September 18, 2018

Repeated use
Frequency
Prevention
Takeaway

Botox cosmetic is an injectable medication that may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It’s also used to treat migraine and reduce neck spams.

Overview

Botox Cosmetic is an injectable medication that may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. In general, the effects of Botox usually lasts four to six months after treatment. Botox also has medical uses, such as treating migraines or reducing neck spams. When used for medical purposes, it tends to work for a shorter period of time, usually lasting two to three months.

When receiving Botox Cosmetic, the location of the injection and the amount of Botox that is injected may affect how long it lasts. Other factors can affect the efficacy as well, including:

your age
the elasticity of your skin
wrinkle depth
other factors

For example, if you’re using Botox to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles, the wrinkles will probably not completely disappear, and the effects will wear off more quickly.

Does repeated use affect duration?

Using Botox regularly may cause the effects to last for longer periods of time with each use. Botox paralyzes the muscles so you can’t use them. If muscles aren’t used, they get shorter and smaller. This means that you may need fewer Botox treatments over time to get the same effect.

How frequently can you get Botox?

Talk to your healthcare provider to determine how frequently you can safely receive Botox injections. Frequency of injections shouldn’t occur any sooner than three months in order to prevent the development of a resistance to Botox. You may be able to go for longer periods of time between Botox treatments if you receive Botox on a regular basis, possibly up to six months.

How to prevent new wrinkles

You can take steps to prevent new wrinkles and keep the skin healthy.

Wear sunscreen

Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen every day, especially on your face. The sun’s UV rays can damage and age the skin.

You may also want to wear a hat and sunglasses while in the sun. Limiting your sun exposure can also help prevent new wrinkles from forming.

Avoid smoking

Smoking can increase wrinkles and age your skin. It can also make your skin thinner. Don’t start smoking, or ask your doctor to help you quit. See how some of our readers stopped smoking with these 15 tips.

Stay hydrated

Drink enough water every day to keep your skin healthy. Water helps digestion, circulation, and normal cell function. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.

Use moisturizers

Use a hydrating moisturizer for your skin type. Ask your doctor or dermatologist for specific moisturizer recommendations.

Eat a healthy diet

The food you eat can affect your skin. Ask your doctor or a nutritionist for healthy diet recommendations. To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of 12 foods that can help keep your skin healthy.

Use gentle skin cleansers

Gentle skin cleansers can remove dirt, dead skin cells, and other things that can accumulate on your skin. They can help with hydration and protect the skin.

»MORE:Get treatments to smooth, restore, and firm skin in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Now Online Care.

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The takeaway

Botox usually lasts three to six months after treatment. Regular Botox treatments can affect how long it lasts. In general, you will need fewer Botox treatments over time to get the same effect.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Botox. (n.d.).http://www.aocd.org/?page=Botox
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Botulinum toxin therapy. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/cosmetic-treatments/botulinum-toxin-therapy
Boyd K. (2017). Botulinum toxin (Botox) for facialwrinkles.https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/what-is-botox-facial-wrinkles
Davies B, et al. (2017). Real-life use ofonabotulinumtoxinA for symptom relief in patients with chronic migraine: REPOSEstudy methodology and baseline data. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-017-0802-6
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Botox injections:Results.http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/botox/details/results/rsc-20196414
Nestor M, et al. (2017). Key parameters for theuse of abobotulinumtoxinA in aesthetics: Onset and duration. DOI:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5434495/

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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Lana Bandoim — Updated on September 18, 2018

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